Dell Brings Back the XPS: Iconic Brand Returns with Sleeker Designs and Next-Gen Power at CES 2026

The new Dell XPS 14 and Dell XPS 16

In a surprising about-face, Dell has resurrected its beloved XPS laptop line just one year after retiring the iconic name. The announcement at CES 2026 marks the end of a short-lived era where the company’s premium laptops were sold under the “Dell Premium” banner, a move that left many enthusiasts and prosumers scratching their heads.

A Branding U-Turn: From "Premium" Back to XPS

Dell kicked off 2025 with a massive branding overhaul, consolidating all its laptop sub-brands under the main Dell name, with the sole exception of gaming-focused Alienware. The casualty that stunned the industry the most was the retirement of the XPS series, a line long synonymous with cutting-edge design and premium performance. Those future models were renamed to the more generic "Dell Premium."

“It seems Dell listened to the market,” said tech analyst Mara Chen. “The XPS name carries over a decade of brand equity, recognition, and customer loyalty. ‘Dell Premium’ just didn’t resonate with the same authority or desire. This reversal is a clear admission that the decision was a misstep.”

The New Dell XPS 14 and 16: A Refined, Functional Reboot

With the name’s return comes a philosophical shift in design. Dell is moving the XPS series back toward a more conservative, productivity-focused aesthetic, addressing key criticisms of past models.

Gone is the minimalist, edge-to-edge keyboard with capacitive function keys. Users will welcome the return of dedicated, physical function keys. Furthermore, the large, seamless haptic touchpad now has subtly marked edges, making its boundaries clear and improving usability. It’s a design that prioritizes function and precision without sacrificing the sleek, premium feel.

The XPS logo on the lid of the new Dell XPS series laptops

Redesigned keyboard area of the new Dell XPS series laptops

Under the Hood: Panther Lake Power and Thoughtful Compromises

As true 2026 flagships, the new Dell XPS 14 (DA14260) and Dell XPS 16 (DA16260) are among the first to feature Intel’s next-generation Panther Lake CPUs. Options range from the 8-core Intel Core Ultra 5 325 and Ultra 7 355 to the more powerful H-class chips like the Core Ultra X7 358H and Ultra X9 388H. Notably, these top-tier processors come with Intel’s latest integrated ARC graphics—discrete GPUs are not an option this generation. Systems can be configured with up to 64GB of soldered LPDDR5X memory and up to 4TB of SSD storage.

The premium construction remains, featuring CNC-machined aluminum and Gorilla Glass palm rests. However, the big story is dramatically reduced weight. Compared to their “Dell Premium” predecessors (like those still available on Amazon), the new models shed significant heft.

The XPS 14 drops from 1.7kg to just 1.4kg.
The XPS 16 sees an even more substantial cut, from 2.3kg down to 1.7kg.

This slimming down came with trade-offs. The dedicated GPU option is gone, and the XPS 16’s battery capacity has been reduced from 99.5Wh to 70Wh. The microSD card reader has also been removed, and screen sizes are slightly more conservative, moving from 14.5” and 16.3” to flat 14-inch and 16-inch panels.

For displays, buyers can choose between vibrant WUXGA IPS screens or stunning 2.8K (14”) and 3.2K (16”) tandem OLED options. A standout feature for power efficiency is the IPS panel’s ability to dynamically scale its refresh rate from 120Hz down to an ultra-low 1Hz for static content.

Pricing, Availability, and First Impressions

The revived Dell XPS lineup launches today, January 6th, 2026, in the U.S. and Canada. Starting prices are set at $2,050 for the XPS 14 and $2,200 for the XPS 16.

Early hands-on impressions from CES suggest Dell has successfully refocused the XPS on what core users wanted: a powerful, portable, and beautifully built productivity machine with a recognizable soul. By bringing back the XPS name and refining the formula based on feedback, Dell isn’t just launching new laptops—it’s making amends with an audience that never wanted the brand to leave in the first place.

Looking for deals on previous models? You can still find the older "Dell 14 Premium" and "Dell 16 Premium" laptops at a discount on Amazon as retailers clear inventory for these new XPS models.