by Mercedes-Benz S-Class Update: Fabric Instead of Leather
The latest update to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, although called a facelift, hides several quite significant changes. Alongside the new V8 engine option and the usual technological improvements, the interior was a big surprise. For the first time in the model’s 54-year history, buyers can order a car with fabric seat upholstery.
This may not seem revolutionary, but the S-Class has long been synonymous with interiors upholstered in the most luxurious leather. Although leather has always been considered the most prestigious material for an interior, many brands are trying to introduce more eco-friendly alternatives that still feel premium.
Fabric Enters the Game
Looking at the German online configurator, it can be seen that at least one version of the S-Class, the base diesel S350d, can now be configured without leather seats. Instead, customers can choose a combination of linen fabric and recycled polyester for the central sections of the seats, called “Mirville stormy grey fabric”, paired with “Artico” artificial leather side bolsters.
Surprisingly, this new fabric option is not positioned as a budget choice. In fact, customers will pay more for it. While all-black leather upholstery remains a free option, choosing fabric seats requires them to be included in the “Electrically adjustable rear seats with memory function” package, which adds 1,856.40 euros (approximately $2,200 at the current exchange rate).
Given this, very few customers are expected to choose the textile, but it’s nice to know that such an option exists.
What About in the USA?
So far, Mercedes-Benz has not launched the configurator for the updated S-Class in the USA, so we cannot confirm whether the fabric option will be offered on the American market. Considering that the S350d variant is not part of the model lineup for the USA, it is unlikely that fabric seats will be available there either.
Market details for the new S-Class have not yet been announced in the United States. The previous model started at a price of $119,500 for the version with a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six engine and mild-hybrid system, and it can be assumed that the updated model will cost a bit more.
This move by Mercedes-Benz can be seen as part of a general trend in the automotive industry, where even in the luxury segment, a balance is beginning to be sought between traditional luxury and modern environmental requirements. The introduction of fabric seats in a flagship model is not just a marketing move, but a signal of a shift in priorities for a certain category of buyers who value sustainability and uniqueness no less than classic opulence. It will be interesting to see if this option becomes a niche attraction for connoisseurs, or if it can over time influence the perception of premium in the entire automotive world.
