Tested: 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassAaron BrownFor all its fancy ways, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a no-bullshit car. Serious people rely on it. These are people with no time for inconvenience, failure, or compromise. These are executives, politicians, celebrities, and, well, folks with high expectations. Over the decades that Mercedes has been churning out large luxury sedans, the German automaker has built a bulletproof reputation that those people have come to know and expect. So, when a new S-Class rolls off the line, there's a lot at stake. Thankfully, those affluent S-Class loyalists have nothing to worry about. The new car is just as resilient, calming, tech-heavy, and luxurious as ever before.Our expert editors test every vehicle we review. Read more about how we test and review cars here.The Lowdown:The S-Class has been redesigned for the 2027 model year. This isn't a fully new car, but Mercedes says it has more than 50 percent reworked parts—including 2700 new or redesigned pieces—from its predecessor and that it's "the most comprehensive update ever in an S-Class generation." That said, most things in it are pretty familiar if you've been around these sedans before.The flat-plane V-8.Aaron BrownSome of the big updates include a completely new flat-plane-crank V-8 engine. Yes, a flat-plane, like V-8s used in race cars and supercars. There's also an updated infotainment operating system, updated adaptive driving-assistance hardware and software, and little tweaks all around to improve the overall driving experience.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn addition to the S580 V-8, which is the model we're focusing on for this review, there are also two inline-six options available for the U.S. market, including one paired with a plug-in hybrid system. That option, called the S580e, has a twin-turbo inline-six and puts out more power than the V-8, at 576 hp, but suffers from a 0-to-60 time that Mercedes says is 0.5 second slower. Fuel-economy numbers, range figures, and pricing haven't yet been released, so we'll reserve our judgment on whether or not the electric juice is worth the squeeze.Mercedes is also excited to boast its new offerings from Manufaktur, its customization division. The company says the S-Class can now be ordered in 150 different exterior colors—or, really, whatever color you want—and matched with any interior flavor of your choosing. Basically, if you have the money, they'll make your dreams come true.Vehicle tested: 2027 Mercedes-Benz S580Base Price: TBCPrice as tested: TBCLocation: Wangels, GermanyHow Does It Drive?Mercedes-Benz AG – CommunicatiAs it should, the S-Class drives like a car meant to be driven in rather than a car to drive. But that doesn't mean the chauffeur will have much to complain about. Even in the driver's seat, you're cocooned in comfort.The star of the show here is the twin-turbo flat-plane V-8. Mercedes engineers stressed that for this specific trim, this engine wasn't engineered with any kind of high performance in mind but for ultimate efficiency and refinement. They also stressed that they put a lot of work into making sure it sounded and behaved like a normal V-8, as the company's U.S. customers have come to expect from the S-Class.AdvertisementAdvertisementThere's not much theater to this 530-hp V-8. It's not ultrahigh revving like some race-car engine, and it doesn't bellow like a normal V-8 either. In comfort mode, I didn't find any reason to give the engine any significant attention. It does its job. It's not mind-numbingly quick, and it's not buzzy. It's well refined, seamless, and linear in acceleration.From launch, the S580 will get up and go without much drama—Mercedes quotes a 0-to-60 time of 3.9 seconds—but it's no dragster. Somewhat annoyingly, if you lean into the gas pedal and then dial it back after a bit of acceleration, the nine-speed automatic transmission has a tendency to linger in the lower gears for a little longer than I'd prefer, as if it's scoffing at your diminished desire to continue the pull. But once it catches up with you and your resumed calm cruising, it goes back to quiet perfection.Autobahn cruising, feet up.Aaron BrownThrough the curves, the S-Class and its E-Active Body Control air-suspension setup was poised and stately, as expected. At unrestricted autobahn speeds, it becomes clear that Mercedes has left some room for the upcoming AMG model to improve. Coming into curves at six-figure speeds was slightly nerve-racking, as the sedan's chassis brought slightly more roll than I was comfortable with. But for a 5016-pound executive hauler—a car that keeps comfort and plushness paramount—I'll let it slide. Over cobblestone and broken pavement, it absorbed unwanted distractions without hesitation.The adaptive driving and collision-prevention tech, which has more individual features than I care to write out here and you'd care to read, has also got your back when you need it. Thankfully, I didn't need to use the crash-avoiding tech during my drive, but my sole frustration with the package overall is that unlike Ford's BlueCruise, GM's Super Cruise, and, of course, Tesla's so-called Full Self-Driving, you still need to keep your hands on the wheel. This is the case even though the car has the face-tracking hardware that could help minimize the need for hands-on driving, an impressive suite of exterior-mounted cameras, radars, ultrasonic sensors, and a new, water-cooled, centralized "intelligent drive controller" that Mercedes says has "more than 10 times the computing power of a smartphone."AdvertisementAdvertisementA Mercedes spokesperson told me this is because the brand believes S-Class drivers should still be physically involved with the operation of the car, but the company says it will continue to roll out additional ADAS features as legislation in the U.S. allows for it. So in short, the car will do its very best to keep you from crashing, but you actively need to keep an eye on things too.What's It Like to Live With?[image id='534f64b4-aeff-4d8c-8fae-23934410f53d' mediaId='3572a1b5-1174-4cdb-9578-ac40227df5e2' align='center' size='medium' share='false' caption='' expand='' crop='6x4'][/imageThe S-Class is a car that makes you feel important and makes you look important even if you aren't. Everything about it screams first class, especially the over-the-top luxury experience in the back seat. Living with one of these means you've made it. You are that important, "the best or nothing" person.Even in a world where SUVs such as the G-Class and the GLS encroach on the S-Class's executive-hauling territory, it remains very hard to beat. No matter who you are, if a top-of-class luxurious ride is what you desire, the S-Class will greatly satisfy. Just don't forget to option the rear-seat entertainment system—that comes with twin, app-packed 13.1-inch touchscreens and two iPhone-like remote controls—and the Pinnacle Plus package. That delivers up to 43.5 degrees of rear-seat backrest-recline adjustment, massaging, heating—including a warming pillow headrest—cooling, and a full leg- and footrest. It's over the top in the most satisfying ways. Also, if you truly are an important and hard-to-reach executive, the new S-Class even comes with the ability to take Zoom and Teams meetings from the back seat using in-car connectivity and built-in cameras.It’s even better than it looks.Aaron BrownAdvertisementAdvertisementShould I Buy One?If you're looking for a top-class executive sedan that brings a suite of top-level luxury features, technology, and understated, subtle luxury, then yes. The new S-Class is fancy, not showy—unless you get some insane, bright custom color configuration. It's classy, elegant, and completely lives up to Mercedes-Benz's and the S-Class's well-earned and established reputations.Aaron BrownThat said, if you want something a bit more performance forward, holding out for the upcoming AMG model is a no-brainer.Highlights and Lowlights:We Love:Flat-plane V-8 is cool and worth nerding out over.Pinnacle Plus package rear-seat configuration is unreal.The optional Burmester 4D Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos sounds amazing.We Don't:The screen-heavy, piano-black dashboard layout prioritizes tech over class.No hands-free piloted driving.If you're hitting 100-plus-mph speeds frequently, more suspension firmness in Sport mode is desired.Too much screen and too much piano black.Aaron BrownFavorite Detail:Aaron BrownI'm the kind of cold-blooded, reptilian weirdo who loves a heated seat at all times of the year. There's no car that meets that addiction better than the S-Class, with its heated headrest pillows, heated seatbelts, and, of course, heated armrests and door panels. In fact, perhaps they should throw in a heat lamp and a basking rock for me next time. Heat all the things, all the time.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State
