The benchmark has moved. On January 29, 2026, Mercedes-Benz will officially pull the silk off the 2027 S-Class, signaling the start of the most ambitious mid-cycle refresh in the nameplate’s storied history. Emerging from the hallowed halls of Sindelfingen Plant 56, this isn’t a mere “nip and tuck”—it is a fundamental re-engineering of the world’s premier luxury sedan.
With over 2,700 new or revised components, Mercedes is doubling down on internal combustion excellence while rivals retreat. The headline act for 2027 is a technical shockwave: the debut of the M177 Evo V8. For the first time, the S580 sheds its traditional rumble for a high-revving, flat-plane crankshaft configuration, delivering 530 hp with surgical precision.
From the standard 4.5-degree rear-wheel steering to the industry-first cloud-connected iDamping system, the 2027 lineup—spanning the S450, S500, S580, and the record-breaking S580e PHEV—reclaims its throne. Whether it’s the whisper-quiet luxury of the Maybach or the electrified violence of the AMG S63, the message from Stuttgart is clear: the S-Class doesn’t just follow the future; it dictates it.
Table of Contents
1. Engine & Powertrain - Updated
Upgrades > Revolution
2. Hybrid & Electrification
Electric Flow Enhancements
⚡
Standard 48V Mild-Hybrid
Every internal combustion engine in the 2027 lineup is supported by an Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG), ensuring the smoothest start-stop transitions in the luxury segment.
3. Cloud Suspension : iDamping Tech
Connected iDamping – (Cloud)
Predictive Ride Control via Mercedes Car-to-Other Vehicle
AUTOZMOTOZ NEWS
The “Invisible Pothole” Solution: Unlike traditional systems that react *after* hitting a bump, the 2027 iDamping system uses cloud-stored road topography to adjust air bladders before the wheel even touches the imperfection.
Global Fleet Intelligence
Every MB.OS-equipped vehicle automatically uploads road data, creating a high-definition “roughness map” for the entire Mercedes network.
Zero-Latency Response
The air suspension pre-adjusts its damping curve in milliseconds, allowing the S-Class to glide over uneven surfaces without cabin vibration.
Ever-Updating Database
When roadwork is completed, the system recognizes the new smooth surface and instantly clears the old pothole warning from the cloud.
Real-Time
< 10ms
4. Rear-Wheel Steering
Maneuverability & Steering
2027 CHASSIS UPDATE
4.5-Degree System
Improves stability at highway speeds and cuts steering effort by 15%.
10-Degree System
Allows the long-wheelbase S-Class to maneuver like a compact A-Class.
How It Works:
- Below 37 mph (60 km/h): Rear wheels turn opposite to front for a 2-meter reduction in turning radius.
- Above 37 mph: Rear wheels turn with the front for laser-sharp stability during lane changes.
5. Design : Star-Graphic LED Tech
Evolution
The 2027 Facelift: Lighting stars and physical buttons.
Star-Pattern Lighting
Mercedes has gone “brand-heavy” with the lighting. You’ll find three-pointed stars literally etched into the glass.
Twin Stars
Triple Stars
Expanded Height
6. Environmental Facts
Compliance & Emissions
World First: Electrically Heated Catalyst
Most emissions occur in the first 30 seconds of driving.
- Instant Activation: Heats up before the engine even turns over.
- Cold Start Kill: Reduces pollutants by up to 85% during the warmup phase.
- Euro 7 Ready: Designed to meet the strictest future global standards.
DIESEL VARIANTS
OM 656 Evo Engine
Ultra-low friction coating and optimized SCR for massive NOx reduction.
GASOLINE VARIANTS
Pressurized Fuel Systems
Standard particulate filters and sealed tanks to stop evaporative emissions.
NB: This tech makes the 2027 S-Class one of the cleanest combustion vehicles ever made, buying the ICE engine another decade of life.
7. Market Positioning & Luxury Competitors
“2,700 PARTS”
This isn’t a bumper-and-sticker job. Mercedes has re-engineered roughly 50% of the entire vehicle. This includes a brand-new “Flat-Plane” V8 engine (the M177 Evo) that’s smoother than anything we’ve seen in this segment.
Years of Patent-Wagon Heritage
The Competitive Map
The price-to-luxury threat. Offering “S-Class feel” for $30k less.
BMW 7 Series
The current tech-leader. Mercedes is using the 2027 Superscreen to take this back.
Lexus LS
Fading out. Mercedes is absorbing these buyers with the “Maybach” upward move.
8. 2027 Key Specs Comparison Table
| Model Variant | Powertrain Architecture | Output (HP/TQ) | 0-60 MPH | Engineering Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S 580 4MATIC NEW ENGINE | M177 Evo V8 Flat-Plane Crank | 530 hp 553 lb-ft | 4.3 s | Redesigned injection & ports for smoother high-rev delivery. |
| S 580e HYBRID+ | I6 + Electric 28.6 kWh Battery | 576 hp 590 lb-ft | 4.7 s | Increased 62-mile EV range with new 48V management. |
| AMG S 63 | V8 Biturbo Hybrid E-Performance | 791 hp 1,055 lb-ft | 3.0 s | Standard active roll stabilization & rear-axle steering. |
| MAYBACH S 680 | 6.0L V12 Biturbo The Last V12 | 621 hp 664 lb-ft | 4.5 s | Cloud-connected Magic Body Control for “Zero Gravity” ride. |
9. S-CLASS : PROS & CONS
JAN 2026 UPDATE
PROS
- M177 Evo Performance
The 530 hp Flat-Plane V8 provides supercar throttle response and a high-revving character never seen in a non-AMG S-Class.
- Ergonomic Win
The return of physical roller switches on the steering wheel fixes the biggest complaint of the pre-facelift interior.
- Predictive iDamping
Cloud-connected suspension that “learns” road imperfections from other vehicles, effectively erasing potholes before you hit them.
CONS
- Vibration Risk
Flat-plane cranks are notoriously less “silent” than cross-plane setups. Purists might find the 2027 engine too “unrefined” for a luxury sedan.
- Visual Clutter
The “Star-heavy” lighting signature is polarizing; it feels more like an “LED Light Show” than a traditional stately flagship.
- Complexity Overload
With 2,700 new parts and massive AI integration, out-of-warranty reliability for these early “MB.OS” units is a major question mark.
AutozMotoz Recommendation
If you prioritize high-tech handling and tactile controls, wait for the January 29th debut. But if you want the classic, silent “Mercedes Burble,” the outgoing 2026 models remain the gold standard for pure isolation.
10. Final Checklists
Cross check
01. World Premiere
Jan 29, 2026: Debuting on the 140th anniversary of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen with 2,700 revised components.
02. V8 Flat-Plane Crank
S580: The new 530 HP M177 Evo switches to a flat-plane crankshaft for instant throttle response and higher RPMs.
03. PHEV Performance
S580e: System output jumps to 576 HP. Standard 60kW DC fast charging allows 10-80% charge in 20 minutes.
04. Inline-6 Overboost
S500: The M256 Evo features an electric supercharger hitting 640 Nm (472 lb-ft) during overboost.
05. Cloud-Connected Ride
iDamping: Uses Car-to-X cloud data to prep suspension air bladders for potholes before the wheels touch them.
06. Rear-Axle Steering
The 10° system becomes standard for Maybach and S63, cutting the turning circle by nearly 7 feet.
07. MB.OS & NVIDIA
Next-gen MB.OS replaces MBUX. Features a dedicated NVIDIA chip for Level 2++ autonomous highway driving.
08. Tactile Controls
Capacitive sliders are gone. The 2027 wheel features physical rollers and rockers for volume and cruise control.
09. Star-Graphic Lighting
Wider illuminated grille paired with headlights featuring three-pointed star LED signatures in each cluster.
10. S63 Weight Optimization
AMG S63 E Performance adopts a lighter 48V auxiliary system to offset battery weight and improve turn-in agility.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
The 2027 Mercedes S-Class (W223 Facelift) is designed for the high-end executive market and is scheduled for its official world premiere on January 29, 2026. This specific date was chosen to coincide with the 140th anniversary of Karl Benz’s original automobile patent. As the most extensive mid-cycle refresh in the model’s history, it serves as a bridge between traditional luxury and the brand’s future digital architecture, featuring over 2,700 redesigned components.
The core of the S580’s mechanical update is the transition to the M177 Evo V8 engine. For the first time in an S-Class, Mercedes has swapped the traditional cross-plane crankshaft for a flat-plane crankshaft. This engineering shift, combined with upgraded fuel injection and optimized intake ports, boosts output to 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The result is a smoother, higher-revving engine that offers better throttle response while meeting stricter 2027 emission standards.
Efficiency-conscious buyers will see a significant boost in the 2027 S580e Plug-in Hybrid. The updated system now delivers a combined output of 576 hp (a 73 hp increase) while maintaining a WLTP electric range of 62 miles (100 km). This improvement ensures that most daily urban commutes can be handled entirely on battery power, while the high-voltage battery now supports faster DC charging as standard to minimize downtime.
A major technical highlight is the introduction of iDamping, a cloud-connected suspension system. Unlike traditional active suspension that relies only on local cameras, iDamping uses Car-to-X communication to pull road-surface data from the cloud. If a vehicle ahead detects a pothole, the data is sent to your S-Class in real-time, allowing the AIRMATIC dampers to pre-adjust before the wheels even make contact, effectively “erasing” road imperfections.
To improve maneuverability in tight city environments, Mercedes has made 4.5-degree rear-wheel steering standard across the 2027 S-Class lineup. For those requiring maximum agility, a 10-degree steering system remains available as an option, which reduces the sedan’s turning circle to that of a compact car (approx. 35.8 feet). This system works in tandem with the new iDamping tech to provide a more stable experience during high-speed lane changes.
Mercedes has confirmed that both the Maybach S-Class and the AMG S63 will receive these 2027 updates. The Maybach will continue to offer the flagship V12 (S680), while the AMG S63 is expected to adopt the new flat-plane V8 architecture. Reports suggest the new AMG may focus on weight reduction by moving to a 48V mild-hybrid setup, delivering over 700 hp while shedding the heavy battery components of previous E-Performance models.
11. Conclusion
Our review and checklist are based on verified manufacturer specifications, official press releases, and trusted automotive sources, ensuring accurate and reliable information. Whether it’s the superscreen interior, rear-wheel steering, or AMG & Maybach variants, every feature reflects Mercedes’ commitment to quality, safety, and luxury.
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class represents the pinnacle of Mercedes engineering, combining cutting-edge performance, luxury, and technology. With the introduction of the flat-plane V8 in the S580, the enhanced iDamping cloud-connected suspension, and the S580e PHEV with 62-mile EV range, this model is industry-leading in both innovation and environmental compliance.
By following this page, readers and automotive enthusiasts can confidently understand the 2027 S-Class’ unique value proposition, compare it against competitors like BMW 7 Series and Genesis G90, and stay informed about future variants and market positioning.
