Mercedes-Benz S-Class Wins 2027 Car of the Year
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class secured the top honor after competing against finalists including the Corvette Grand Sport.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been crowned the 2027 MotorTrend Car of the Year, beating out a field that included the 2027 Chevy Bolt and the Corvette Grand Sport models. These vehicles were among 22 total contenders evaluated for the prestigious industry award.
Why it matters
The MotorTrend Car of the Year award is a significant industry benchmark that evaluates new models on value, safety, efficiency, performance, design, and engineering excellence. Winning the title provides manufacturers with major marketing validation in a highly competitive automotive market.
Finalists underwent comprehensive testing including back-to-back sessions at an automaker proving ground and a mandatory 21-mile road drive. Judges evaluated 22 models across 16 different nameplates to determine the final rankings.
The players
MotorTrend
This automotive publication hosts the annual Car of the Year award to recognize excellence in vehicle engineering and design.
Mercedes-Benz
This German manufacturer produces luxury automobiles and is the winner of the 2027 award for its S-Class model.
Chevrolet
This American automotive brand is a division of General Motors and saw its Bolt and Corvette models compete for the award.
The details
To select the winner, judges performed rigorous back-to-back testing at an automaker proving ground before taking finalists on a 21-mile public road drive. The Corvette Grand Sport line, which includes a rear-wheel drive base model and an all-wheel drive hybrid Grand Sport X, ultimately finished as a finalist alongside the 2027 Chevy Bolt.
Timeline
2027: Award period for the MotorTrend Car of the Year.
Roadmap
The competition highlights how automakers balance legacy performance, seen in the rear-wheel drive Corvette Grand Sport, with the industry's shift toward electrification and hybrid technology. This year's win for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class underscores how manufacturers prioritize luxury and engineering integration to stand out against high-tech rivals.
The designation of Car of the Year often influences consumer perception and can impact the resale value of the winning Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Shoppers in the market for a new vehicle should note that testing results provide an independent benchmark for safety and efficiency performance metrics.
The takeaway
The MotorTrend selection process rewards vehicles that demonstrate a balance between design and engineering efficiency. Readers can use these award findings as one factor when comparing the technical performance of new luxury or hybrid vehicle models.
Further reading
For more on industry trends, visit the Electric Vehicles section.
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Do you prefer sports cars to feature traditional mechanical performance over advanced hybrid technology?
