Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 140 years since Carl Benz invented the automobile with a comprehensive overhaul of the S-Class. Since arriving in 1972 with the W116 generation, it’s pioneered everything from crumple zones to ABS. Now, with more than half of its 2,700 components newly developed, the 2027 model could very well be the most extensive mid-cycle refresh in S-Class history.
A Galaxy of Stars
The most obvious changes sit at the very front of the vehicle, where Mercedes has gone all-in on its three-pointed-star motif. The grille is 20% larger and illuminated for the first time ever, featuring three-dimensional chrome stars. The hood ornament also lights up. Twin-star DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps with micro-LED technology project light up to 1,968 feet ahead. If you’re a Mercedes diehard, this type of fan service is just for you.
Digital Overload
Inside, the MBUX Superscreen is now standard with three displays beneath seamless glass running MB.OS. The MBUX Virtual Assistant uses ChatGPT4o with avatars including “LittleBenz.” Rear seats get large 13.1-inch displays with HD cameras for video conferencing. Meanwhile, Mercedes brought back physical steering wheel controls, and, oh yeah, the front seats come with heated seatbelts. For safety, standard AIRMATIC air suspension features intelligent damping using Car-to-X data to detect speed bumps ahead.
In terms of powertrain, the S 580’s revised 4.0-liter V8 features a flat-plane crankshaft, making 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. A level up, the S 500 gets an upgraded inline-six at 442 hp and 443 lb-ft, while the S 580e plug-in hybrid delivers 576 hp combined.
Make It Yours
Mercedes is going all-in on personalization with the new MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure program. Customers can choose from over 150 exterior paint colors and 400+ interior colors — far beyond the typical luxury car palette. Want MANUFAKTUR Black Sparkling with genuine glass flakes that shimmer like a starry sky? Done. Prefer MANUFAKTUR Verde Silver Magno for a sophisticated matte finish? Also available. The program includes custom leather packages, illuminated door sills, bespoke stitching, and wheel accent colors. Tailored consultations with Made to Measure experts happen at the Center of Excellence near Sindelfingen, where you can watch craftsmen work through glass walls in the MANUFAKTUR Studio.
Spec Sheet
Model: 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (S 500 4MATIC, S 580 4MATIC, S 580e 4MATIC)
Engine: 3.0L turbocharged/supercharged inline-six (S 500) | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with flat-plane crank (S 580) | 3.0L inline-six plug-in hybrid (S 580e)
Power: 442 hp (S 500) | 530 hp (S 580) | 576 hp (S 580e)
Torque: 443 lb-ft (S 500) | 553 lb-ft (S 580, S 580e)
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Drive: All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
Notable Features: MBUX Superscreen (standard), MB.OS supercomputer, DIGITAL LIGHT with micro-LED technology, heated seatbelts, intelligent damping, rear-axle steering
MANUFAKTUR Options: 150+ paint colors, 400+ interior colors via Made to Measure program
Pricing & Availability
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (S 500, S 580, and S 580e variants) will arrive at U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2026. Mercedes hasn’t announced pricing yet, but expect the base S 500 to start north of the current model’s ~$117,000 MSRP.
Recap
2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Mercedes just dropped the most comprehensive refresh in S-Class history—over half the car is new—and they’ve gone star-crazy with illuminated grilles and hood ornaments. The tech’s impressive with MB.OS running the show and a flat-plane V8 making 530 hp,
