Mercedes-Benz S-Class named MotorTrend’s 2027 Car of the Year

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been named MotorTrend’s 2027 Car of the Year, earning recognition for its engineering, technology and performance.

MotorTrend Head of Editorial, Ed Loh, discussed the selection in an interview with WWAY, explaining what set the luxury sedan apart from this year’s competitors.

The Mercedes-Benz S580 features a 4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 553 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle also offers an optional adaptive suspension system designed to improve ride comfort.

Loh pointed to the vehicle’s technology as one of its most notable features, including the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System, known as MBOS, and an artificial intelligence assistant.

The automaker also plans to introduce an advanced driver-assistance system with Level 2++ semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Loh said he expected to test the system in the coming weeks.

MotorTrend’s Car of the Year award dates back to 1949. Loh said the selection process begins with testing new or significantly updated vehicles at a proving ground near Los Angeles.

This year, approximately 23 vehicles were considered, with competitors representing automakers including Chevrolet, Nissan, Ford, Audi and Lexus.

After initial testing, judges narrow the field to finalists, which are evaluated on a 28-mile route under real-world driving conditions.

Vehicles are judged on six criteria: advancement in design, engineering excellence, efficiency, safety, value and performance of intended function.

Judges then discuss the results and vote to determine the winner.

Loh said the base model starts at approximately $114,000, while the V8-powered S580 starts at about $136,000.

Additional information about the award and this year’s winner is available on the MotorTrend website.