Mercedes-Benz has officially revealed the updated S-Class, and for the first time in years, the biggest news isn't about a screen. It is about an engine choice that seems to defy the unwritten rules of building a luxury limousine.
While the brand calls this a mid-cycle refresh, the mechanical changes suggest something much deeper is happening in Stuttgart. The engineers have taken a look at their flagship sedan and decided that what it really needed was the heart of a supercar.
Is this a final love letter to combustion, or an attempt to separate the S-Class from the electric EQS?
A Mechanical Choice That Dares to Be Different
The headline here is hidden in the technical data for the S580 model. It is still powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, but the internal architecture has changed. Mercedes has switched to a flat-plane crankshaft.
For those who don't spend their weekends rebuilding engines, this is a big deal. Flat-plane cranks are usually reserved for high-revving track machines like the Ferrari 458. They are famous for being loud, responsive, and inherently prone to vibration.
Putting an engine known for vibration into a car designed to be the smoothest thing on Earth is a baffling decision. It suggests that Mercedes wants the new S-Class to feel alive. They want you to feel the engine and inject some character into the car.
The numbers certainly back up the performance intent. The new V8 produces 530 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. When you combine that with the mild-hybrid system, this two-ton sedan will hit 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds.
Styling That Leans on Heritage
If the engine is a hidden surprise, the exterior styling is loud and proud.
The front grille is the most obvious change. The vertical chrome slats are no longer plain; they are lined with tiny, three-dimensional versions of the Mercedes star. The lower bumper intakes? Also filled with stars. Even the taillights have been redesigned to feature star-shaped LED elements.
It is an aggressive approach to branding. In markets like the Middle East and China, road presence is everything, and this design ensures that nobody will mistake this car for anything else.
Interior: Superscreen Replaces Hyperscreen
Inside the cabin, Mercedes has fixed the one thing that polarized buyers of the previous model. The massive "Hyperscreen" is gone.
In its place is the new "Superscreen" layout, first seen in the E-Class. This setup separates the driver’s 12.3-inch instrument cluster from the central 14.3-inch infotainment display. A third screen for the passenger remains, but the visual break reduces the "wall of glass" effect. It feels more like a car cockpit and less like a control room.
There are other strange new luxury touches, too. For instance, the seatbelts are now heated. It sounds like a gimmick, but Mercedes claims it provides more direct warmth without needing to blast hot air through the cabin.
Rear passengers get a significant upgrade as well. The dual 13.1-inch screens now support native streaming apps. You can log directly into YouTube or Disney+ without needing to mess around with phone mirroring. Convenient.
Pricing is yet to be announced but expect an increase over the outgoing model.
|
Model |
Engine Type |
Horsepower |
Torque |
0-60 MPH |
|
S500 |
3.0L Turbo Inline-6 |
442 hp |
443 lb-ft |
4.3 sec |
|
S580 |
4.0L V8 (Flat-Plane) |
530 hp |
553 lb-ft |
3.9 sec |
|
S580e |
3.0L I6 Plug-In Hybrid |
576 hp |
553 lb-ft |
4.4 sec |
FAQs
When will the 2027 S-Class be released?
We expect the car to arrive in dealerships later this year. Deliveries should likely start in late 2026 or early 2027.
Is the S-Class fully electric?
No. The S-Class remains a combustion-engine platform. Though Mercedes sells the electric EQS, the S-Class continues to use mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Why use a flat-plane crank V8?
It is not explicitly stated why they chose this specific layout. However, flat-plane cranks offer better throttle response, suggesting Mercedes wants the S580 to feel sportier than before.
Did the interior technology change?
Yes. The "Hyperscreen" has been replaced by the "Superscreen," which separates the driver's display from the center screen. The seatbelts are also heated now.
Is the new model faster?
Yes. With the new V8 engine, the S580 accelerates to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, a significant improvement over the outgoing model.
What drives this design direction?
The styling suggests Mercedes desires a more expressive and brand-focused language for the S-Class, ensuring it stays visually distinct in a crowded market.
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