2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Arrives To Reclaim Its Luxury Crown

Timed perfectly to coincide with Mercedes-Benz’s 140th anniversary, the German marque has unveiled the 2027 S-Class. Although not an entirely new generation, this is more than a gentle update of the flagship luxury sedan, as over 50% and roughly 2,700 components are new or re-engineered. 

After BMW retained the luxury sales crown in the United States last year, Mercedes must be keen to regain it, and the significantly revised S-Class will help it achieve that. Here’s a closer look at all that’s new for what has long been considered the luxury sedan benchmark.

Exterior Design: Stars, So Many Stars

From the side and back, it’s obvious that this is an updated version of the W223 S-Class. It’s got the same elegant lines as before, and a reserved authority about it that’s missing from the garish BMW 7 Series. But walk up to the new face, and it’s clear that quite a lot has changed.

For the first time, the S-Class has an illuminated grille, which itself has grown by 20%. Besides the star ornament on the hood, which is thankfully still in place (and can also be illuminated), there are four rows of three-dimensional stars across the grille. New Digital Light twin-star headlights also have a star pattern. Those headlights are not just for show, though, as a new Ultra Range high beam can illuminate a length that’s longer than five American football fields. A new partial high beam function is also available in the U.S. for the first time. 

There are some new paints from the Manufaktur program, including Black Sparkling and Verde Silver Magno, but customers can choose from over 150 paints via the Manufaktur Made to Measure program.

The S gains some assertiveness in this latest update, but some may argue that the pre-facelift version was prettier.

Interior Design: A Leather-Lined Supercomputer

Combining the best Mercedes-Benz technologies with fine craftsmanship, the 2027 S-Class has a gorgeous interior that now more closely resembles the one in the EQS. The MBUX Superscreen takes center stage, with a 14.4-inch center display combined with a 12.3-inch passenger-side display; this is a step up from the 12.8-inch touchscreen in the 2026 U.S.-spec S-Class.

The fourth-generation MBUX system debuts in the latest sedan, and is powered by the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). With AI integrations like ChatGPT4o and Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent, you can think of the S-Class as a digital companion. Whether you want answers to complex questions or you’d like the car to activate numerous functions by voice, it all happens seamlessly and quickly.

But it wouldn’t be an S-Class if it was all gadgetry and no luxury. New wood inlays, door trim elements, and even heated seatbelts are equipped. A new Digital Vent Control system with an electric filter purifies the air every 90 seconds, helping to keep any allergies at bay. 

As ever, seating comfort is a priority, with heating/ventilation/massage all available. A new Leather Package includes upholstered rear seat cushions, and the new Pinnacle Plus Package can recline the executive rear seat by 43.5 degrees. Dual 13.1-inch displays are available for those at the back, and these have HD cameras to conduct easy video conferences.

Tech Highlights

Merc’s 22-page press release underlines the extent of the changes to the S-Class, many of which involve tech enhancements. Here’s a summary of some of the key changes:

• Digital Light headlights with micro-LED technology
• New MB.OS supercomputer with AI-powered capabilities
• Up to 15 airbags, including optional rear airbags
• Available heated seat belts
• Enhanced adaptive restraint system
• MB.Drive advanced driver-assistance systems
• New water-cooled computer with power for future functions
• Enhanced parking assistance
• New MBUX Surround Navigation with 3D view of vehicle surrounds
• Two new Burmester surround sound systems

Mercedes mentioned its MB.Drive Assist Pro will have market-specific driving assistance. The new CLA can already handle point-to-point autonomous driving in the U.S., so we expect at least this level of capability in the new S-Class.

“The S-Class has always defined automotive innovation,” said Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer. “With MB.OS and its AI-driven capabilities, our flagship enters a new era of intelligence. Every seat offers an elevated Mercedes-Benz experience, powered by the MBUX Virtual Assistant, the MB.DRIVE suite of advanced driver assistance systems, and next-generation rear-seat entertainment.”

Related: Self-Driving Mercedes S-Class is a Threat BMW Can’t Ignore

What About The Powertrains?

Three models will be available: S500 4Matic, S580 4Matic, and S580 e 4Matic. The S500 and S580 e use a new 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine, augmented by an electric motor in the latter. In the S580, there’s a new 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft—we can’t wait to hear what this V8 sounds like. The S500 and S580 are mild hybrids, with a 23-horsepower integrated starter generator. Here’s a look at how they compare.

A nine-speed automatic is equipped, and all models have an Airmatic air suspension with intelligent damping. Mercedes says the engines are more responsive, and it has somehow improved the vehicle’s already impressive noise, vibration, and harshness levels.

An even more potent S63 is coming, too, and has already been spied.

Related: 2027 Mercedes-AMG S 63 Spied Inside and Out With New V8 and Fresh Looks

Final Thoughts

Pricing for the new S-Class hasn’t been shared yet, but the 2026 model starts at $119,500, so it should be a little pricier than that when it goes on sale later this year.

There’s a lot to take in, as is the case with every S-Class update, but the sedan is expected to once again be sublime to drive and be driven in. The new MBUX and MB.OS systems will undoubtedly be faster than ever, but we’ll have to wait to drive the car to see how intuitive everything is. 

We look forward to a heated battle with the BMW 7 Series soon as Mercedes looks intent to remind everyone who the boss is in the luxury world.