Mercedes-Benz S-Class Named MotorTrend 2027 Car of the Year
Why Was the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Named MotorTrend 2027 Car of the Year?
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been named MotorTrend Car of the Year, giving the flagship luxury sedan one of the automotive industry’s most recognized honors.
Mercedes-Benz announced the award on October 20, 2026, after MotorTrend evaluated a field of 22 cars spanning a broad range of vehicle segments. MotorTrend judges evaluate eligible vehicles using six primary criteria: advancement in design, engineering excellence, performance of intended function, value, safety, and efficiency.
For the S-Class, the award reflects more than a collection of luxury amenities. MotorTrend highlighted the sedan’s ability to combine advanced technology, refined performance, ride quality, craftsmanship, and the characteristics expected from a flagship Mercedes-Benz.
For drivers throughout Flagstaff, Sedona, Cottonwood, Williams, Prescott, and surrounding Northern Arizona communities, Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ can help shoppers learn more about the updated 2027 S-Class and check current availability.
What Makes the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Different?
The 2027 model represents one of the most comprehensive updates to the current-generation S-Class.
Mercedes-Benz states that more than 50 percent of the vehicle has been newly developed, updated, or refined, while MotorTrend reports that approximately 2,700 components are new or revised.
Updates extend across powertrains, exterior design, suspension, infotainment, artificial-intelligence-assisted technology, lighting, driver-assistance systems, and cabin features.
The result is a vehicle that retains the established identity of the S-Class while incorporating significant new technology throughout the sedan.
Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, can help shoppers understand how the 2027 changes compare with previous S-Class models.
How Did MotorTrend Evaluate the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
MotorTrend does not select its Car of the Year winner simply by comparing acceleration, horsepower, or luxury features.
Vehicles are evaluated against six criteria: engineering excellence, design advancement, value, safety, efficiency, and performance of the intended function. That final category considers how effectively a vehicle accomplishes what its manufacturer intended.
MotorTrend determined that the S-Class excelled in its role as a flagship luxury sedan. Judges specifically praised its ride quality, quiet cabin, refined powertrain, technology, and overall ability to deliver the experience expected from a top-tier luxury sedan.
That distinction is important because the Car of the Year field included vehicles with dramatically different missions, from performance cars to electric vehicles and family-oriented models.
What Engines Are Available in the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The updated 2027 S-Class introduces a new generation of electrified powertrains designed to increase performance while maintaining the refinement expected from the flagship sedan.
The S 500 4MATIC® uses a new six-cylinder engine producing 442 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, with temporary overtorque capability of up to 472 pound-feet under applicable conditions.
The S 580 4MATIC® features an all-new V8 producing 530 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.
The S 580e 4MATIC® plug-in hybrid combines gasoline and electric power for a combined system output of 576 horsepower and incorporates a 21.96-kWh battery.
These powertrain choices allow S-Class shoppers to choose among six-cylinder, V8, and plug-in-hybrid options while retaining the sedan’s luxury-oriented character.
Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, can help customers compare available S-Class powertrains and determine which configuration aligns with their driving habits.
What Does 4MATIC® Add to the 2027 S-Class?
The S 500, S 580, and S 580e configurations identified by Mercedes-Benz for the U.S. market feature 4MATIC® all-wheel drive.
4MATIC® all-wheel drive can distribute power to support traction as road conditions change, which may be especially relevant for Northern Arizona drivers who encounter elevation changes, rain, snow, and varied seasonal conditions.
4MATIC® all-wheel drive cannot create additional tire grip and does not replace appropriate tires, safe speeds, sufficient following distance, or attentive driving.
Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ can help shoppers explore the drivetrain and equipment included on a specific S-Class.
What Technology Helped the S-Class Earn Car of the Year Recognition?
Technology is one of the areas where the 2027 S-Class receives substantial updates.
Mercedes-Benz identifies a new standard MBUX Superscreen, the latest generation of MBUX infotainment, an MBUX Virtual Assistant incorporating generative AI, an enhanced Zero Layer interface, Google-based navigation, and MBUX Surround Navigation among the 2027 model’s major technology improvements.
MotorTrend also highlighted the new operating system as one of the defining improvements of the updated S-Class.
Rather than adding technology simply for visual impact, these systems are designed to make information, entertainment, navigation, and vehicle functions more accessible to occupants.
Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, can help customers explore the updated digital experience in an available 2027 S-Class.
What Is the MBUX Superscreen in the 2027 S-Class?
The MBUX Superscreen creates a broad digital interface across the S-Class dashboard, integrating displays and connected functions into the cabin design.
For 2027, Mercedes-Benz makes the Superscreen standard while also updating its infotainment architecture and virtual-assistant technology.
The system represents one of the most visible ways the updated S-Class combines traditional luxury craftsmanship with newer digital technology.
Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, can help shoppers experience the MBUX interface and understand the functions included on a particular S-Class.
How Has the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Exterior Changed?
The updated S-Class maintains the proportions expected from the flagship sedan while introducing noticeable design changes.
MotorTrend describes a larger front grille incorporating more than 50 Mercedes-Benz star elements, while Mercedes-Benz also identifies updated lighting as one of the sedan’s major improvements.
The 2027 S-Class also receives the next-generation DIGITAL LIGHT with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus as standard equipment in the U.S. market. Mercedes-Benz identifies the S-Class as its first U.S. model with this latest feature.
These changes help distinguish the revised model while retaining the formal proportions and recognizable character associated with the S-Class.
How Does the 2027 S-Class Prioritize Ride Comfort?
Ride quality has long been central to the S-Class experience, and MotorTrend identified refinement as one of the sedan’s strongest qualities during Car of the Year evaluation.
The 2027 model includes standard AIRMATIC® air suspension with new Intelligent Damper Control, helping the suspension respond to changing driving conditions.
MotorTrend’s judges specifically praised the sedan’s ride quality, quiet cabin, and refined powertrain while evaluating how effectively the S-Class fulfills its flagship-luxury mission.
For longer drives along I-40, I-17, US-180, or trips between Flagstaff and other Northern Arizona communities, comfort and refinement can be just as important as engine performance.
Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, can help shoppers experience the S-Class ride and cabin characteristics firsthand through a test drive based on vehicle availability.
What Driver-Assistance Technology Is Available in the 2027 S-Class?
The updated S-Class incorporates extensive sensors and computing capability to support the next generation of MB.DRIVE assistance technologies.
Mercedes-Benz identifies expanded sensor technology and a new high-performance vehicle computer as key elements that support these systems.
MotorTrend also highlighted the S-Class model’s advanced driver-assistance capability as part of the technology story surrounding the 2027 model.
Driver-assistance functionality can vary depending on configuration, operating conditions, roadway conditions, and applicable regulations. These systems supplement an attentive driver and do not replace driver observation, judgment, or responsibility.
Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, can help customers review the assistance systems available on a specific 2027 S-Class.
Is the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Good for Northern Arizona Driving?
The S-Class combines powerful available engines, 4MATIC® all-wheel drive, air suspension, advanced navigation, premium cabin technology, and extensive driver-assistance features.
That combination can suit drivers who spend time commuting within Flagstaff as well as those who regularly travel longer distances throughout Northern Arizona.
The 4MATIC® drivetrain may appeal to drivers navigating changing seasonal conditions, while the AIRMATIC® suspension and quiet cabin can enhance comfort on longer highway trips.
For travel between Flagstaff, Sedona, Cottonwood, Williams, Prescott, and surrounding communities, Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ can help shoppers determine which S-Class configuration best aligns with their driving needs.
Why Is the MotorTrend Car of the Year Award Important for the S-Class?
The S-Class already carries a long history as the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz passenger-car lineup. Hence, the significance of the MotorTrend award lies in how the updated vehicle performed against contemporary competition.
MotorTrend noted that the S-Class had previously reached the finalist stage, while the Mercedes-Benz 300SD won the publication’s Import Car of the Year honor in 1981. The 2027 recognition brings the flagship Mercedes luxury sedan back to the top of MotorTrend’s annual evaluation decades later.
The award also reinforces the S-Class philosophy of combining new technology with established luxury-sedan characteristics rather than pursuing innovation at the expense of comfort or refinement.
For shoppers, that recognition provides an independent assessment of how comprehensively the redesigned and updated elements work together.
Where Can You Explore the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Flagstaff, AZ?
Drivers interested in the MotorTrend 2027 Car of the Year can contact Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, to learn about current S-Class availability.
A test drive can help shoppers experience the cabin refinement, acceleration, suspension, digital technology, seating comfort, visibility, and overall driving character that contributed to MotorTrend’s recognition.
Availability and individual configurations can change, so customers should confirm that the S-Class model they want to explore is available before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Q: What Car Won the 2027 MotorTrend Car of the Year Award?
A: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class won the 2027 MotorTrend Car of the Year award, announced on October 20, 2026. Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, can help shoppers learn more about the updated S-Class and explore current availability.
Q: Why Did the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Win MotorTrend 2027 Car of the Year?
A: MotorTrend evaluated the S-Class for engineering excellence, advancement in design, value, safety, efficiency, and performance of intended function. Judges praised its refinement, quiet cabin, ride quality, technology, and ability to fulfill its role as a flagship luxury sedan. Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, can help shoppers explore the features behind the award.
Q: What Is New on the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
A: More than 50 percent of the 2027 S-Class is newly developed, updated, or refined, with changes to powertrains, infotainment, lighting, suspension, driver-assistance technology, and exterior design. MotorTrend reports approximately 2,700 new or revised components. Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, can help shoppers compare the updated model with previous S-Class versions.
Q: How Much Horsepower Does the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S 500 Have?
A: The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC® uses a new six-cylinder engine producing 442 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, with temporary overtorque capability of up to 472 pound-feet under applicable conditions. Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, can help shoppers review the S 500’s specifications and equipment.
Q: How Much Horsepower Does the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S 580 Have?
A: The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC® features an all-new V8 producing 530 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, can help performance-focused shoppers compare available S-Class powertrains.
Q: Is the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Available as a Plug-In Hybrid?
A: Yes. The 2027 S 580e 4MATIC® uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain producing 576 horsepower in combined system output and incorporates a 21.96-kWh battery. Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ can help shoppers compare the S 580e with other S-Class configurations.
Q: Does the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Have 4MATIC® All-Wheel Drive?
A: Yes. Mercedes-Benz identifies the S 500 4MATIC®, S 580 4MATIC®, and S 580e 4MATIC® among the 2027 U.S. S-Class configurations. Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, can help shoppers compare available 4MATIC® all-wheel drive S-Class models and equipment.
Q: What Technology Does the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Have?
A: The 2027 S-Class features a standard MBUX Superscreen, latest-generation MBUX infotainment, a generative-AI-enabled MBUX Virtual Assistant, Google-based navigation, MBUX Surround Navigation, and updated driver-assistance technology. Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ can help shoppers explore these features in an available S-Class.
Q: Does the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Have Air Suspension?
A: Yes. The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class includes standard AIRMATIC® air suspension with Intelligent Damper Control. Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, can help shoppers experience the ride and handling characteristics of the updated S-Class.
Q: Where Can I Find the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Near Flagstaff, AZ?
A: Drivers from Flagstaff, Sedona, Cottonwood, Williams, Prescott, and surrounding Northern Arizona communities can contact Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, to learn about current 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class availability and arrange a test drive based on vehicle availability.