2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen

2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen

      Jerry Perez

      The latest news and reviews in the automotive world, no nonsense.

      Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the most significant stories directly to you on every weekday.

      Regardless of brand, model, cost, or function, most vehicles are simply that: vehicles. While many special nameplates hold considerable meaning for enthusiasts, only a select few become integral to automotive history. The S-Class is one such name, with a prestigious lineage filled with beautiful and groundbreaking models over its 140-year existence. Recently, I drove the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S500 for two days across northern Germany, and I got the impression that the luxury sedan's dominance in its segment is far from finished.

      The S-Class has consistently represented class, affluence, and top-quality comfort. Its presence exudes refined elegance. Though the term isn’t widely used in the U.S., in Europe, it's common to hear someone refer to a top-tier item as the “S-Class of something.” For example, the Herman Miller Eames is often described as the “S-Class of chairs.”

      But with global buying patterns shifting, customers gravitating toward SUVs, the Chinese market significantly influencing a flagship’s design and features, and the unpredictable embrace of electrification at the upper end of the market, the new S-Class enters what is likely its most challenging phase ever.

      The Essentials

      The S-Class still stands as the brand's flagship model, and rightly so. Three trims will be available in the U.S.: 500, 580e, and 580. Three engine options will be offered. The S500 utilizes a mild-hybrid, twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 442 horsepower; the S580e features a plug-in hybrid, twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six with 576 hp; and the S580 is powered by the traditional twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V8 producing 530 hp. Both models come equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive.

      Whether you observe it up close or from afar, the 2027 S-Class doesn’t appear significantly different from its predecessor. The key elements of the sedan largely look unchanged. In fact, Mercedes claims that the new model is 50% new, with over 2,700 new components produced for it. However, I couldn’t identify these variations apart from the slightly modified grille (which is 20% larger and now features illuminated stars), updated headlights and taillights, and fresh wheel designs. The three-pointed star hood ornament also lights up now, and it looks quite impressive at night.

      One of these new components is found in the interior, and it’s quite remarkable. The new MBUX Superscreen is now a standard feature in the S-Class, unifying three displays (gauge cluster, center screen, and passenger screen) into a single expansive sheet of glass that serves as the dashboard.

      Additional new elements in the cabin include updated seats, heated seatbelts, vents, controls, and door panels. In the back, equipped with the executive seating package, you’ll find two remote controls that manage all media, comfort, HVAC, and luxury functions. These remotes now resemble narrow, retro mobile phones rather than mini tablets, and they look and feel fantastic.

      Lastly, Mercedes will offer 150 exterior colors through its Manufaktur program, along with 400 interior color options. Several unique shades were showcased at the event, like the stunning green displayed above.

      Driving the 2027 Mercedes S-Class

      The digital speedometer in front of me fluctuates between 258 and 259 kilometers per hour (or 160 miles per hour). I’m at the (Euro-spec) limiter, yet I find myself wishing the car might somehow forget its electronic speed governor and allow me to continue up to 300. I know it’s capable. There was still considerable power available, even against the headwinds.

      Although the twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six engine isn't usually associated with the Mercedes S-Class, it surprised me with its ease of acceleration, reaching its top speed with both urgency and smoothness comparable to the V8 variant. Honestly, if you disregard the sound and simply focus on the experience, the straight-six S500 and the V8 S580 feel nearly identical.

      The S500’s 442 hp does an impressive job moving its 4,861 pounds of German engineering, whether you’re darting from stoplight to stoplight, zooming down the autobahn, or enjoying a spirited drive on a country road. During my two-day experience, I enjoyed each of these scenarios multiple times, and I never found a compelling reason to opt for the V8. The inline-six offers the quintessential S-Class experience. If you're looking for more auditory drama and slightly increased torque for overtaking, then the V8 might be your choice, but the inline-six performs admirably without needing to

2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen 2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen

Other articles

Jaguar Type 01 är det officiella namnet på den kommande ultra-luxuriösa Jaguaren: TDS. Jaguar Type 01 är det officiella namnet på den kommande ultra-luxuriösa Jaguaren: TDS. On one side, "Type 01" appears to be just as aggressively lifeless as the forthcoming Jaguar's design featuring sans-serif flat surfaces. However, it aligns well with the model names the manufacturer has previously employed. Ford Super Duty Eliminates 6.8L Engine, Now Offering 7.3L Gas V8 as Standard Ford Super Duty Eliminates 6.8L Engine, Now Offering 7.3L Gas V8 as Standard The smaller Super Duty gas V8 lasted only a few years before Ford decided to discontinue it. Seven Saab prototypes that were left at the factory are set to be auctioned off. Seven Saab prototypes that were left at the factory are set to be auctioned off. NEVS left behind a number of prototype Saabs (as well as one Hengchi!) when it shut down the factory in Trollhättan, Sweden. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. Bike racks featuring a "swing-out" design are significantly more expensive than standard models. However, if your budget allows for it, they are truly a pleasure to use. Rowdy Honda single-seater boosted its power by 100 HP with an 800cc snowmobile engine swap. Rowdy Honda single-seater boosted its power by 100 HP with an 800cc snowmobile engine swap. Replacing the old 400cc two-stroke with a larger Skidoo engine proved to be a smart decision, as this build will be added to Dax Shepard's collection. Rowdy Honda Single-Seater Boosted Power by 100 HP After Swapping in an 800cc Snowmobile Engine Rowdy Honda Single-Seater Boosted Power by 100 HP After Swapping in an 800cc Snowmobile Engine Replacing the old 400cc two-stroke with a larger Skidoo engine proved to be a smart decision, as this project is destined for Dax Shepard's collection.

2027 Mercedes S-Class First Drive Review: At the Pinnacle of Excellence, Aside from That Unattractive Screen

A part of you might be seeking a significant flaw to prevent you from loving the new Mercedes S-Class completely. However, the more you drive it, the less probable that seems.