​​Extremely Updated 2027 S-Class Debuts for the Brand’s 140 Anniversary​ 

2026 marks the 140th anniversary of Carl Benz’s 1886 invention of the automobile, and on January 29th, the brand celebrated with the debut of the heavily updated 2027 S-Class Sedan. The brand’s most iconic model features updated styling, multiple technology upgrades, and new color and trim options. More than 50 percent, or approximately 2,700 components, are newly developed or re-engineered.  Mercedes-Benz of Plano can’t cover everything, but it will give you the highlights of what arguably is the world’s most refined sedan. 

Design Enhancements 

The new S-Class features a 20% larger grille illuminated at its perimeter. New headlights feature Tri-Star lighting elements. Innovative micro-LED technology brightens the high beams by about 40%. The ULTRA RANGE high beam reaches up to 1,968 feet – over five football fields – and swivels for coverage on curves. The new partial high beam, now available in the U.S., improves detection of low-contrast road users.  

The Tri-Star theme appears on the grille and taillights, with a first-ever optional illuminated hood ornament. Side sill projectors display “Mercedes-Benz” branding, enhancing every approach and exit. 

The two most popular exterior colors of the S-Class receive upgraded versions. MANUFAKTUR® Black Sparkling features genuine glass flakes for a striking shimmer, while MANUFAKTUR® Verde Silver Magno brings a new, sophisticated matte finish to the iconic color. With MANUFAKTUR® Made to Measure, customers can select from over 150 paint colors and more than 400 interior hues for the new S-Class. Additional custom options include illuminated door sills, interior stitching, and a variety of wheel and wheel-accent colors.  

On the subject of wheels, the S-Class debuts a new 20-inch multi-spoke wheel produced with high-pressure casting for precision and design. It features sharper contours, reduced thickness, and a 50-cross-spoke design in Tremolite Metallic High Sheen, complementing the elegant new S-Class.  

Mercedes-Benz has enhanced the interior with refined details that blend technology and craftsmanship. New, elegant door trim accents and a redesigned center console highlight beautiful wood inlays, fusing premium materials with ergonomic design. The console now includes illuminated cup holders and easily accessible compartments for mobile phones, with wireless charging for two smartphones simultaneously, all within easy reach of both the driver and passenger. Additionally, 100W USB-C ports provide fast charging for all occupants. 

The new multifunction steering wheel features improved, intuitive controls, including a rocker for Distance Assist DISTRONIC® and a roller for volume control. Capacitive switch panels are seamlessly integrated and provide tactile feedback to improve orientation. 

Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) 

At the heart of the model’s new technology is the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) supercomputer, a central processor that manages every vehicle aspect—from driver assistance and infotainment to driving performance—delivering faster processing, enhanced computing power, and a deeply integrated experience. MB.OS unifies all systems into an intelligent ecosystem. Everything that needs to communicate with something else can do so through one integrated system. It connects to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud to enable over-the-air updates for many vehicle functions, keeping the S-Class current and refreshed.  

MB.DRIVE 

The MB.OS collects information from a wide array of sensors, which is processed by artificial intelligence algorithms trained on extensive fleet data to provide a real-time understanding of surrounding traffic conditions. Some of the available technologies driven by this system include: 

• MB.DRIVE ASSIST – Enhances Digital Extra: Distance Assist DISTRONIC® with Digital Extras: Steering Assist and Lane Change Assist. These are among the extensive driver assistance technologies included as standard. 

• MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO – Offers market-specific enhanced assistance functions, adding even more capabilities across a variety of driving scenarios. 

• MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST– Detects parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle faster than ever and enables angled parking for the first time. The system can also recognize a variety of space types, including curb slots, garage line slots, slots containing other objects, and more. Furthermore, it is now possible to leave a parking space, even after manually parking the vehicle. 

• MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 – Offers new and improved surround-view displays with Digital Extra: 360 camera. 

Fourth-Generation MBUX  

Powered by MB.OS, the new S-Class features fourth-generation MBUX infotainment that integrates AI from Microsoft Bing Search, Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent and ChatGPT4. Customers experience a more intuitive, more personal digital companion that can involve complex, multi-turn conversations – as one would with a friend – and short-term memory. The MBUX Virtual Assistant appears as a living “LittleBenz” avatar on the center touchscreen, with an expressive face for a stronger emotional connection. 

All S-Class models feature the MBUX Superscreen, a single glass panel housing a 14.4-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch passenger screen. The passenger can operate systems, stream, or play games while driving, with eye-tracking preventing driver distraction. The driver has an elevated 12.3-inch digital display and an optional 3D instrument cluster that appears to float behind the steering wheel with remarkable clarity. 

Powertrain Enhancement 

Under the hood, the S-Class features significant upgrades to its lineup of inline-6 and V8 engines, with varying degrees of electrification.  

The Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC® inline-6 responds more dynamically, with torque upped to 443 lb-ft, briefly 472 lb-ft using overtorque for passing. Improvements include a more powerful electric auxiliary compressor, revised intake camshaft, and optimized intake/exhaust ports. Better insulation reduces noise and vibration, creating a calm interior. 

The Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC® V8 delivers 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Engineering upgrades and mild-hybrid technology ensure smooth power delivery, energy recovery, and compliance with emissions standards. Improvements to the injection system, intake/exhaust ports, camshaft, crankshaft, compressor wheel, and turbocharger make the V8 more responsive, efficient, and refined. 

Both engines have a 23-hp integrated starter generator (ISG) that offers support at low speeds, when engine RPM and turbo boost are low. The 48-volt hybrid system enables coasting, boost, and recuperation for efficiency. The ISG manages start-stop and smooth transitions between coasting and engine power, ensuring seamless operation at idle. 

The Mercedes-Benz S 580e 4MATIC® plug-in hybrid pairs the upgraded six-cylinder engine with a powerful electric motor, increasing combined system output by 73 hp over the previous-generation powertrain to 576 hp. Power delivery is also smoother and more responsive. 

Exemplary Ride and Handling 

The new S-Class further cements its benchmark reputation for quietness, refined comfort, and effortless composure, thanks to standard AIRMATIC® or optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL. Both systems feature intelligent damping that proactively adjusts to road irregularities, improving comfort. They detect short irregularities and issue warnings while adjusting for longer bumps. The system works with real-time, anonymized Car-to-X information from other Mercedes-Benz vehicles via the Mercedes Intelligent Cloud.  

Standard 4.5-degree rear-axle steering enhances maneuverability and agility. Available 10-degree rear-axle steering reduces the turning circle by nearly 6.6 ft, providing even greater maneuverability at low speeds. At higher speeds, the rear wheels steer in parallel with the front wheels, delivering reassuring stability and calm composure. 

Naturally, there have been safety enhancements as well. PRESAFE® Impulse seat belt pretensioners, dual-stage load limiters, advanced airbag inflators, a passenger knee airbag, and an active vent in the passenger airbag.  

Rear passengers benefit from innovative optional beltbags that inflate during severe frontal impacts to reduce chest loads, while available rear airbags can deploy to reduce loads on the head and neck. All these systems are intelligently deployed by an airbag control unit that calculates the most beneficial response in every situation. 

PRESAFE® Impulse Side in the front row detects critical side-impact situations early, activates protective measures, and optimizes occupant positioning. Models with E-Active Body Control elevate the vehicle to better distribute crash forces.  

The 2027 S-Class can be expected to arrive in the Mercedes-Benz of Plano inventory in the summer or the second half of 2026. Pricing, EPA-estimated mpg information, and possibly info on an AMG® variant will be announced closer to the launch date. Ask one of our sales professionals to keep you updated on additional details and the expected arrival of the first models. 

1. To use the Digital Extras, you must create a Mercedes me ID and agree to the Terms of Use for Digital Extras and the Mercedes me ID Service Terms in their applicable versions. In addition, the respective vehicle must be linked to the user account. 
2. Future enhancements and features may be available via Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. 
3. Our driver assistance and safety systems are aids and do not relieve you of your responsibility as the driver. Please take note of the information in the Owner’s Manual and the system limits, which are described therein. 
4. Driver remains responsible to monitor the parking process and surroundings at all times. 
5. To use the Digital Extras, you must create a Mercedes me ID and agree to the Terms of Use for Digital Extras and the Mercedes me ID Service Terms in their applicable versions. In addition, the respective vehicle must be linked to the user account. 
6. Future enhancements and features may be available via Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. 
7. Driver remains responsible to monitor the parking process and surroundings at all times.