The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Brings Next-Generation AI and Comprehensive Updates
January 30 2026,
Mercedes-Benz revealed the 2027 S-Class on January 29, 2026, marking the most extensive update in the flagship sedan's history. Over 50 percent of the vehicle's approximately 2,700 components are newly developed or refined, coinciding with the 140th anniversary of Carl Benz inventing the automobile. This update introduces the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), a purpose-built supercomputer integrating every vehicle system into one intelligent ecosystem.
Connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, MB.OS enables over-the-air updates for numerous vehicle functions, keeping the S-Class current throughout ownership. The system creates a vehicle that learns and evolves alongside its driver, adapting to preferences and patterns over time.
A Striking New Visual Identity
The 2027 S-Class features an illuminated radiator grille approximately 20 percent larger than before, with four horizontal chrome bars instead of three. For the first time in S-Class history, the grille itself is illuminated, with tiny hot-stamped chrome stars providing three-dimensional depth. An optional illuminated standing Mercedes star on the hood - another S-Class first - creates a distinctive arrival statement.
The new twin-star DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps use micro-LED technology to create a striking light signature. These next-generation headlamps feature a dynamically swiveling ULTRA RANGE high beam reaching up to 1,968 feet - more than the length of five football fields. The partial high beam function improves detection of poorly lit road users, while the system adapts to road layouts using combined camera data and map intelligence.
Key Exterior Highlights:
- Larger illuminated radiator grille with four chrome bars
- Optional illuminated standing Mercedes star on hood
- Twin-star DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps with micro-LED technology
- Light projectors in side sills displaying Mercedes-Benz branding
- New taillights with three chrome-framed stars
Intelligence Powered by MB.OS
The new S-Class introduces the fourth generation of MBUX infotainment, powered by MB.OS and integrating artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google. This multi-agent approach uses Microsoft Bing Search, Google Cloud's Automotive AI Agent, and ChatGPT4o, enabling complex, multi-turn conversations with short-term memory.
The MBUX Virtual Assistant appears as a living avatar on the Zero Layer interface, featuring dynamic colours and animations. Two new avatar designs join the classic Mercedes star: "LittleBenz" with its expressive face, and a human-like avatar emerging from a cloud of stars. The assistant responds to the "Hey Mercedes" keyword, or when the driver is alone, the "Just Talk" function activates without requiring any keyword.
MBUX Surround Navigation integrates the driver assistance view with a 3D representation of the vehicle's surroundings and real-time route guidance. Powered by Google Maps and Unity game engine graphics, the system displays other road users - cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians - in detailed 3D on the driver display, providing an overview that helps anticipate complex manoeuvres.
The Boardroom on Wheels
The optional four-seat executive rear cabin transforms the vehicle into a mobile workspace with dual 13.1-inch displays of the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System. Two detachable MBUX remote controls - one for each rear passenger - allow fully individual control of entertainment, climate settings, seat functions, and power sunshades.
These rear displays feature integrated HD cameras for video conferencing with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Webex. The system uses the front interior camera or the High-End Rear Seat Entertainment's full HD camera, enabling collaboration from either the driver's seat or rear cabin. The system complies with local laws and is approved for use while the vehicle is in motion, with meeting video automatically turning off when the camera activates to prevent driver distraction.
The full-length rear centre console includes concealed storage with wireless and fast-charging USB-C ports, temperature-controlled cupholders, and folding tables. The optional Rear Comfort Package Plus adds massage functions, an executive rear seat adjustable up to 43.5 degrees, neck and shoulder heating, and a leg and footrest for the right rear seat.
Refined Powertrain Excellence
The S 580 4MATIC features a newly evolved 4.0 L V8 engine producing 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Engineering enhancements include a refined injection system, optimized intake and exhaust ports, revised intake camshaft, and a flat-plane crank with new firing order that reduces rotating mass and internal vibration, allowing the engine to rev more freely.
The S 500 4MATIC's 3.0 L six-cylinder engine delivers 443 lb-ft of torque, with up to 472 lb-ft available using overtorque for brief increases during passing or dynamic acceleration. A more powerful electric auxiliary compressor, optimized intake and exhaust ports, and revised intake camshaft contribute to responsive acceleration.
Both engines feature a 23 hp integrated starter generator (ISG) that provides intelligent support at lower engine speeds. The mild-hybrid system with 48-volt electrical technology enables functions such as coasting, boost, and recuperation. Additional insulation measures reduce noise, vibration, and harshness for a tranquil cabin environment.
Supreme Ride Comfort and Agility
Standard AIRMATIC air suspension with intelligent damping regulation adapts to road surfaces and speed bumps. The intelligent suspension control uses Car-to-X information from other Mercedes-Benz vehicles driving ahead, transmitted in real-time to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud and anonymized. This allows the system to automatically adjust damping before encountering road irregularities.
Standard 4.5-degree rear-axle steering enhances manoeuvrability and stability, while optional 10-degree rear-axle steering reduces the turning circle by almost 6.5 ft for easier parking and navigation in tight spaces. At higher speeds, the rear wheels steer in parallel with the front wheels to deliver stability.
The optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension regulates spring and damping forces individually at each wheel, counteracting roll, pitch, and lift movements. In a critical side impact situation, the system can elevate the vehicle within fractions of a second as part of PRE-SAFE Impulse Side, designed to reduce the load on occupants by distributing crash forces more effectively.
First-Class Comfort in Every Seat
The redesigned interior features the standard MBUX Superscreen with a floating 12.3-inch driver display, 14.4-inch central display, and 12.3-inch front passenger display beneath a glass surface. An optional 3D instrument cluster adds visual depth behind the steering wheel.
Heated seat belts for the front seats provide warmth on cold mornings. Digital Vent Control automatically adjusts illuminated air vents front and rear to the selected ventilation scenario, while the new electric cabin air filter ionizes and removes fine particles, helping purify the cabin air approximately every 90 seconds.
The optional Burmester High-End 4D Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos adds a fourth dimension to audio. Tactile transducers integrated into the seats vibrate and pulse in time with the music, making deep tones physically perceptible. With up to 39 speakers, four exciters, and 1,690 watts of system output, the S-Class offers an in-car audio experience ranging from a concert hall to an intimate club.
Uncompromising Safety
The S-Class features an enhanced adaptive restraint system with PRE-SAFE Impulse seat belt pretensioners, dual-stage load limiters, and advanced airbag inflators. With optional rear airbags for frontal impact, the S-Class offers up to 15 airbags as a global standard.
The new S-Class is equipped with up to ten external cameras, five radar sensors, and twelve ultrasonic sensors working with a water-cooled high-performance supercomputer powered by MB.OS. Artificial Intelligence algorithms trained on fleet data process sensor information to understand surrounding traffic conditions. Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE ASSIST enhances Digital Extra: Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Digital Extras: Steering Assist and Lane Change Assist, among extensive driver assistance technologies included as standard.
Personalization Through MANUFAKTUR
The MANUFAKTUR program offers extensive personalization, with the new MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure program elevating customization further. Customers can choose from more than 150 paint colours and over 400 interior colours. New MANUFAKTUR Black Sparkling exterior paint features genuine glass flakes for a shimmer, while MANUFAKTUR Verde Silver Magno introduces a matte finish.
Three new interior trim designs include Natural Grain Oak, Natural Grain Amber Brown Herringbone Pattern Wood featuring dark walnut, and a High-Gloss Metallic Textile Blend. A new "Beech Brown" upholstery colour features contrasting piping and stitching in light tones. Tailored consultations with specially trained Made to Measure experts use the new Made to Measure Visualizer technology to build immersive environments where customers can explore every detail of their ideal vehicle.
Experience the Future of Luxury
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class converges 140 years of automotive innovation with forward-looking intelligence and craftsmanship. From its illuminated presence to its AI-powered digital ecosystem, from its refined powertrains to its first-class comfort, the new S-Class sets a new standard for flagship luxury sedans.
Contact Mercedes-Benz Ottawa Downtown to reserve your 2027 S-Class and explore the full range of customization options available through the MANUFAKTUR program.
