Anybody starting to think about the 2026 Facelift

[RJH52]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

BMW has been standardizing its iDrive and dashboard display design language among the entire lineup for all models for more than 10 years now.

There shouldn’t be any surprises here. It will look like the IX3 unfortunately. The displays will be exactly the same, and the dashboard may look likely different, but would still have the same layout. They also made it clear that there will not be a central console control panel anymore just like the IX3.

If it looks anything remotely like this I’ll be going to Mercedes my next go around. Although it’s seems they are moving towards one massive screen…

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by RJH52

If it looks anything remotely like this I’ll be going to Mercedes my next go around. Although it’s seems they are moving towards one massive screen…

It’s 100% guaranteed there are following that design geometry and layout. In addition to that wide screen towards the end of the windshield that you can clearly see in the posts above, the infotainment screen appears to be the same size as the iX3 too (see below and zoom in).

The dashboard may appear slightly different, but the design language will remain entirely consistent. As we are aware, BMW standardizes its design to ensure that the software implementation is uniform across all its models, so it’s not a surprise.

The issue with switching back to Mbenz is that u will hate Benz once you’ve owned a BMW. The technology sucks, and at least 8 years behind BMW. S-class without phone as key in 2026 is just laughable plus their EV game is still far behind. I would just keep my i7 longer than usual, then I can maybe enjoy an M5 or I5 for 2-3 years, Bently or anything else, until the next 7 generation is out. That new idrive layout is a big no-go for me.

[SW17LS]

Originally Posted by A_

You're right. On the other hand, I wonder why they would introduce something that looks like a 30-year-old 1997 Toyota Prius. Still, I hope that it will look much better in the 7 Series than in the X3.

My wife had a 2004 Prius and it was the first thing I thought of when I saw the iX3!

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

The issue with switching back to Mbenz is that u will hate Benz once you’ve owned a BMW. The technology sucks, and at least 8 years behind BMW. S-class without phone as key in 2026 is just laughable plus their EV game is still far behind. I would just keep my i7 longer than usual, then I can maybe enjoy an M5 or I5 for 2-3 years, Bently or anything else, until the next 7 generation is out. That new idrive layout is a big no-go for me.

You seem to be pretty happy with your GLS after having had BMWs lol. MBs have phone as key, the refresh S Class will have it. Their EVs are excellent its just the EQS design language that is terrible, the new crop of EVs will have similar looks to the ICE MBs and look much better. For instance the EV GLC looks way better than the iX3 inside. Next gen MBUX is also going to be a big improvement than what is there now, and I am quite happy with MBUX actually. What technology does BMW have that MB doesn't have?

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by SW17LS

You seem to be pretty happy with your GLS after having had BMWs lol.

I don't "drive" or "daily drive" the GLS, and wouldn't be even remotely happy with it as my own daily driver. It's the wife's SUV. I would never ever consider the GLS as my daily, but would very gladly take the family in it for a road trip and am so glad she is okay with the GLS as her day to day vehicle. If it was mine, I had 3 X7s myself and would do the same as long as we have anything like a GLS/Navigator or larger SUV with a true 3rd row for adults on road trips. I had the Navigator before, and now the GLS is covering for that role because of the size. As a road-trip SUV, I'd take the GLS again and again for its's size and versatility, which is all I care about on a highway despite the fact I hate that it doesn't have hands-free highway driving capability.

Originally Posted by SW17LS

What technology does BMW have that MB doesn't have?

I can't even count enough of those. (1) Phone as key in it's flagship sedan and SUV (7 vs S, and X7 vs GLS).. this is truly embarrassing for S and GLS 2026 model years; (2) hands-free highway driving; (3) the rear theatre screen is phenomenal for us; (4) the iDrive system is soooo much better than MBUX; (5) fully automatic doors in my i7 is something I'd hate to lose in another sedan now (Mbenz couldn't even make it right in the EQS and never offered it in the regular S-class lineup); (6) the rear door touch-screen are awesome for rear seat passenger and not a gimmick after experiencing them (7) the tech behind the driving dynamics of the 7 with Autobahn or ARS is soooo much better than the tech implementation in the E-ABC which seems like a complete failure for current owners. And let me also add non-tech item, just the fact I can order the same exact flagship car in an EV drivetrain instead instead of opting for a different chassis/design. It seems like Mbenz will not offer that yet for the W223 and might be at least 8 years behind BMW if we have to wait for the W224 to see that. Even for EVs, the braking vs regen braking in BMWs is much more refined than Mbenz EVs. Those are the tech related items that BMW has mastered and I care about. You can debate whether (you) need them or not however you want, but you asked me and hence the answer. There is more but those are the tech items that makes Mbenz so outdated for me. Yes, moving to any Mbenz from a fully loaded car like G70 would feel like moving to a car that is 10 years older at least. In fact, the tech in the W223 offers nothing at all compared to a 2018-2020 W222 besides finally offering wireless carplay in 2021 W223 which all my BMWs had since 2017-2018.

[A_]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

It’s 100% guaranteed there are following that design geometry and layout. In addition to that wide screen towards the end of the windshield that you can clearly see in the posts above, the infotainment screen appears to be the same size as the iX3 too (see below and zoom in).

The dashboard may appear slightly different, but the design language will remain entirely consistent. As we are aware, BMW standardizes its design to ensure that the software implementation is uniform across all its models, so it’s not a surprise.

The issue with switching back to Mbenz is that u will hate Benz once you’ve owned a BMW. The technology sucks, and at least 8 years behind BMW. S-class without phone as key in 2026 is just laughable plus their EV game is still far behind. I would just keep my i7 longer than usual, then I can maybe enjoy an M5 or I5 for 2-3 years, Bently or anything else, until the next 7 generation is out. That new idrive layout is a big no-go for me.

Well, if that's what they wanted, then at most there will be lower sales of the 7 Series. The 5 Series LCI is also supposed to have the same dashboard.

[SW17LS]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

I don't "drive" or "daily drive" the GLS, and wouldn't be even remotely happy with it as my own daily driver. It's the wife's SUV. I would never ever consider the GLS as my daily, but would very gladly take the family in it for a road trip and am so glad she is okay with the GLS as her day to day vehicle. If it was mine, I had 3 X7s myself and would do the same as long as we have anything like a GLS/Navigator or larger SUV with a true 3rd row for adults on road trips. I had the Navigator before, and now the GLS is covering for that role because of the size. As a road-trip SUV, I'd take the GLS again and again for its's size and versatility, which is all I care about on a highway despite the fact I hate that it doesn't have hands-free highway driving capability.

To be fair your GLS is the pre-refresh version and doesn't have the latest MBUX, and even the refresh GLS doesn't have the new version of MBUX thats in the E Class and even that is outdated compared to what is coming.

The hands free driving capability surprises me, both MB and BMW's systems are the same level autonomy. Does BMW only rely on a visual cue vs hands on the wheel?

I can't even count enough of those. (1) Phone as key in it's flagship sedan and SUV (7 vs S, and X7 vs GLS).. this is truly embarrassing for S and GLS 2026 model years; (2) hands-free highway driving; (3) the rear theatre screen is phenomenal for us; (4) the iDrive system is soooo much better than MBUX; (5) fully automatic doors in my i7 is something I'd hate to lose in another sedan now (Mbenz couldn't even make it right in the EQS and never offered it in the regular S-class lineup); (6) the rear door touch-screen are awesome for rear seat passenger and not a gimmick after experiencing them (7) the tech behind the driving dynamics of the 7 with Autobahn or ARS is soooo much better than the tech implementation in the E-ABC which seems like a complete failure for current owners. And let me also add non-tech item, just the fact I can order the same exact flagship car in an EV drivetrain instead instead of opting for a different chassis/design. It seems like Mbenz will not offer that yet for the W223 and might be at least 8 years behind BMW if we have to wait for the W224 to see that. Even for EVs, the braking vs regen braking in BMWs is much more refined than Mbenz EVs. Those are the tech related items that BMW has mastered and I care about. You can debate whether (you) need them or not however you want, but you asked me and hence the answer. There is more but those are the tech items that makes Mbenz so outdated for me. Yes, moving to any Mbenz from a fully loaded car like G70 would feel like moving to a car that is 10 years older at least. In fact, the tech in the W223 offers nothing at all compared to a 2018-2020 W222 besides finally offering wireless carplay in 2021 W223 which all my BMWs had since 2017-2018.

1. MB does have phone as key, the S Class doesn't because its due for a refresh this year, the refresh S Class will have it. This is a cool feature, but its not a needle mover for me personally. I'd certainly like to have it.

2. See my question above.

3. The big rear screen vs behind seat screens like MB has is not a "tech improvement" its a design choice. There is nothing more technologically superior to one big screen vs two smaller screens. My kids don't watch screens anymore anyways I wouldn't option any of those packages.

4. Thats a personal opinion, controller vs complete touchscreen. A controller isn't "technologically superior". Anyways BMW is ditching the controller for the total touchscreen interface as you know.

5. Automatic doors are cool, agreed.

6. I think the rear door touch screens are annoying, actually. Again though, rear door touch screens vs one touch screen in the center is a design choice, not a technology advancement.

7. Again, preferences in implementation...both manufacturers have the same technology.

Its one thing to say you prefer the implementation from one brand to another...but to say that BMW is more advanced than MB I just don't see that being true.

As for no additional tech in the 223 vs the 222, thats not true, I have had both cars. Distronic is improved in the 223 and it will change lanes on its own where the 222 doesn't. The tech interface in the 223 is much better than COMAND in the 222, its much faster. The 223 has built in audio streaming options, 222 did not. 223 and MBUX cars communicate with each other, I can see MBs on the road ahead of me that have their emergency flashers on, for instance, I also get warnings for potholes and slick areas that were dropped by other cars with MBUX driving ahead of me, 222 did none of that. 223 has the much improved augmented reality HUD, no augmented reality anything in the 222. 223 has available digital lighting, none in the 223. MBUX can remember a course and back up or pull forward on its own like BMWs can, 222 couldn't. There are more items as well.

The EV powertrain is a benefit for people that want it, 65% of all 7 Series sold are gas models though. Agree if I wanted an EV the 7 is an easy choice over the EQS.

My point is, the tech is more similar than you are letting on. You may prefer the way it works in the BMW but someone is not losing much tech if any going to MB from BMW. Going to a current W223 from an i7 I see you would lose the hands free driving if it truly does just look at your face vs making you touch the wheel, the power doors and the phone as key. Thats all, and there ARE things you gain. For me none of those things are a huge issue. I much prefer MB's gauge screens for instance, I find BMW's overdone and I like the look of the traditional gauges. I prefer the ambient lighting options in the Mercedes. If the poster you were responding to went to the S Class because of the iX3's dash layout on the refresh 7 he would be looking at a refresh S Class which will have phone as key, power doors and potentially fully hands free driving...it will have the latest MBUX that isn't currently even in any vehicles yet.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by A_

Well, if that's what they wanted, then at most there will be lower sales of the 7 Series. The 5 Series LCI is also supposed to have the same dashboard.

The 5-Series might survice that design language. Mid to full-size German car buyers often look for more than just pure luxury when purchasing a 5-Series (the current model sells well even without soft-close doors, an option I find a must-have). Plus, there aren't many good alternatives in that segment. The 5-Series has outsold the E-Class by 30-35% in 2023 & 2024. Even in 2025 so far, the 5-Series has outsold the E in both Europe and the U.S. They have a solid margin to take that risk (it would be risky if it were the other way around, but it isn't). Also, "most" BMW owners tend to remain loyal, even if a new generation isn't as exciting as the previous one, but that's not me. However, with the 7 Series and large luxury sedans, owners prioritize luxury and perfection over brand loyalty, and won't hesitate to switch for a better experience (we've seen many long-time M-Benz owners switch to the 7 after a long history of s-class ownership after the W223).

Given how frequently I trade, I've owned nearly every luxury large sedan I've wanted in the last 15 years from M-Benz, BMW, and Lexus, but I've selectively skipped a few that were either a complete failure or a downgrade. I wouldn't mind skipping the next 7-LCI and keeping my current i7 longer. I already did that with MBenz and skipped the W223 entirely after owning four S-Classes in the last 20 years. I will wait and see the final design anyway but it's obvious to me. If the 7 Series ends up with that interior and screen layout, there are many other exciting vehicles and backup plans for the next 6-7 years. Bentley, keeping my i7 for 3 years instead of the usual 1-2 which is a great plan as the car is already perfect, Panamera, Taycan, I love the new Macan EV. I can take a short break and enjoy a Lucid Air Dream (I did that with Tesla once, and it was great), until the next 7-generation or new W224.

[SW17LS]

IMO the current E Class is a much better product than the current 5 Series. The 5 Series is horribly cheap feeling inside. The current E Class is one of the best offerings from MB in a long while...the chasm between the 5 and 7 in terms of quality is HUGE.

I think we are seeing the real error in MB's strategy with EVs, including the EV version in the same body model was absolutely the right thing to do and we're seeing that play out in sales figures.

[A_]

In my opinion, the E-Class looks much more elegant than the 5 Series from the outside. I would even venture to say that it looks better than the S-Class.
Unfortunately, I don't know what the interior of the E-Class is like, whether it has high-quality materials and leather on the dashboard. The interior of the 5 Series has a very cheap-looking dashboard and door panels. This creates a huge gap between the 5 Series and the 7 Series. I don't know what causes this. Unless the 7 Series is now available in a Long version as standard. And the 5 Series has become a budget version of the 3 Series.


I don't understand the purpose of this screen under the windshield. Why not have all the indicators and messages next to the steering wheel? Am I supposed to look for them somewhere under the windshield near the passenger seat? This certainly won't improve safety. The removal of physical buttons alone is dangerous for the driver, because they have to take their eyes off the road and point their finger at the touchscreen

[SW17LS]

Originally Posted by A_

In my opinion, the E-Class looks much more elegant than the 5 Series from the outside. I would even venture to say that it looks better than the S-Class.
Unfortunately, I don't know what the interior of the E-Class is like, whether it has high-quality materials and leather on the dashboard. The interior of the 5 Series has a very cheap-looking dashboard and door panels. This creates a huge gap between the 5 Series and the 7 Series. I don't know what causes this. Unless the 7 Series is now available in a Long version as standard. And the 5 Series has become a budget version of the 3 Series.


I don't understand the purpose of this screen under the windshield. Why not have all the indicators and messages next to the steering wheel? Am I supposed to look for them somewhere under the windshield near the passenger seat? This certainly won't improve safety. The removal of physical buttons alone is dangerous for the driver, because they have to take their eyes off the road and point their finger at the touchscreen

You should go see an E Class. I agree they are great looking, I wouldn't say better looking than the S Class but they look very similar. I love the wagon too.

Inside they are a step down from the S Class for sure in terms of material quality, but thats understandable given the price gap. Materials are way better than the 5 Series though, everything feels sold and well made but in lower interior specs they have that "austere" german car feel that some people like. Dressed up with nappa leather etc they are very nice. A woman that works for me has an E350 which is very low spec with MBTex etc, and it feels very solid and "old school" Mercedes inside.

I would go down to an E Class but I am so used to the big car driving feel its hard to drive something smaller and not constantly compare it. If I were to go cheaper I would go to an SUV so that its something so different that I wouldn't constantly be comparing it to the flagship sedan.

These interior things are just trends. Like the "tacked on screen" thing, now the thing is going to be huge dash wide slim screens and stupid tiny "squarecle" steering wheels. You see it all over the place and I also really dislike it. Unlike the tacked on screen thing which I have learned to tolerate I don't know if I can tolerate that.