Mercedes-Benz says the 2027 S-Class "isn't a facelift, it's practically half a new car." Over 50% of the vehicle has been redesigned, with approximately 2,700 new components. The world premiere took place on January 29, 2026, coinciding with Mercedes' 140th anniversary.
The grille is 20% larger than the outgoing model. The Mercedes star returns to the hood with LED illumination. Both changes push the S-Class back toward the imposing, formal presence that defined earlier generations before the brand went through its flush-grille minimalist phase.
MB.OS: The Real Story
The 2027 S-Class is the first Mercedes to launch with the full Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), an entirely in-house software architecture. The system integrates 27 sensors and brings expanded voice control with deep personalization. Physical buttons for volume and cruise control survived the transition, which is worth celebrating given how aggressively Mercedes removed them from recent models.
The standout feature is the road-learning suspension. The AIRMATIC air suspension now records road surface imperfections via GPS, uploads the data to a cloud database, and allows other Mercedes vehicles to proactively adjust their damping before hitting the same pothole. If the data network scales, every S-Class on a given road makes the ride better for the next one.
V8 Returns, V12 Stays
Mercedes confirmed a completely new V8 engine that meets current European emissions standards. The company describes it as having "no crankshaft," which likely refers to an electrified architecture where the traditional crankshaft function is partially or fully handled by an integrated electric motor. The V12 remains available "for the foreseeable future," which is Mercedes code for "as long as buyers in the Middle East and China keep ordering them."
Gas engines will continue alongside EV development. Mercedes isn't pushing S-Class buyers toward the EQS. It's giving them a better S-Class while the EQS finds its own audience.
The expanded MANUFAKTUR customization program offers more personalization options than any previous S-Class. Revised seating ergonomics and enhanced AIRMATIC tuning address the two areas where the outgoing model received the most criticism. Full pricing and trim details will follow closer to the sales launch.
