2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Detailed for Australia: Substantial Tech Refresh, 4.0s Flat-Plane V8, and Pricing from $264,200

Billed by Mercedes-Benz as the most comprehensive mid-cycle update in the model's history, more than 50 per cent of the full-size limousine—accounting for approximately 2,700 individual components—has been newly developed, upgraded, or re-engineered to sharpen its competitive edge against rivals like the BMW 7 Series.

Pricing opens at $264,200 before on-road costs for the six-cylinder S450 4Matic, stepping up to $353,900 plus on-roads for the long-wheelbase, V8-powered S580L 4Matic.

Powertrain Overhaul: Flat-Plane V8 and Enhanced Six-Cylinder Torque

The updated S-Class introduces major mechanical revisions across both its six-cylinder and eight-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrains:

• Mercedes-Benz S450 4Matic (3.0L Turbo Inline-6): Power is drawn from a comprehensively revised M256M EVO 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine featuring optimized direct injection, a higher compression ratio, and an enhanced 48V integrated starter-generator (ISG). While standard power remains rated at 280kW, continuous torque climbs from 500Nm to 560Nm—with a temporary overboost function delivering up to 600Nm under hard acceleration. The 0-100km/h sprint time drops to 4.9 seconds (a 0.1-second improvement).
• Mercedes-Benz S580L 4Matic (4.0L Twin-Turbo V8): The flagship adopts the new-generation M177 EVO 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. Crucially, the engine adopts a motorsport-derived flat-plane crankshaft to reduce rotating rotational mass and sharpen throttle response. Peak system outputs rise to 395kW of power and 750Nm of torque (up from 370kW/700Nm), slashing its 0-100km/h acceleration time from 4.4 seconds down to an impressive 4.0 seconds flat.

Both model derivatives continue to be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission (9G-Tronic), fully variable 4Matic all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, and standard 4.5-degree rear-axle steering to significantly tighten urban turning circles (with up to 10-degree rear-wheel steering optionally available).

Buyers can also option the predictive E-Active Body Control active suspension ($17,100). Utilizing Car-to-X cloud communication, the system receives road hazard and speed bump data logged by other Mercedes-Benz vehicles within the previous 14 days, proactively adjusting damper firmness before the vehicle physically encounters the obstacle.

Bolder Exterior Design and Standard Australian AMG Line

Visually, the 2027 S-Class adopts a more imposing front profile dominated by a radiator grille that is 20 per cent larger than before, complete with an illuminated surround and intricate three-dimensional chrome-star detailing.

The front end incorporates updated Digital Light LED headlights featuring star-shaped daytime running light signatures. Powered by new micro-LED chips, the high-resolution illumination field expands by approximately 40 per cent, projecting high-beam light up to 600 metres ahead. Redesigned LED graphics also modernize the rear light clusters.

For the Australian market, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that all S-Class models will now feature the AMG Line exterior package as standard equipment, bringing high-gloss black and chrome exterior trim alongside new 20-inch AMG cross-spoke alloy wheels finished in high-sheen Himalaya Grey. For buyers desiring a traditional appearance, an Exterior Elegance Package with classic chrome styling and 20-inch forged wheels can be specified as a no-cost option.

Next-Gen MB.OS Cockpit and First-Class Rear Lounge

Inside, the digital environment is driven by the purpose-built Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) supercomputing architecture. The dashboard layout centers around a 14.4-inch central touchscreen running the latest MBUX generation with Zero Layer menus, flanked by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The optional MBUX Superscreen adds a dedicated passenger display, while the MBUX Virtual Assistant gains enhanced conversational intelligence.

Comfort innovations include standard Digital Vent Control to intelligently direct airflow, an AIR BALANCE cabin purification system that refreshes interior air every 90 seconds, a standard Burmester 3D sound system (with a 4D system optional), and available heated front seatbelts.

Rear-seat luxury can be tailored via dedicated option packages:  

• Comfort Complete Package ($14,100 on S450; $16,100 on S580L): Adds multicontour massaging rear seats, neck and shoulder heating, Chauffeur Package legroom adjustments, adaptive lighting, and MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment featuring dual 13.1-inch displays with wireless headphones. On the S580L, it exclusively incorporates an Executive Rear Seat with calf massage functionality.
• Business Class Package ($11,900, S580L only): Reconfigures the rear cabin into a private workspace with twin individual rear seats separated by a full-length business centre console, temperature-controlled cupholders, wireless phone charging, and folding rear work tables.

2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Full Australian Pricing & Options

(Note: Manufacturer's Recommended List Prices (MRLP) listed below include GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) where applicable, but strictly exclude dealer delivery charges and state statutory on-road costs.)

Model Lineup Pricing

• 2027 Mercedes-Benz S450 4Matic (SWB) – $264,200 (MRLP)
• 2027 Mercedes-Benz S580L 4Matic (LWB) – $353,900 (MRLP)

Factory Option Packages

• Comfort PLUS Package (S450 exclusive: AR Head-Up Display, 3D Driver Display, 4-Zone Climate, Heated Steering Wheel & Seatbelts, Rear Seat Heating & MBUX Remote) – $13,900
• Comfort Complete Package (Rear Chauffeur Pack, Rear Seat Massage, Dual 13.1-inch Rear Screens; includes Calf Massage on S580L) – $14,100 (S450) / $16,100 (S580L)
• Business Class Package (S580L exclusive: First-Class Rear Lounge, Full-Length Business Console, Folding Work Tables, Heated/Cooled Cupholders) – $11,900
• Exterior Elegance Package (Classic Styling, 20-inch Forged Alloy Wheels) – No-Cost Option

Standalone Options

• E-Active Body Control (Predictive Air Suspension) – $17,100
• Burmester High-End 4D Surround Sound System – $14,100
• MANUFAKTUR Exclusive Exterior Paint Finish (S580L only) – $24,300
• MANUFAKTUR Exclusive Interior Upholstery (S580L only) – $27,600