2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Named MotorTrend Car of the Year

The pinnacle of automotive luxury has earned one of the industry’s most prestigious honors. The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has officially been named MotorTrend’s 2027 Car of the Year, recognizing the flagship luxury sedan for its exceptional engineering, sophisticated design, advanced technology, and uncompromising refinement.

Announced on October 20, 2026, this remarkable achievement reinforces the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as a benchmark for luxury automobiles. At Mercedes-Benz of Foothill Ranch, we’re excited to celebrate this recognition and share what makes the newest generation of the S-Class so extraordinary.

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A Prestigious Honor for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Each year, MotorTrend evaluates a competitive field of new and significantly updated vehicles to determine which deserves its coveted Golden Calipers trophy. For 2027, the competition featured 22 vehicles representing a diverse range of automotive segments.

MotorTrend’s expert judges evaluated contenders across six essential criteria:

• Advancement in Design: Innovative styling and thoughtful design that elevate the driving experience.
• Engineering Excellence: Advanced engineering solutions and technical sophistication.
• Performance of Intended Function: How exceptionally a vehicle fulfills its intended purpose.
• Safety: Technologies and engineering that prioritize occupant protection.
• Efficiency: Effective use of energy and resources.
• Value: The overall ownership proposition relative to the vehicle’s capabilities and positioning.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class distinguished itself with an extraordinary combination of luxury, performance, innovation, and craftsmanship.

The recognition is especially meaningful for the flagship sedan. MotorTrend previously honored the Mercedes-Benz 300SD as its 1981 Import Car of the Year, making this latest achievement an important milestone in the S-Class legacy.

Why the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Earned Car of the Year

For decades, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has represented the forefront of automotive innovation. The 2027 model builds upon that heritage with extensive enhancements designed to create an even more refined and technologically advanced luxury sedan.

Refined Performance and Exceptional Ride Comfort

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class introduces significant powertrain advancements, including a new 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with mild-hybrid technology in the S 580 4MATIC® Sedan.

Producing an impressive 530 horsepower and 533 lb-ft of torque, the new V8 delivers confident acceleration alongside the smooth, composed driving characteristics synonymous with the S-Class.

During MotorTrend’s evaluation, judges praised the S-Class for its exceptional ride quality, remarkably quiet cabin, precise steering, and impressive handling.

Standard air suspension, available E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, and rear-axle steering further contribute to the sedan’s ability to balance extraordinary comfort with responsive driving dynamics.

Next-Generation Technology with MB.OS

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class introduces the Mercedes-Benz Operating System, known as MB.OS, bringing a new level of digital sophistication to the flagship sedan.

The latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) features an intelligent virtual assistant, enhanced voice recognition, and a more intuitive digital interface.

A standard MBUX Superscreen combines three displays across the dashboard, including:

• A 12.3-inch digital driver display.
• A 14.4-inch central touchscreen.
• A 12.3-inch front passenger display.

Additional innovations include augmented reality navigation displays, advanced parking assistance, and sophisticated driver assistance technologies designed to support a more connected driving experience.

The S-Class also features advanced MB.DRIVE assistance capabilities, with additional functions planned through software updates. As with other driver assistance systems, driver attention and supervision remain essential.

An Extraordinary Luxury Interior

Inside the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtfully integrated technology create an environment designed around comfort and refinement.

Premium upholstery, elegant trim selections, sophisticated ambient lighting, and available MANUFAKTUR appointments allow owners to personalize their luxury sedan.

Available interior amenities include:

• Heated, ventilated, and massaging seating.
• Available heated seat belts for enhanced passenger comfort.
• Executive rear seating with reclining functionality and footrests.
• Available rear-seat entertainment displays.
• Available Burmester 4D surround sound system.
• Premium materials and extensive personalization options.

Whether enjoying the experience from behind the steering wheel or relaxing in the rear cabin, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivers an exceptional interpretation of modern automotive luxury.

Distinctive Exterior Design

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class maintains its unmistakable presence while introducing new design details that reflect the future of the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Notable enhancements include a larger front grille, available illuminated Mercedes-Benz star, distinctive star-inspired lighting signatures, and refined exterior styling elements.

The result is a sophisticated appearance that honors the S-Class heritage while embracing a new era of luxury design.

A Legacy of Mercedes-Benz Innovation Continues

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long served as a showcase for groundbreaking technologies that influence the broader automotive industry.

Throughout its history, the S-Class has helped introduce or advance important innovations involving occupant protection, driving assistance, suspension technology, and interior comfort.

The 2027 MotorTrend Car of the Year award recognizes how successfully the newest S-Class continues this tradition.

As the flagship Mercedes-Benz luxury sedan, the S-Class demonstrates what’s possible when innovative engineering, meticulous craftsmanship, and thoughtful design come together.

Discover Mercedes-Benz Luxury in Foothill Ranch, CA

At Mercedes-Benz of Foothill Ranch, we’re proud to represent a brand that continues to set extraordinary standards in automotive luxury and innovation.

Conveniently located in Foothill Ranch, our dealership welcomes luxury vehicle enthusiasts from Irvine, Lake Forest, Trabuco Canyon, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and surrounding Orange County communities.

Whether you’re interested in learning more about the award-winning 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class or exploring the latest luxury sedans and SUVs, our knowledgeable team is here to provide a personalized experience.

We invite you to explore our new Mercedes-Benz inventory and discover the exceptional craftsmanship, comfort, and performance that define the Mercedes-Benz brand.

For additional information about the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, including availability and vehicle configurations, contact our Sales Team at (949) 328-8800.

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Experience the Mercedes-Benz Standard of Excellence

Being named MotorTrend’s 2027 Car of the Year is more than an award for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It’s a testament to decades of innovation, an enduring commitment to excellence, and a vision for the future of luxury mobility.

The newest S-Class continues to redefine expectations for what a flagship luxury sedan can achieve.

Visit Mercedes-Benz of Foothill Ranch at 81 Auto Center Drive, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610, and discover why Mercedes-Benz remains synonymous with automotive sophistication.

Explore More: Browse New Mercedes-Benz Vehicles | Explore Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz Vehicles

Read the Official 2027 Car of the Year Announcement

Learn more about this prestigious recognition through the official Mercedes-Benz USA announcement and explore MotorTrend’s complete 2027 Car of the Year review.