2027 Mercedes S-Class: AI Luxury, V8 Power & Full Review

Sitting at the top of the Mercedes hierarchy, the S-Class was always the pinnacle of automotive engineering, brand-centric design, utmost luxury, and finest materials. It perfectly showcases all the core values of the Mercedes brand, promotes its signature design language, and sets the golden standard for competitors. For over 70 years, Mercedes has been producing similar prestigious sedans of the highest order and building recognition amongst the most discriminating buyers.

More than a facelift, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class features AI-powered software, cutting-edge luxury, and extensively upgraded engines, making it the most advanced S-Class yet.

Much More Than Just A Refresh – New Era For The S-Class

In early 2026, Mercedes-Benz introduced a comprehensive refresh of its current W223-generation S-Class. However, if we look at all the changes and improvements, this facelifted model is far from just a mid-cycle refresh. With over 2700 brand-new parts and components, this car is 50% different from the outgoing model, which is a very significant upgrade and worthy of a closer look. In a constantly changing market, Mercedes realized it needs to keep its flagship model updated and fresh, not only to compete with competitors but also to promote its own technical portfolio.

Although the luxury car market has been split between the prestigious SUVs and sedans, Mercedes’ product planners are well aware that there are enough customers who prefer the unmistakable elegance of a well-designed sedan over the bulkiness of an SUV. The S-Class has been a choice of diplomats, celebrities, heads of state, and businessmen for decades, and the 2027 model is perfect for a new generation of VIP clients. Interestingly, the recent news of the discontinuation of the Audi A8 makes an even stronger case for the newly introduced S-Class.

Subtle But Powerful Design Changes

Even though the design changes are not extreme, and the W223 S-Class has retained its stately presence and recognizable lines, the new look is clearly visible with several new features. The first thing everybody will notice is the larger, illuminated grille, which is 20% bigger than before. The new shape is reminiscent of the luxury Mercedes models of the past and is part of the new design language introduced with the new S-Class. This new grille works perfectly with the new headlights and front fascia. The new LED headlights and taillights feature a recognizable tri-pointed star theme that emphasizes the car’s presence.

The interesting addition to design features, and first for the S-Class, is an illuminated tri-pointed star on the hood, which seamlessly integrates fine LED illumination with a classic chrome emblem. Along with the illuminated grille, it gives a true sense of uniqueness and a strong statement of luxury without going over the top.

Interior Is a Blend Of Latest Technology And Luxury Craftsmanship

From the outside, every S-Class has the same goals: to communicate through design, chrome, opulence, and presence. To tell everybody that you have arrived and to announce you as a person of taste and wealth. But the interior is a whole different story. The interior has almost the opposite set of objectives. It needs to isolate you from the outside, protect you at the highest levels of comfort and luxury, and be your personal presidential suite. A quiet, luxurious, and well-appointed space you don’t want to leave.

or Porsche production model.

The interior of the 2027 Mercedes S-Class is where the improvements over the outgoing model are the most visible. The dashboard has been redesigned and now features three massive screens: a digital instrument cluster, a central infotainment screen, and a touchscreen in front of the front passenger. However, that is not all, the S-Class can be ordered with four more screens (7 in total) for rear passengers. But the biggest news isn’t the enormous screens with crisp graphics; it is the all-new MB. An OS operating system that includes AI-powered personalization services and helps transform the entire dashboard into a single massive digital interface that can control almost all vehicle functions and offer endless customization.

Our favorite feature is an optional extra on long-wheelbase models: the rear seats can be reclined up to 43.5 degrees, transforming the S-Class cabin into a private jet and offering rear passengers a level of comfort rarely seen in production models.

Of course, all seats are heated and ventilated, with massaging available, but the new feature is a heated seat belt. We are confident that customers will find this feature useful.

MB.OS – The Power Of Technology

In most cases, we wouldn’t concentrate on the vehicle’s software that much, but in the case of the MB.OS in the 2027 S-Class is far more than just a way to adjust ambient lighting or bass levels for the audio system. It is an intelligent concierge service that affects multiple vehicle systems and improves the ride and complete experience. Here is how.

The MB.OS is not just a complete vehicle’s software but a system that constantly learns and adapts to drivers’ and passengers’ preferences and the driving environment. For example, the intelligent suspension uses cloud-based data to read the road ahead and adapt its settings accordingly. It can even adjust the seating softness to the utmost comfort during long drives on bumpy roads. The same system controls Level 3 autonomous driving, which is now standard equipment. One of the insane pieces of information is the fact that the processor is for the MB.OS is water-cooled, which is needed due to the enormous amount of information it computes. Such an advanced, comprehensive digital system aligns with the S-Class’s core values and complements its mechanical complexity. Some say the 2027 Mercedes S-Class is a software-defined luxury car, but this is a clear example of advance concepts enhancing the original idea.

Movie Theatre On Wheels

But the mighty MB.OS is not only a system that monitors vehicle functions. For the connectivity and infotainment, the MBUX is in charge. Apart from controlling the massive screens, audio system, and so on, MBUX also provides the passengers with YouTube, Disney+, and streaming services, turning the interior of the 2027 S-Class into a movie theatre as well as an office on wheels. For those who enjoy the premium audio system, Mercedes offers a special Burmester surround system with Dolby Atmos 3D feature and 31 speakers installed around the interior.

Advanced Features

 One of the perks of owning an S-Class is enjoying numerous advanced technical features. For decades, the S-Class has always pushed the envelope of engineering, and this model is not different. All models come with AIRMATIC dual-chamber air suspension, known for delivering impressive levels of comfort. However, for the 2027 model, the air suspension has been enhanced with E-Active body control and active damping for each wheel. This combination offers high levels of customization and adjustment to the driving environment while limiting body roll and improving the overall experience. In short, the 2027 S-Class can be unbelievably comfortable or planted at high speeds just by pressing a button.

Improved And Impressive Powertrain Options

 Even though some industry analysts expected the 2027 S-Class to offer an all-electric powertrain as an option, that didn’t happen; instead, Mercedes has unveiled a lineup of improved diesel and petrol engines, as well as an all-new, very interesting V8. Interestingly, the diesel units are still included in the list, as oil burners remain a popular choice among buyers in Europe. All engines are now paired with hybrid systems (PHEVs) and offer higher horsepower and torque, as well as improved fuel economy.

The list starts with the S 350d and S 450d, which deliver 309 and 362 hp, respectively. The diesels in the 2027 S-Class feature standard technology and impressive fuel consumption, but have one very interesting addition, which is another industry first. Modern diesel units are equipped with electrically heated catalytic converters that improve emissions and reduce carbon buildup. For years, diesel engines have been criticized for poor emissions, and Mercedes, as one of the pioneers of this type of engine, has again found a way to make them cleaner and environmentally better.

The petrol part of the lineup starts with S 450 and S 500, which feature a 3.0-liter, turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine with up to 442 hp. With a mild-hybrid system, a 48-volt battery, and improved fuel consumption, the six-cylinder petrol options offer a perfect balance of performance and economy. The same engine with PHEV technology is found in the S 450 e and S 580 e models. Both models have a 28.6 kWh battery pack. With up to 576 hp (combined) and around 100 km of all-electric range, this is the perfect option for those who are environmentally friendly but still need a powerful sedan that can dominate the Autobahn. This model supports 60 kW fast charging and can charge the battery pack to 80% in about 20 minutes.

But for the true automotive enthusiasts, the S 580 4Matic is the most interesting version. It features an improved M177 Evo V8 engine with 4.0 liters of displacement and two turbochargers. However, this unit has a flat-plane crankshaft, a very unique feature commonly found on supercars and racing engines, though less common in road-going cars. Especially luxurious like the S-Class. With 537 hp and massive 750 Nm of torque, this version is capable of very impressive 0 to 100 km/h acceleration times. With the help of a 23 hp integrated starter motor, a capable all-wheel drivetrain, and a Mercedes 9-speed automatic, the 2027 Mercedes S 580 4Matic can reach 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, which is a result better than many sports cars.

Personalization Is Another Word For Luxury

 As you can expect, the new S-Class comes with a high level of standard equipment, numerous creature comforts and features, as well as premium appointments and luxury details, as one prestigious sedan should. But Mercedes’ version of luxury includes one very special, highly sought-after option – Manufaktur. The Mercedes-Manufaktur department is a door to unlimited customization options, unique colors, materials, and finishes. It can make your wildest dreams come true and help you create truly astonishing machines and stunning visual representations of style and elegance. Yes, the standard S-Class will fulfil the requirements of most customers without any problems, but for the really discriminating clients, the Manufaktur is the only way to enjoy the new S-Class.

Conclusion

The 2027 S-Class is one of the most comprehensive improvements Mercedes has made to any of its models in its 140-year-long history. Even though it is considered a refresh, it is an enormous leap forward, with several industry-firsts that distinguish this model from its competitors. With AI implementation, new powertrains, impressive details, and elegant design, the 2027 S-Class is an amazing luxury machine driven by a relentless quest for the ultimate prestige car. It is not just proof that luxury sedans are far from irrelevant, but also that they remain the best platform for improvement and the segment that benefits from modern technology. So, is the new S-Class a new benchmark in the luxury sedan class? It definitely is, and we can happily say that Mercedes is back on top of this class, which it created all those years ago.

Edel & Stark: The 2027 Mercedes Benz S-Class in our fleet