by 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Update
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always been a car that sets trends, not follows them. Over a year ago, it became known that the model was due for a facelift. The manufacturer confirmed changes both to the exterior and interior, but details of the technical updates remained unknown. Now some of them have been revealed.
The company invited a limited circle of journalists to Germany to show the updated 2027 S-Class. Although officially it is only a facelift, the changes are far from cosmetic. The automaker states that around 2,700 components have been reworked or completely changed. The most important update is a completely new version of the 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 called the M177 Evo.
New Engine with a Flat-Plane Crankshaft
The M177 engine has been in use for over ten years, but its latest evolution received a key internal change: the traditional cross-plane crankshaft has been replaced with a flat-plane one. This improves throttle response, engine smoothness, and helps reduce emissions, which is becoming increasingly important even in the premium segment.
Mercedes says this switch not only improves throttle response and smoothness, but also helps reduce emissions, an increasingly important box to tick, even in the luxury segment.
This updated V8 will first appear in the S580 model with a mild hybrid system, where it will develop 530 horsepower. This is a noticeable increase compared to the 496 hp of the current model, giving the updated S-Class more power without losing its characteristic refined nature.
Exterior and Interior
In design, the updated S-Class does not deviate from the current silhouette line. The familiar profile will remain untouched, but Mercedes is updating the lighting elements with new headlights and rear lights featuring an LED star signature.
More significant changes await inside. The current model’s charming dashboard with four rectangular central air vents and the floating portrait-style multimedia screen will be replaced by a design much more reminiscent of the fully electric EQS. For now, it’s hard to say whether this will be perceived as an upgrade; final conclusions can only be drawn after the car’s official presentation.
The S-Class update demonstrates how Mercedes-Benz is adapting its flagship model to modern challenges while preserving its essence. The switch to a flat-plane crankshaft in the V8 is not just a technical improvement, but a strategic step that combines increased performance with environmental requirements. This indicates that even in the luxury sedan segment, engineering thought is actively working on the balance between driving emotion and responsibility for the future. The success of these changes will largely depend on how successfully the new technology can be integrated with the unwavering comfort and status for which the S-Class is valued.
