Mercedes-Benz S-Class Unveils Revamped V8 Engine with Flat-Plane Crankshaft

Daily Car

14/01/2026

Mercedes-Benz is set to introduce a significant update to its flagship S-Class sedan, with the most notable change being a completely re-engineered 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. This updated powerplant, dubbed the M177 Evo, will feature a flat-plane crankshaft, a departure from the traditional cross-plane design, promising enhanced performance and efficiency.

Key Takeaways

The 2027 Mercedes S-Class receives a substantial facelift with approximately 2,700 new or revised components.
A new flat-plane crankshaft V8 engine (M177 Evo) debuts, producing 530 horsepower in the S580 mild-hybrid.
The engine is designed for improved throttle response, smoothness, and reduced emissions.
This new V8 will also find its way into other Mercedes models, including the AMG S63 and potentially the new CLE 63.
Exterior updates include new lighting elements, while the interior adopts a design similar to the EQS.

A Major Overhaul Under the Hood

The upcoming facelift for the 2027 Mercedes S-Class brings more than just cosmetic tweaks. The heart of the updated model is the M177 Evo, a significantly revised version of the long-standing 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. The most striking innovation is the adoption of a flat-plane crankshaft, a design typically found in high-performance sports cars and racing engines. Mercedes claims this change will not only boost throttle response and overall smoothness but also contribute to lower emissions.

The M177 Evo will debut in the S580 mild-hybrid variant, delivering an impressive 530 horsepower, a notable increase from the current model's 496 horsepower. This power upgrade aims to enhance the S-Class's refined character without compromising its luxurious feel. Reports suggest the engine offers a more immediate and fluid driving experience, aligning perfectly with the S-Class's ethos.

Expanding Beyond the S-Class

Mercedes-AMG has confirmed that the M177 Evo engine will not be exclusive to the S-Class. Following its introduction in the S580, the updated S63 is expected to receive this new V8. Furthermore, there's a strong possibility that the upcoming CLE 63 will also be powered by this advanced flat-plane V8, signaling a new era for performance in Mercedes' broader lineup.

Design and Interior Updates

While the exterior silhouette of the S-Class will remain largely familiar, Mercedes is updating the lighting signatures with new headlights and taillights featuring a distinctive star pattern. Inside, the cabin is set to undergo a more significant transformation. The current dashboard layout, characterized by its four central air vents and large portrait-oriented infotainment screen, will be replaced with a design that closely mirrors that of the all-electric EQS. The full impact of this interior redesign remains to be seen until the official unveiling.

2025-12-03

Bugatti Bolide's Final Unit Rolls Off Production Line, A Breathtaking Homage to Racing Heritage

The final Bugatti Bolide, one of only 40 ever made, has been completed. This track-focused hypercar pays homage to the Type 35 and features a unique blue paint scheme.