2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
As Mercedes-Benz' flagship, the S-Class showcases the automaker’s utmost capabilities of luxury and technology. An extensively revised S-Class debuts for 2027, bringing improvements to the current W223 generation that arrived for 2021. These changes give the large sedan new looks, along with increased refinement, dazzling tech and features, and advanced self-driving capability.
What’s New
Basics
- Upgraded electrified powertrains
- Brighter adaptive headlights
- Cloud-connected air suspension
- Standard rear-axle steering
- Increased autonomous driving capability
Exterior
- Grille becomes larger and illuminated
- Fresh rear-end design and taillights
- Available illuminated hood ornament
- New paint and wheel offerings
Interior
- Redesigned steering wheel with physical controls
- Standard Superscreen digital display
- Updated infotainment with AI-enabled digital assistant
- Dual wireless charging pads in front row
- Motorized air vents
- Enhanced speaker systems
- Optional heated front seatbelts
- Additional available airbags
- Improved executive rear seat package
- New upholstery and trim options
This page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available.
What We Think
Mercedes-Benz' iconic S-Class sets the standard not only for the brand, but for flagship luxury cars from around the world. Extensively updated for 2027—Mercedes says some 2,700 parts are new or changed—the S-Class appears to once again raise the bar.
With more powerful engines, smarter suspension, and greater autonomous capability, it should be a nicer place from which to cover ground than ever before. That’s even before considering the reworked cabin, which now has more tech, premium features, and upscale finishing than previously.
We’ll find out more when we get an opportunity to drive the 2027 S-Class soon, but this much is clear for now: it’s going to be very, very nice.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
Engines and Performance
The 2027 S-Class uses updated versions of its previous engines, all of which are electrified to some degree. All are linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ 4Matic AWD system.
At the entry level, the S500 uses a 3.0-liter mild-hybrid turbocharged I-6 producing 442 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, which can temporarily rise to 472 lb-ft under certain driving conditions. That’s 59 lb-ft more than before. Acceleration from 0–60 mph should take approximately 4.8 seconds. Fuel economy is estimated at 21/31 mpg city/highway.
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of that I-6 engine is offered in the S580e. Equipped with a more powerful electric motor, the S580e powertrain now produces 576 hp—74 hp more than previously—and 553 lb-ft of torque. With that, 0–60 mph acceleration should take about 4.3 seconds. The main appeal of the S580e is its approximately 45 miles of all-electric driving range, along with improved fuel economy. Optional DC fast charging for the 21.5-kWh battery should remain available.
The range-topping S580 uses a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 based on AMG developments. For 2027, it produces 530 hp and 553 lb-ft, up from 496 and 516 lb-ft previously. Those gains could get the 0–60 mph time down to below 4.0 seconds. Fuel economy should come in at approximately 18/27 mpg.
Although Mercedes has not yet announced details for the AMG S63, this high-performance hybrid variant is expected to return in the updated S-Class generation.
Safety and Driver-Assist Features
Mercedes showcases safety innovations in the updated S-Class. Up to 15 airbags are available, including additional new airbags for rear passengers, like ones built into the seatbelts.
Beyond driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, Mercedes offers the 2027 S-Class with enhanced self-driving capabilities as part of the MB.Drive suite. In this update, the vehicle gains a multitude of sensors: five radars, 10 external cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, all sending information to a water-cooled central computer.
With these, the S-Class is equipped to provide higher levels of autonomy as technology progresses. At launch, it will have Level 2+ capability, meaning it can accelerate, steer, and brake as the driver monitors. Eventually, Level 3 capability will arrive, allowing hands- and eyes-off driving, provided the driver remains ready to intervene. The ultimate goal is Level 4 autonomy, where the car truly drives itself, and there doesn’t even need to be a person behind the wheel.
Another benefit of this sensor suite is improved self-parking capability for the S-Class, which can detect parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle, in garages, angled spaces, and objects in a parking space. Additionally, the S-Class can get itself out of a parking space, even if it was parked manually.
Front Seat or Back Seat?
With opulent luxury throughout the cabin, the S-Class makes it hard to choose which seat to ride in. Indeed, effortless and smooth steering, acceleration, and braking make it a lovely car to drive. Both front seats are now available with heated seatbelts, in addition to conventional seat heating and warmed armrests, not to mention ventilation and massaging. Thanks to the standard Superscreen, the front passenger gets their own touchscreen where they can watch streaming video, play games, or assist with driving functions like navigation or climate control.
The rear is a lovely place to be, too. Beyond abundant space, the second row offers appealing features like individual entertainment touchscreens with integrated cameras for video conferencing, fold-out tray tables, heated and cooled cupholders, and a refrigerator. Both rear seats can be equipped with reclining, heating, ventilation, and massaging functions.
Technology
Infotainment
The new S-Class will have the so-called “Superscreen” setup, which combines a 12.3-inch driver’s display, 14.4-inch central infotainment touchscreen, and 12.3-inch touchscreen ahead of the front passenger. It will run the automaker’s latest MBUX interface, which now has increased artificial intelligence capabilities. Using AI technology from Microsoft, Google, and ChatGPT, the S-Class has a virtual assistant that can engage in conversation to complete multi-step tasks.
The MBUX interface has also been redesigned with a customizable menu layout meant to resemble familiar smartphones. Beyond that, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.
Using its external sensor suite, the S-Class now provides a more detailed view of its surroundings during live guidance by its Google Maps-based navigation system.
An AI-enabled notetaking function lets the driver dictate thoughts that are then summarized into bullet points. Those can then be emailed out or edited further.
In addition to fast-charging USB-C ports, the front row is now equipped with dual ventilated wireless charging pads, which are leather-lined and stitched to match the rest of the interior.
Sound System
Burmester audio remains in the 2027 S-Class. The basic 3D system has been enhanced with additional speakers, tuning, and finishing for the speaker grates. Meanwhile, the available 4D system comprises 39 speakers, vibrating transducers in the seats, and Dolby Atmos technology.
Available Upgrades
The gauge display can be optioned with a 3D effect, and a head-up display further expands information shown to the driver. Each rear passenger can be treated to their own 13.1-inch touchscreen with a wireless remote, and to individual wireless charging pads.
More Manufaktur Choices
Mercedes is working to expand its Manufakturdivision, which serves clients seeking special personalization in their vehicles. For the 2027 S-Class, Manufaktur offers more than 150 exterior paint colors and 400 interior colors, as well as exclusive wheels, door sills, steering wheel designs, emblems, and more.
Clients seeking bespoke touches beyond those offerings can work with Manufaktur Made to Measure, which goes even deeper into devising unique solutions bound only by the constraints of technical feasibility.
2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: The Pinnacle of Luxury
The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class redefines luxury with its striking grille, instantly distinguishing it from the standard model. Inside, the cabin offers a haven of comfort, featuring premium materials and the Executive Rear Seat Package, which transforms the rear into a first-class experience with massaging seats and advanced climate control.
Powered by robust V-8 and V-12 engine options, the Maybach promises a smooth, responsive ride enhanced by air suspension and cutting-edge noise insulation. With an array of advanced safety and driver assistance features, the 2027 Maybach S-Class stands as the ultimate expression of sophistication and performance for discerning drivers.
How Much Is the new 2027 S-Class?
The S-Class has never been inexpensive, and the updated 2027 version might be the least inexpensive yet. Although official pricing has not been announced, it’s estimated to start at above $140,000—approximately $20,000 more than the 2026 S-Class.
