There’s still nothing quite like a Benz S-Class when it comes to hedonistic, sybaritic, techno-advanced luxury.
Beloved by third-world dictators, captains of industry, and every A-lister from Coco Chanel to Madonna, from Tupac to Jay-Z, the S has set the benchmark in automotive safety, comfort and innovation for over 70 years.
Alas, the Sonderklasse has been having a tough time of late. Seems buyers have been lured away by the likes of BMW’s latest 7 series, Mercedes’ own super-luxe Maybach sedans and SUVs, and electric alternatives, like Cadillac’s new Escalade IQ and Mercedes’ own EQS.
But fear not, the cavalry is on the way. Mercedes has just pulled the wraps off the hugely-improved 2027 S-Class, which boasts more than half of its parts new or upgraded.
No, it’s not a brand new version, but it’s about as close as it gets.
Of course, following the traditional Mercedes’ playbook, styling changes are more evolution than revolution.
That said, there’s no mistaking the new front end which features a grille that’s 20 per cent bigger. There are Peterbilts with smaller front ends.
And just in case you’re unsure of what you’re driving, the grille itself is embedded with row upon row of teeny three-dimensional, three-pointed stars. I counted 112. And the biggest star of all – the iconic one on the hood – now gets its own illumination.
Keeping with the three-pointed star theme, just take a look at those new headlights. The super-bright-white LEDs are in the shape of, you guessed it, three-pointed stars.
But owners should prepare for lots of angry light-flashing from fellow motorists; these new LEDs are supposedly 40 per cent brighter, with high-beams capable of projecting light more than a third of a mile. he flood lights at Raymond James aren’t this bright.
Add to all this, cool new 19, 20 and 21-inch wheel designs, and this latest S-Class packs more visual punch, more classy flagship style than ever.
That, however, is only a part of the new S-Class story. The biggest changes are to be found when you slide behind the wheel and take-in the re-designed cabin.
Of course, it’s all about the screens, and the new fascia features three.
Interestingly, Mercedes didn’t incorporate the full-width, all-in-one Hyperscreen from the electric EQS. Instead, there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a central 14.4-inch infotainment screen, plus a 12.3-inch front passenger screen for streaming, gaming, or apps. That’s a lot of glass.
Every S-Class has had a reputation for delivering first class comfort, but this 2027 version takes it to the next level. Did I mention heated the seat belts? Or the new, ear-bleeding Burmester 4D surround sound system featuring 39 speakers and 1,690 watts of power?
Rear seating is the usual Gulfstream biz-jet decadent. New features include 13.1-inch seatback screens with built-in cameras so you can take a Teams or Zoom call in the back. Just don’t let the minions see you sipping bubbly from the built-in fridge.
As you’d expect, there’s a major focus on power, performance and refinement with this new S.
There’s a re-designed 4.0-liter twin-turbo hybrid V8 for the new S 580 4Matic cranking out 530-hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.
Add to this a redesigned 3.0-liter turbo inline-six producing 442-hp in the S 500, and a new plug-in hybrid S 580e with that 3.0 turbo-six and an electric motor to deliver a combined 576 ponies with a predicted 50-mile EV range.
This 2027 S-Class line-up should start arriving on U.S. shores by late summer with pricing expected to kick-off at around $142,000. Pricier Maybach and AMG versions will follow.
Whether all these changes are enough to keep current owners loyal and convince new buyers not to go for that luxury SUV, I have my doubts. It’s a tough market for luxury sedans out there; Audi just announced the end of the flagship A8.
Those who do will be getting simply the best, more luxurious, most technically-advanced S-Class ever; a car that will definitely have them seeing stars.
