The Return of a Legend - Dell Revives XPS at CES 2026

If there was one "unforced error" in the tech world in 2025, it was Dell’s decision to retire the iconic XPS brand in favor of the more clinical "Dell Premium" naming scheme. It was a move that left enthusiasts scratching their heads and search engines searching for a ghost.

Fast forward to CES 2026, and Dell has officially admitted that some legends are meant to live on. In a major course correction, Dell has not just brought back the XPS name they’ve rebuilt the machines from the ground up to address the very complaints that plagued the previous generation.

Here is everything you need to know about the XPS 14 (DA14260) and XPS 16 (DA16260).

1. The Brand is Back (And it’s on the Lid)

• For the first time in years, the XPS logo sits proudly on the front lid of the laptop, replacing the standard Dell circle. This isn't just a marketing gimmick; it’s a statement of identity. Dell executives noted that despite the rebrand, consumer interest in "XPS" remained high on Google and their own site, proving that the brand equity was too valuable to abandon.

2. Design - Listening to the Fans

Dell took a "humbled" approach this year, reversing several controversial design choices,

• The Return of Function Keys - The capacitive "touch row" that disappeared in bright sunlight is gone. Both the XPS 14 and 16 now feature a physical row of traditional function keys.
• Etched Touchpads - The seamless glass touchpad remains, but it is now subtly etched with lines to mark the active area. No more "guessing" where your mouse clicks start and end.
• Thinner and Lighter - The XPS 14 weighs in at just 3 pounds (half a pound lighter than last year), while the XPS 16 has been trimmed to 3.6 pounds (nearly a full pound lighter).

3. Performance - The Panther Lake Powerhouse

• Under the hood, these laptops are the first to ship with Intel’s Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake) processors.
• AI Dominance - Dell claims up to a 78% boost in AI performance thanks to the new NPU.
• The Death of the dGPU? Interestingly, Dell has leaned so heavily into the integrated Intel Arc graphics (12 Xe cores) that they've scrapped discrete NVIDIA options for these initial launch models. They claim the integrated performance is now enough to handle 1080p gaming and creator workflows without the thermal and battery weight of a dedicated chip.
• Up to 64GB RAM Specifically, high-speed LPDDR5x-9600 memory is available for power users.

4. Record Breaking Battery Life

• Perhaps the most stunning claim from the CES floor is the battery endurance. By utilizing 900ED high-density battery cells and a new 1Hz-120Hz variable refresh rate LCD, Dell is claiming:
• 27 hours of Netflix streaming.
• 40+ hours of local video playback.
• This makes the 2026 XPS series a serious contender for the "MacBook-killer" title in terms of pure unplugged longevity.

5. Display Innovation - Tandem OLED

• While the 2K LCD is the battery king, the flagship option is a Tandem OLED panel (2.8K on the 14, 3.2K on the 16). This tech, which debuted in 2024, offers higher peak brightness, better power efficiency, and a longer lifespan than traditional single-layer OLEDs.

6. Repairability and Sustainability

• In a surprising move for a sleek ultrabook, Dell has introduced modular USB-C ports and easy-to-remove keyboards. This, combined with the use of recycled steel in the hinges and recycled cobalt/copper in the batteries, helps the devices meet the new EPEAT 2.0 standards.

Pricing and Availability

The revival starts today. Limited configurations of the XPS 14 and 16 are available as of January 6, 2026.

1. XPS 14 - Starts at $1,649 (Core Ultra 5, 16GB RAM).
2. XPS 16 - Starts at $1,849.

Coming Soon, A preview of an XPS 13 was also shown, promised to be the thinnest XPS ever (under 13mm) and the most affordable entry point into the line later this year.

The Verdict

Dell’s "un-rebranding" at CES 2026 is more than just a name change. By combining the sleek, futuristic aesthetic of the Plus-style design with the practical, functional features users actually wanted (like physical keys and lighter weights), the XPS brand hasn't just been revived it's been redeemed.