2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Keeps Pushing the Envelope

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is all-new for 2027, with fresh styling and many updated components and technologies. Those unfamiliar with the full-size luxury sedan may have trouble spotting differences with the outgoing model, but it’s hard to blame the German automaker as customers in this segment typically prefer classy designs that serve as status symbols.

Up front, the main changes are the illuminated logo, the redesigned grille featuring an illuminated contour and the new headlights with triangular-shaped elements mimicking the brand’s iconic three-pointed star, as found on the new CLA and GLC EQ.

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On the sides, the refreshed 20-inch wheels are another highlight. They are the result of a new high-pressure molding process that saves weight and reduces unsprung mass.

Even More Technology

Inside, Mercedes-Benz has naturally incorporated its latest technology. Dual 12.3-inch displays face the driver and passenger, while the centre touchscreen measures 14.4 inches diagonally. The impressive-looking interface uses the MB.OS supercomputer and the latest version of the MBUX infotainment system. In addition to the usual features such as Google Maps, over-the-air updates and more, the new S-Class gets artificial intelligence in the form of Google Gemini and ChatGPT.

It’s also possible to make conference calls with Teams or Zoom, even while driving. If the call is made from the front seat, the passenger's screen is no longer visible to the driver to avoid any distractions.

As you can imagine, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is absolutely packed with creature comforts. We obviously won’t list them all here, but when it comes to safety, you should know that the 15 airbags are backed by inflatable seatbelts in the rear. This helps prevent further injuries (burns or broken collarbones) in the event of an accident. In the active safety department, five radars and ten cameras all around the vehicle monitor the surroundings in real time.

Space is extremely generous in both the front and rear. Incidentally, standard- and long-wheelbase variants are available, though only the latter will be offered in North America. Buyers can replace the typical five-seat configuration with a four-seat layout where the centre console extends all the way to the back. Every seat is heated (including the seatbelts) and ventilated while featuring a massage function.

A simple push of a button will purify the cabin (viruses, odors and contaminants) in 90 seconds. There are two wireless charging pads for smartphones in the front and another one in the rear. Second-row passengers have their own display and can adjust the temperature, seat settings and infotainment. And get this: since the touchscreen can be difficult to reach when the seatback is reclined, Mercedes-Benz has included a phone-like remote control that can be detached from the centre console, allowing users to change settings without having to stretch or sit up.

As the brand’s flagship, the S-Class can be customized to suit buyers' tastes. For the first time, vegan leather is available. And if the standard colours don't appeal to you, you can turn to the Manufaktur division which offers over 150 body colours and more than 400 interior combinations. Still not enough? You can specify your very own unique colour for an undisclosed but likely substantial extra cost.

On top of that, and because exclusiveness is the name of the game in the world-class luxury car segment, Mercedes-Benz HQ can also arrange one-on-one meetings with customers from all over the globe in order to advise them in the best possible way.

Three Powertrains Including a Hybrid

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class carries over the same three powertrain options. The base S 500 features a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine and 48-volt mild hybrid system. Output remains similar at 442 horsepower, but the difference now is that the engine receives assistance from the mild hybrid system as well as from an electric compressor at lower revs. The upgraded system increases air intake to maximize torque before the turbocharger kicks in.

The turbocharger we’re talking about is a conventional unit without electric assistance. We expected Mercedes-Benz engineers to incorporate an electrically assisted turbocharger like they did in several AMG models such as the C-Class or GLC, but that’s not what happened. And when asked about the reason, they couldn’t give us an answer.

Next up is the S 580 featuring an all-new 4.0-litre V8 that boosts output from 496 to 530 horsepower. The S 580e, meanwhile, is a plug-in hybrid model that uses the aforementioned six-cylinder engine together with an electric motor to deliver a combined 577 horsepower.

What about the chassis? The engineering team has paid special attention to ride quality and noise levels. Rear-wheel steering is available, with the ability to turn the rear wheels up to 10 degrees in order to improve maneuverability at lower speeds.

An air suspension comes standard, while the optional e-active body control damping system allows the car to anticipate road imperfections thanks to cameras and sensors that analyze the road ahead in real time and make adjustments accordingly.

Further details about the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class for the Canadian market, including timing and pricing, will be announced at a later date.