Refreshed 2027 Mercedes-Benz S580 Tested With New 530-HP Flat-Plane V-8

For the 2027 model year, the seventh-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class receives a comprehensive mid-cycle refresh featuring approximately 2,700 new or revised components. The update introduces a new infotainment operating system, the automaker's latest advanced driver assistance systems, revised exterior styling, and a newly developed V-8 powertrain. MotorTrend evaluated the updated luxury sedan as part of its 2027 Car of the Year (COTY) testing.

Visually, the 2027 S-Class emphasizes the Mercedes-Benz emblem throughout its design. A larger front grille incorporates four vertical chrome bars, an illuminated perimeter frame, and more than 50 small star motifs, while an illuminated hood ornament is offered as an option. A chromatic sunroof also features a star pattern, and both the headlights and taillights gain star-shaped daytime running lights. Additionally, the headlights include blue marker lights that illuminate when the vehicle is operating in hands-free driving mode.

Inside the cabin, the sedan comes standard with a 39.0-inch Superscreen stretching across the dashboard, replacing some of the traditional wood trim. The tested S580 4Matic was equipped with an optional Manufaktur package, adding chocolate brown quilted and bolstered leather seating, headrest pillows, and extensive Alcantara, wood, and chrome accents.

Under the hood, the S580 debuts a new 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged mild-hybrid V-8 engine utilizing a flat-plane crankshaft, a Miller-cycle combustion process, a new firing order, updated intake camshafts, and revised turbochargers, injectors, and ports to meet global emissions standards. Paired with a permanent-magnet electric motor (producing 23 hp and 151 lb-ft) and a 0.8-kWh NMC lithium-ion battery, the powertrain delivers a combined 530 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 533 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm through a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The S-Class lineup also offers a slightly updated 3.0-liter inline-six in the S500, with an S580e plug-in hybrid scheduled to join later.

On the road, the 5,347-pound sedan rides on a 126.6-inch wheelbase and measures 208.8 inches long, 75.6 inches wide, and 59.2 inches tall. Fitted with 21-inch Pirelli P Zero PZ4 MO-S tires, the S580 4Matic accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, completed the quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds at 114.9 mph, and stopped from 60 mph in 107 feet. It recorded 0.91 g of lateral acceleration and a 25.4-second figure-eight lap at an average of 0.78 g. Chassis highlights include the E-Active Body Control intelligent damping system, which uses cloud data from other Mercedes vehicles to anticipate road imperfections, and a Curve drive mode that banks the body into turns. EPA fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined, with a total range of 382 miles. Pricing for the 2027 S580 4Matic starts at $136,050—roughly $11,000 more than the entry-level S500—and reached $180,500 as tested.