On the 140th anniversary of the first automobile being invented by Carl Benz, Mercedes-Benz has just shown the world the new 2027, S-Class and it has a V8 layout usually seen in exotic performance cars!
For many years, the S-Class Mercedes has been the pinnacle of the premium saloon segment, setting benchmarks and leading the fray in terms of design, technology, and all luxury aspects. Now, in keeping with that same motive, Mercedes looks to further extend its reign at the top, as they've given the S-Class an update that is said to comprise of about 2,300 panels that are changed or updated. Let's look at what these are.
You ever heard of the term "What's not broken doesn't need any more fixing?" Maybe this was the process of vetting and decision-making when considering the fact that the changes are subtle yet distinctive. These are the exterior changes, and don't blink because you will miss it.
The front is noticeably different thanks to the new headlights that have the three-pointed star emblem as LED daytime running lights. These new design lights flank a redesigned all-chrome grille that incorporates more of the three-pointed star emblem that lines each of the grille's vertical slats. Some might say it's too much, but that's a flagship Benz for you.
Move along the side, and again, things need a trained eye to spot any difference. The new standard 19-inch, high-spoke wheels give off that premium look, whilst you gain chromed-out window sills, flush pop- out door handles, and a chrome strip that runs the length of the driver's door all the way to the rear passenger door to further highlight the luxury and aura this car produces.
The rear just did not make much of a change at all; in fact, the only noticeable difference here would have to be a mimic of the three-pointed star emblem in the front being integrated into the taillight signatures. The twin tailpipe openings also gain a chrome frame connected by a re-designed chrome strip.
Climb in the interior, and they've actually downsized on-screen time, going from a Hyperscreen to what Mercedes-Benz now calls a Superscreen. This Superscreen now separates the 12.3-inch driver's display, 14.3-inch infotainment screen, and the optional 12.3-inch passenger display, which were previously joined in the Hyperscreen format.
This new Superscreen runs Mercedes-Benz's latest MBUX interface that integrates AI software sourced from Google and Microsoft to upgrade the capabilities of the onboard virtual assistant. Now, allow me to either blow your mind or leave you stuffed out because Mercedes-Benz has gone through the trouble of not only giving you heated seats and a heated steering wheel, but they have also decided to give you heated seatbelts and heated armrests ! Yes, you read that right - if you were ever like "Hmm, I need my seatbelt...hot".
Some more luxurious equipment found in this cabin includes blinds, two new MBUX remote controls for passengers to operate the entertainment from the back, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and beautiful ambient lighting that covers the entire cabin.
Now on to underbody adaptations and changes , starting with the various engine options that will be available to the customer, with the headline being that you get an all-new 4.0-liter V8 engine featuring a flat-plane crankshaft. The engine is said to produce 395 kW and 749 Nm, and it is combined with a mild-hybrid system with an integrated starter-generator that adds an extra 17 kW. Get this, the Mercedes S-Class is supposed to achieve a 0-60 mph time in just 3.9 seconds - in a luxury saloon? Not that there will be anyone trying to achieve that.
The key specifications for each powertrain are as follows:
S 580: 4.0-litre V8 turbo-petrol. 395kW/750Nm; 4.0sec 0-100; 10.6L/100km.
S 450: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol. 280kW/560Nm; 4.9sec 0-100; 9.0L/100km.
S 350d: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel. 230kW/650Nm; 5.4sec 0-100; 6.9L/100km.
S 450d: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel. 270kW/750Nm; 5.1sec 0-100; 6.9L/100km.
S 450e: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid. 320kW/680Nm; 5.7sec 0-100; 117km EV range.
S 500: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol. 330kW/600Nm; 4.5sec 0-100; 8.3L/100km.
S 580e: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid. 430kW/750Nm; 4.4sec 0-100; 103km EV range. One thing to note is that all of these engines will come equipped with the 4 MATIC system which drives all the wheels via 9 speed automatic transmission.
As you might imagine, the two diesel powerplant (which is what the current S-Class model is only offered in Diesel) options are more likely to hit our shores with the addition of the new V8 engine. Otherwise, we will await official communication on a local context of engine options and pricing.
Still on the mechanical talk, the S-Class doesn't lose out on onboard comfort as the car has Mercedes-Benz's Airmatic suspension, which is said to properly assess the road surfaces and differentiate between small road irregularities and larger ones like speed bumps, preparing the suspension accordingly to minimize occupant disturbance and maximize your cloud-like ride as you're chauffeured to your lake house on the coast of Italy (E-Active Body Control with intelligent adaptive damping remains optional).
So, the lack of revolution in favor of evolution should not leave one with much to say; rather, it should show that whenever you have something that quite literally does really well in terms of looks, design, interior luxury, and overall premium appeal over the competition, you wouldn't want to mess with the equation but rather tweak it to update every now and again. I certainly don't blame the minimal touches because , to be honest, it still wins over the BMW 7 Series and the Audi A8 just because it's an S-Class.