MotorTrend Names 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Car of the Year
The latest S-Class secured the honor after rigorous performance testing against 15 other automotive nameplates.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Car Types
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MotorTrend has selected the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class as its Car of the Year following extensive evaluation at the Honda Proving Ground in the Mojave Desert. The vehicle was chosen from a competitive field of 16 different nameplates and 22 unique variants.
Why it matters
The award recognizes the S-Class for its significant design and engineering advancements, marking a milestone for the seventh-generation model. The win highlights how the flagship sedan balances luxury with technical performance.
The 2027 model features approximately 2,700 new or revised parts and a front grille adorned with more than 50 star logos. The S580 4Matic sedan base model starts at $136,050, while the entry-level S500 model starts at less than $114,000.
The players
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is a German global automobile manufacturer known for its luxury vehicles and engineering innovations.
MotorTrend
MotorTrend is an automotive media brand that provides reviews, news, and industry analysis for car enthusiasts.
The details
Judges evaluated the fleet based on engineering excellence, design advancement, value, safety, efficiency, and performance of intended function. The winning vehicle features a new V-8 engine and design updates, including a 20 percent increase in grille size and new wheel designs ranging from 19 to 21 inches.
Timeline
1981: Mercedes-Benz 300SD won the Import Car of the Year award.
2014 and 2022: S-Class was a Car of the Year finalist.
2027: The S-Class received a seventh-generation update.
End of 2026: The S580e plug-in hybrid model is scheduled to join the portfolio.
Roadmap
This award reinforces the S-Class as a benchmark in the luxury sedan segment against an increasingly competitive field of global nameplates. It underscores a strategic commitment to maintaining brand dominance through extensive component updates and engineering refinements.
Prospective buyers should note that the base model pricing starts at $136,050 for the S580 4Matic sedan. Maintenance and service planning may involve considering the vehicle's 2,700 new or revised parts compared to previous generations.
The takeaway
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class demonstrates the continued focus on refining flagship luxury through incremental engineering upgrades. Consumers interested in high-end sedans should evaluate these latest technical advancements against the broader landscape of luxury market offerings.
What happens next
The S580e plug-in hybrid model is scheduled to expand the S-Class portfolio by the end of 2026.
Further reading
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