2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Refined Luxury With a New Flat-Plane V-8
Overview
The S-Class has been heavily updated for 2027. Mercedes says more than half its parts are reworked, including 2,700 new or redesigned pieces, calling it the most comprehensive update in the model’s history. The reviewer describes it as a car for executives, politicians, and others with high expectations, and finds it just as calming, tech-heavy, and luxurious as ever.
Key Updates
The biggest change is a new twin-turbo flat-plane-crank V-8, the type of engine usually found in race cars and supercars. Other updates include a new infotainment operating system, upgraded driver-assistance hardware and software, and many small refinements. Two inline-six options are also offered in the U.S., including the S580e plug-in hybrid, which makes 576 hp, more than the V-8, but is about 0.5 second slower to 60 mph by Mercedes’ figures. Range, fuel economy, and pricing have not yet been announced. Mercedes’ Manufaktur division now offers 150 exterior colors, or effectively any color a buyer wants, matched with any interior.
Engine and Performance
The S580’s 530-hp V-8 was engineered for efficiency and refinement rather than outright performance, and it was tuned to sound and behave like a conventional V-8. It is smooth, seamless, and linear rather than dramatic or buzzy. Mercedes quotes a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds, though the reviewer notes it is no dragster. One minor annoyance is that the nine-speed automatic can hold lower gears a bit too long after you ease off the throttle.
Ride and Handling
The E-Active Body Control air suspension keeps the car poised and stately through curves and absorbs cobblestones and broken pavement without fuss. At very high autobahn speeds, the 5,016-pound sedan showed a bit more body roll than the reviewer liked, leaving room for the upcoming AMG version to improve. Even so, comfort clearly takes priority over sportiness.
Driver Assistance
The S-Class has extensive adaptive driving and collision-prevention features, backed by face-tracking hardware, a full camera, radar, and ultrasonic sensor suite, and a new centralized controller with more than ten times a smartphone’s computing power. However, it does not offer hands-free driving like Ford’s BlueCruise, GM’s Super Cruise, or Tesla’s Full Self-Driving. Mercedes says it believes S-Class drivers should stay physically involved, and it plans to add more features as U.S. regulations allow.
Should You Buy One?
For buyers seeking a top-class executive sedan with understated luxury and advanced technology, the reviewer says yes. Those wanting more performance should wait for the AMG model.
Highlights and Lowlights
The reviewer loves the flat-plane V-8, the unreal rear-seat setup in the Pinnacle Plus package, and the optional Burmester 4D sound system with Dolby Atmos. Criticisms include a screen-heavy, piano-black dashboard that favors tech over class, the lack of hands-free driving, and the wish for firmer Sport-mode suspension for frequent 100-plus-mph driving.
Favorite Detail
The reviewer singles out the S-Class’s extensive heating features, including heated headrest pillows, seatbelts, armrests, and door panels.
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