Best Outdoor Date Adventures Around the Chicago Area: Explore in the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has spent generations setting expectations for luxury sedans. For 2027, it has given the rest of the industry another reason to pay attention. MotorTrend named the extensively updated flagship its 2027 Car of the Year on October 20, recognizing a sedan whose strongest qualities become apparent once it starts moving. The award follows changes to approximately 2,700 components, a new V8 engine, a more powerful computing platform and a cabin filled with thoughtful comfort features. Yet the quality that impressed MotorTrend’s judges was the way those pieces worked together. The S-Class delivered the quietness, ride comfort and composure expected of a flagship while remaining remarkably capable on a winding road. For anyone who enjoys the proportions and driving character of a full-size luxury sedan, the result is welcome news. The 2027 S-Class makes a persuasive case for a car designed around the experience of everyone inside it, whether they prefer the driver’s seat or the reclining seat behind it. Why the S-Class won MotorTrend’s Car of the Year award considers six areas: engineering excellence, advancement in design, value, safety, efficiency and performance of intended function. Each vehicle is evaluated against those criteria, with judges considering how successfully it fulfills its purpose. This year’s field included 16 nameplates represented by 22 variants. Testing began at a California proving ground before finalists moved onto public roads. That combination gave the judges opportunities to assess vehicle behavior under controlled conditions and on the surfaces owners encounter every day. The S 580 4MATIC Sedan stood out for the completeness of its luxury experience. Its powertrain remained smooth under load, its cabin stayed quiet at speed and its chassis combined comfort with precise control. These are qualities that cannot be reduced to a display size or horsepower figure. Together, they explain why the S-Class rose to the top. A familiar flagship with substantial changes The 2027 model is an extensive revision of the seventh-generation S-Class. More than half of the vehicle has been newly developed, updated or refined, making this a much broader undertaking than a few styling changes. Its proportions remain recognizable, but the front end has a stronger presence. The grille is approximately 20 percent larger, with an illuminated surround and chrome star detailing. An illuminated standing Mercedes-Benz star is available on the hood, while revised headlamps and taillamps carry their own star signatures. Check Out: Why Fall Is the Time to Prepare for Chicagoland Winter Those details give the sedan a distinctive appearance after dark. During the day, the long body and formal roofline preserve the visual character that has made the S-Class such an enduring executive car. New wheel designs provide another way to tailor its appearance, with choices that subtly change the overall impression. A new V8 for the S 580 The S 580 4MATIC Sedan introduces a revised 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. Mercedes-Benz lists 530 horsepower and estimates acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The engine is part of a broader effort to maintain substantial eight-cylinder performance while meeting evolving emissions requirements. Its development includes changes to the intake system, turbochargers and fuel injection. Mild-hybrid assistance complements the gasoline engine, and a nine-speed automatic transmission manages power delivery. For the driver, the appeal lies in having that performance readily available without disrupting the cabin’s calm. MotorTrend’s judges praised the engine’s refinement and the sedan’s ability to accelerate with little apparent strain. A flagship should feel equally comfortable settling into a highway cruise and responding decisively when the road opens up. Six-cylinder and plug-in hybrid choices The S 500 4MATIC Sedan uses a 3.0-liter inline-six producing 442 horsepower. Mercedes-Benz estimates a 4.3-second sprint to 60 mph, giving the entry point to the range substantial performance of its own. The S 580e 4MATIC Sedan combines a six-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 576 horsepower of total system output. It offers a different approach to the flagship experience, pairing plug-in hybrid capability with the space and comfort of the S-Class. Its estimated 0-to-60-mph time is 4.4 seconds. All three use 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The choice centers on powertrain character and how the vehicle will be used. The six-cylinder model emphasizes an already generous balance of performance and refinement, the V8 adds greater urgency, and the plug-in hybrid introduces the opportunity to make some journeys using electric power. Suspension that anticipates the road Standard AIRMATIC air suspension gives the S-Class an important foundation for its ride quality. Available E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL adds more sophisticated control of body movement, helping the large sedan maintain its composure as the road changes. The updated suspension technology can also use shared road information. Connected vehicles can report significant bumps and potholes, allowing an appropriately equipped S-Class approaching the same location to adjust its damping in advance. The benefit is a more prepared response to a rough stretch of pavement. Rear-axle steering is standard, with 4.5 degrees of steering movement. An available 10-degree system further improves maneuverability. In a car of this size, that is a meaningful convenience when turning into a tight garage, navigating a parking structure or maneuvering on a narrow street. It also helps make the sedan feel more manageable from behind the wheel. A cabin designed around comfort The S-Class interior remains a major part of its appeal. Available MANUFAKTUR finishes bring richly detailed upholstery and trim, while the seating and cabin equipment create numerous opportunities to personalize the atmosphere. Available heated front seat belts extend the comfort features beyond familiar heated seats and armrests. They are a small detail, but one that fits naturally into a sedan intended to make cold-weather travel more pleasant. Mercedes-Benz has also revised practical elements such as the placement of wireless phone chargers. The rear cabin can become an especially inviting place with available Executive equipment. Reclining seating and a footrest create room to stretch out, while available heating, ventilation and massage functions make longer journeys more comfortable. Optional rear entertainment adds two 13.1-inch displays. For owners who regularly travel with passengers, the back seat deserves as much attention as the driving position. A new digital experience The standard MBUX Superscreen gives the dashboard a different visual character. A 14.4-inch central display and a 12.3-inch passenger display sit beneath a shared glass surface, while a separate 12.3-inch display presents information to the driver. Behind the screens is MB.OS, the Mercedes-Benz Operating System. It connects vehicle systems and supports over-the-air software updates. Fourth-generation MBUX adds an AI-assisted voice interface designed to handle more conversational requests, along with updated navigation and personalization features. The technology is extensive, but the update also brings physical controls back to the steering wheel. That combination is useful in a car with so many functions: digital displays provide flexibility, while familiar buttons put selected adjustments directly under the driver’s fingers. Available augmented-reality navigation and Burmester audio provide further ways to configure the cabin around personal preferences. Driver assistance and everyday refinement The S-Class also advances its driver-assistance and parking technology. Cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors support systems designed to help with tasks ranging from highway travel to maneuvering into a parking space. The expanded MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO system is intended to add further capabilities, including point-to-point assistance through later software availability. It was not activated during MotorTrend’s award evaluation. These remain assistance features, with the driver responsible for monitoring the road and taking control when required. That distinction keeps the award in perspective. The S-Class earned its recognition through the vehicle the judges could evaluate: its engine, chassis, cabin and overall execution. Future software features add another chapter to the story, but the sedan’s fundamental strengths are already central to its appeal. A flagship that earns its place This week’s coverage places reported starting prices around $114,000 for the S 500 and $136,000 for the S 580. Optional equipment can substantially change the final price, particularly with extensive interior and rear-seat upgrades. The 2027 S-Class rewards attention because its engineering serves a clear purpose. Strong acceleration, thoughtful comfort features and a controlled ride contribute to a sedan that can make ordinary travel feel more considered. MotorTrend’s award recognizes that achievement and brings renewed attention to one of the defining names in luxury motoring. To explore the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and arrange a test drive when available, contact Loeber Motors in Lincolnwood. Check Out: The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Embodies True Ultra-Luxury Quick Answers The Mercedes-Benz S-Class won MotorTrend’s 2027 Car of the Year award, announced October 20, 2026. The extensively updated sedan includes approximately 2,700 new or revised components. The range includes the 442-horsepower S 500, 530-horsepower S 580 and 576-horsepower S 580e plug-in hybrid. Standard equipment includes 4MATIC all-wheel drive, AIRMATIC air suspension and rear-axle steering. Frequently Asked Questions Which Mercedes-Benz won MotorTrend’s 2027 Car of the Year? The Mercedes-Benz S-Class won the award. MotorTrend evaluated an S 580 4MATIC Sedan during its judging process. What is new for the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class? The update includes approximately 2,700 new or revised components, a revised V8 engine, MB.OS, fourth-generation MBUX, the standard MBUX Superscreen, exterior changes and updated comfort and assistance technology. How fast is the 2027 S-Class? Mercedes-Benz estimates 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds for the S 500, 3.9 seconds for the S 580 and 4.4 seconds for the S 580e plug-in hybrid. Does the 2027 S-Class have a Hyperscreen? The updated sedan has the standard MBUX Superscreen. Its 14.4-inch central display and 12.3-inch passenger display are complemented by a separate 12.3-inch driver display. How much does the 2027 S-Class cost? This week’s award coverage reports starting prices around $114,000 for the S 500 and $136,000 for the S 580. Confirm the MSRP, destination charge, options and other applicable charges for a specific vehicle. Key Specifications Model year: 2027 Award: MotorTrend Car of the Year Announcement date: October 20, 2026 S 500 engine: 3.0-liter inline-six S 500 power: 442 hp S 580 engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 S 580 power: 530 hp S 580e power: 576 hp combined Transmission: Nine-speed automatic Drivetrain: 4MATIC all-wheel drive Suspension: Standard AIRMATIC; available E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL Rear-axle steering: 4.5 degrees standard; 10 degrees available Expert Summary The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class combines extensive engineering updates with the comfort and refinement expected of a flagship sedan. Its MotorTrend Car of the Year win reflects the overall execution of the vehicle, particularly the S 580’s smooth V8 performance and accomplished chassis. Three powertrain choices, standard air suspension and rear-axle steering, and an extensively updated cabin give the range considerable breadth. 0–60 mph: 4.3 seconds S 500; 3.9 seconds S 580; 4.4 seconds S 580e, manufacturer estimates

For decades, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been the car most people picture when they picture a Mercedes: compact enough for a daily commute, refined enough for a client meeting, and consistently the brand's best-selling nameplate worldwide. The 2027 model year changes what that sentence means. For the first time in the C-Class's history, Mercedes-Benz is building it two ways — a redesigned gas and hybrid lineup alongside a fully electric version, the C 400, built from the ground up rather than adapted from an existing platform. Mercedes-Benz confirmed the sixth-generation C-Class earlier this year. And according to the auto manufacturer the gas and hybrid C-Class gets a larger front fascia with a chrome surround, contour lighting and an illuminated Mercedes-Benz star, along with new headlights carrying a star-shaped lighting signature. The silhouette has been reworked for a cleaner, sportier stance, and buyers get a choice of new 18- and 19-inch wheel designs alongside two additional exterior colors, Miami Silver Metallic and Moody Sky Grey Metallic. Inside, the cabin gains a Cherry Red upholstery option, Natural Grain Birch Wood trim and a High-Gloss Silver Metallic finish, layered over MB-Tex, leather or Nappa leather seating depending on trim. The bigger story sits under the skin. Mercedes-Benz's new operating system, MB.OS, arrives in the C-Class for the first time, running an AI-powered MBUX infotainment system with a portrait-oriented center display and a dedicated driver display. It is the same software backbone the automaker has begun rolling into its larger sedans and SUVs, and its arrival in the C-Class signals that the update is less a mid-cycle refresh than a full technology transplant into the brand's volume seller. The C 400 takes that transplant further. Built as an electric vehicle from the start rather than converted from a combustion platform, the C 400 rides on an 800-volt architecture, the same high-speed charging foundation found in Mercedes' larger EQ models. Estimates put its range near 473 miles on a full charge, a figure that would place it among the longest-range electric sedans sold in the country. Power comes from two motors — one at each axle — for standard all-wheel drive, paired with a 94-kilowatt-hour battery and, notably, a two-speed transmission, a detail more common in high-performance EVs than in a compact luxury sedan. Mercedes says the setup improves both efficiency at highway speed and acceleration off the line. The C 400's styling breaks from the swoopier, more aerodynamic shapes that defined Mercedes' earlier EVs. Where those cars wore an egg-like silhouette built almost entirely around drag reduction, the C 400 keeps a traditional three-box sedan profile, complete with a conventional trunk rather than a liftback. Mercedes added a front trunk as well, a small but practical nod to owners who've grown used to the extra storage EVs can offer. The company also reworked the braking system for a firmer, more conventional pedal feel — an area where its earlier electric sedans drew criticism — and reintroduced physical buttons for some frequently used controls, even as most functions still route through the center touchscreen. For a Chicagoland driver, the range figures matter in a specific way. A commute up the Edens Expressway or across to the North Shore rarely taxes a battery, but the kind of weekend trip Chicagoland Mercedes-Benz owners tend to take — up to Door County, out along the Fox River Valley, or around the marinas that line the North Shore in summer — asks more of a car's range than daily driving does. An estimated 473 miles puts most of those routes within reach on a single charge, with 800-volt fast charging closing the gap quickly on the way back. Safety and driver-assistance technology carries over from Mercedes' larger models as well. Both the gas C-Class and the C 400 are expected to offer MB.DRIVE, the automaker's current driver-assistance suite, with exterior cameras and radar sensors monitoring the car's surroundings continuously. Because the system runs on MB.OS, software updates arrive over the air rather than requiring a dealership visit, a shift Mercedes has been phasing in across its lineup over the past two model years. For a car that will spend most of its life in daily Chicagoland traffic rather than on a track, that steady stream of updates may end up mattering more to owners than any single launch-day spec. The redesign also lands at a deliberate moment for Mercedes-Benz. The company has built its entire 2026 and 2027 product calendar around the 140th anniversary of Carl Benz's original automobile patent, and the C-Class carries particular weight in that story: it's the model more people have owned, leased or ridden in than any other Mercedes nameplate. Redesigning it twice over — once as a combustion and hybrid car, once as a ground-up EV — reflects a bet that the brand's most familiar model is also its best proving ground for unfamiliar technology. Mercedes-Benz has not finalized U.S. pricing for either the gas C-Class or the C 400, though early industry estimates place the C 400 in the $55,000 to $65,000 range. Check Out: Best Places to Cool Off During Summer in Chicagoland Both versions are expected to reach U.S. dealerships in 2027, with the C 400 arriving first, likely in the spring, ahead of the combustion and hybrid variants. The C 400's all-wheel-drive-only launch trim, badged C 400 4Matic, will be the first configuration available when the car goes on sale, with additional powertrain and trim options expected to follow through the model year. Inside, the differences between the gas C-Class and the C 400 are smaller than the powertrain gap might suggest. Both share the same portrait-oriented center display, the same driver display, and the same MBUX Virtual Assistant, so a shopper moving between a combustion C 300 and an electric C 400 on the Loeber Motors lot won't be relearning the car from the driver's seat. The distinction shows up instead in details specific to how each car is built: the C 400's front trunk, its two-speed transmission tuned for regenerative braking, and a battery pack integrated low into the floor that Mercedes says improves the car's center of gravity relative to its combustion sibling. What makes the 2027 C-Class worth watching isn't any single spec. It's the fact that Mercedes-Benz chose its most recognizable, highest-volume model to carry its newest software platform and its most range-focused EV architecture at the same time. The S-Class gets the flagship treatment and the headlines that come with a halo car; the C-Class gets the harder assignment; proving that same technology works at scale, for the buyer cross-shopping a compact sedan rather than commissioning a limousine. Whichever version — gas, hybrid or electric — ends up in a Loeber Motors customer's driveway, it will be running the same operating system Mercedes-Benz is betting its next decade on. The plug-in hybrid variant fills the space between those two extremes, and Mercedes-Benz has treated it as more than a stopgap. The C 300e pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor built into the transmission, giving drivers a meaningful all-electric commute range before the gas engine ever engages. For a buyer who splits time between the city and the North Shore suburbs, that configuration solves a problem the full EV can't: charging infrastructure remains uneven outside Chicagoland's core, and a plug-in hybrid never leaves a driver stranded waiting on a public charger. Mercedes-Benz has positioned the C 300e as the trim most likely to appeal to a first-time electrified buyer, someone testing the water before committing to something like the C 400. Trim strategy across the lineup follows a familiar Mercedes-Benz pattern, expanded to cover three distinct powertrains. The base C 300 arrives in rear-wheel-drive and 4Matic all-wheel-drive configurations, aimed at buyers who want the redesign's styling and technology without stepping up to electrification. Above it sits the AMG-tuned C 43, which carries over a turbocharged four-cylinder boosted by an electric auxiliary compressor, a setup unique to Mercedes-AMG that closes much of the gap to a six-cylinder without the added weight. An AMG C 63 variant is expected to follow later in the model year, continuing the performance flagship's shift toward hybridized four-cylinder power that began with the previous generation. Inside, the redesign leans harder into personalization than past C-Class generations did. Buyers can choose from an expanded ambient lighting system with dozens of color combinations, synced to selectable drive modes so the cabin's lighting shifts subtly between a comfort setting and a sport setting. An available Burmester surround-sound system, a longtime signature on Mercedes-Benz's larger sedans, comes to the C-Class in a version scaled for the smaller cabin. Seat upholstery options extend beyond the Cherry Red introduced with the redesign to include several new two-tone combinations, giving the interior configurator meaningfully more range than the outgoing generation offered. Production for the redesigned C-Class continues at Mercedes-Benz's Bremen plant in Germany, the same facility that has built the nameplate for decades, with the C 400 sharing that production line rather than requiring a dedicated EV-only facility. That decision reflects a broader shift in how Mercedes-Benz builds electric vehicles: rather than isolating EV production to specialized plants, as the company did with some earlier electric models, the C 400 rolls down the same line as its gas and hybrid siblings, differentiated by battery and drivetrain installation rather than an entirely separate manufacturing process. Check Out: The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Stuns For Loeber Motors, the rollout means a wider ordering window than a typical redesign cycle offers. Customers configuring a 2027 C-Class through Loeber will be choosing not just paint and wheels, but a powertrain philosophy: a familiar four-cylinder gas car, a plug-in hybrid built for a mixed commute, a fully electric sedan rated near 473 miles of range, or, eventually, an AMG variant built for the driver who wants the redesign's technology wrapped around genuine performance. That range of choice, built into a single nameplate rather than spread across separate model lines, is itself the story of the 2027 C-Class — a car trying to be the right answer for nearly every kind of Mercedes-Benz buyer at once. Ready to see the 2027 C-Class in person? Contact Loeber Motors to reserve yours. (Sources: Mercedes-Benz USA and Motor1) Quick Answers The 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class marks the sixth generation of Mercedes’ best-selling nameplate and, for the first time, arrives in two distinct forms: a redesigned gas and hybrid C-Class, and the all-new C 400, the model’s first fully electric version. The C 400 rides on an 800-volt architecture with an estimated range near 473 miles, dual motors producing 482 horsepower combined, a 94-kWh battery and standard all-wheel drive. Both versions run Mercedes’ new MB.OS operating system with AI-powered MBUX infotainment. Pricing has not been finalized; the C 400 is estimated at $55,000 to $65,000 and is expected to arrive first, likely in spring 2027, ahead of the gas and hybrid variants. Loeber Motors expects to carry both versions as they reach U.S. dealerships. Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is new about the 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class? It’s the sixth-generation redesign of Mercedes-Benz’s compact luxury sedan, with a new front fascia, updated interior trims, and the brand’s new MB.OS operating system with AI-powered MBUX infotainment. 2. What is the C 400? The C 400 is the first fully electric version of the C-Class, built from the ground up on an 800-volt electric architecture rather than adapted from the gas platform. 3. How much range does the C 400 have? Early estimates put range near 473 miles on a full charge, though Mercedes-Benz has not published an official EPA figure. 4. What powertrain does the C 400 use? A dual-motor setup producing 482 horsepower combined, paired with a 94-kWh battery, a two-speed transmission and standard all-wheel drive. 5. When does the 2027 C-Class go on sale? The C 400 is expected to arrive first, likely in spring 2027, with the redesigned gas and hybrid C-Class variants following later in the model year. 6. How much will the 2027 C-Class cost? Mercedes-Benz has not finalized U.S. pricing. Early industry estimates place the C 400 between $55,000 and $65,000; pricing for gas and hybrid trims has not yet been estimated. 7. Will the 2027 C-Class be available at Loeber Motors? Yes. Both the redesigned gas and hybrid C-Class and the electric C 400 are expected to reach Loeber Motors as they roll out to U.S. dealerships in 2027. Key Specifications Model Update: Sixth-generation C-Class, first year offering a fully electric C 400 alongside gas and hybrid variants C 400 Powertrain: Dual electric motors, 482 hp combined, 94-kWh battery, two-speed transmission, standard all-wheel drive C 400 Range (est.): Up to 473 miles Architecture: 800-volt electric platform (C 400); MB.OS operating system across all C-Class variants Estimated Pricing: C 400: $55,000–$65,000 (not yet finalized by Mercedes-Benz) On Sale: C 400 expected spring 2027; gas and hybrid variants to follow Expert Summary The 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class represents a turning point for the brand’s highest-volume nameplate, splitting for the first time into a redesigned combustion and hybrid lineup and a purpose-built electric C 400. Rather than reserving its newest technology for flagship models, Mercedes-Benz is deploying its MB.OS operating system and 800-volt EV architecture in the car most likely to be a customer’s first Mercedes-Benz. With an estimated range near 473 miles and standard all-wheel drive, the C 400 positions itself as a genuinely usable electric option for Chicagoland driving and weekend travel alike. Loeber Motors expects to carry both the electric and combustion versions

A look back at a truly unforgettable Martin Loeber Day! From celebrating 90 years of the legacy our founder began to hearing incredible stories from Chicago Bears Super Bowl champion Kevin Butler, it was an evening filled with inspiration, camaraderie, and a little football history. We also celebrated a remarkable milestone honoring John Martin for 50 years at Loeber Motors — a testament to the dedication and people who make our legacy so special. 90 years of tradition, a winning season, and memories we’ll never forget. Here’s to the legacy that brought us here and the future we’re building together!