Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedan debuted in 1972 with the Sonderklasse designation, marking a “special class” of big four-doors differentiated for their luxury-focused exceptionalism. The first-ever S-Class Benz, internally designated as W116, ignited an arms race whose challengers became the likes of the BMW 7 Series (1977), Lexus LS (1989), Audi A8 (1994), and Porsche Panamera (2009).
Competition improves the breed, and the near-future large luxury salvo from M-B comes in the form of the 2027 S-Class. The manufacturer says it underwent the most significant mid-cycle refresh ever in the pursuit of big sedan supremacy. Though its exterior tweaks are subtle – a larger grille for better cooling and revised headlamps and taillamps, an available illuminated three-pointed star hood ornament – a series of tech upgrades aim to make this the poshest S-Class to date.
Cumulus Ride Quality
Ride quality has always been a top priority for S-Class, and the latest/greatest upholds that claim to fame with an Airmatic suspension system that now leverages cloud-based technology to adapt to real-world conditions. By continuously downloading car-to-x data from the cloud, other Mercedes-Benzes will share real-time data about road conditions to help the S-Class anticipate potholes or surface irregularities accordingly.
An optional E-Active Body Control suspension further leverages cloud data to regulate spring and damper rates individually at each wheel to counteract roll, pitch, and lift movements, even raising the body in fractions of a second in order to anticipate impending accidents and thereby reduce injury risk.
My test ride in a 2027 S-Class in Sindelfingen placed me in a camouflaged example with certain interior features hidden under cloth. However, I did experience one of the most luxurious rear seats on a chilly winter’s day, and the S-Class felt appropriately stately and secure as it maneuvered along some of the streets surrounding Mercedes-Benz’s factory. Ride quality felt buttery smooth, though it must be noted that Stuttgart’s roads are, for the most part, untouched by the potholes and rough spots that afflict most of the rest of the world.
Safety upgrades include new next-gen Digital Light headlights with micro-LED technology. The headlamps are the first to offer adaptive partial high beam functionality for the first time in the US. By using a combination of camera data and map information, the automatic cornering lights react more acutely as the road turns.
The S-Class is packed with as many as 15 airbags. Available rear seatbelts feature a shoulder belt that can inflate in a collision and offer three times more surface area in order to reduce the impact on the chest area.
Creature Comforts
Speaking of seatbelts, the new S-Class offers what Mercedes-Benz has upgraded theirs to offer a “warm embrace” via heating elements within the safety belts. First seen in the ESF 2019 experimental safety vehicle, the additional heated part can be switched on independently or linked to the heated seat switch.
A new cabin air filtration system is designed to completely recirculate all interior atmosphere every 90 seconds, using multi-stage filtration to scrub out particulates and harmful elements in order to create a healthier environment for passengers. Further optional items include the Exclusive package, which offers rear seats that recline up to 37 degrees, a folding center armrest, and cushy headrests.
Opt for the Pinnacle package and rear occupants' rapid heated and ventilated seats, four additional airbags, and a wireless charger in the center armrest. Additional Pinnacle benefits include rear seat massage, neck and shoulder heating, a backrest angle of up to 43.5 degrees, the aforementioned seatbelt airbags, and seatbelt presenters.
Adding to the longer-than-ever list of interior luxury items is a Burmester 4D sound system with tactile elements, up to 39 speakers, and 1,690 watts with Dolby Atmos surround. With electronics managed by Mercedes-Benz’s latest MB.OS operating system, the S-Class is being constantly refreshed by over-the-air updates to optimize everything from computing power to the user interface.
Driver systems are also cloud enhanced, and a comprehensive suite of assistance hardware includes up to 10 external cameras, five radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Embedded video streaming apps from Disney+ and Sony Pictures Entertainment’s RIDEVU enable privacy screen viewing from the front seat or full viewing for rear seat passengers.
Power to the People
Mercedes-Benz’s non-AMG/non-Maybach S-Class lineup gets a new top-range motor for 2027. The new M177 EVO powering the S 580 4Matic leverages a number of refinements to yield a total of 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to improvements to the engine’s injection and breathing configuration, as well as an enhanced mild hybrid system, the flat-plane V8 promises more oomph and better emissions.
The S 500 4Matic six-cylinder M 256 EVO gets a torque bump to 443 lb-ft that can overtorque briefly to 472 lb-ft when needed. Benz’s plug-in hybrid S 580e 4Matic packages the six-cylinder with an electric motor that offers up to 74 horsepower gain over its predecessor, along with smoother and more responsive power delivery. All 2027 S-Class engines use a 23-horsepower integrated starter generator, which combines with turbocharging and 48-volt electrical architecture to deliver seamless coasting, boost, and recuperation.
Plus-Size Solutions
The S-Class has long boasted a considerable footprint, and the 2027 edition is no exception. That said, Mercedes-Benz engineers incorporated a standard rear-steer system that turns its back wheels up to 4.5 degrees, helping aid low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. An optional package boosts the rear wheel turning angle to 10 degrees, which contributes to a smaller turning circle of 35.4 feet.
Although my test ride in the 2027 S-Class was brief, it’s safe to say that when Mercedes-Benz’s well-heeled clientele get their hands on this more-refined-than-ever flagship it will step up the game for the rest of the industry. The bolder styling and more aggressive front end may not be for everyone, but those who take issue with the revised mug should be assuaged by the engineering improvements intended to make driving long-distance drives feel like a rather sweet cakewalk.
Images: Mercedes-Benz
