Mercedes-Benz has launched the 2026 S-Class S450e plug-in hybrid in India at Rs 2.20 crore, its first PHEV S-Class for the market. Featuring 2,700 new or updated components, it combines a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine with a 120 kW electric motor, delivering 435 hp, 680 Nm and a 115 km pure electric range for city commutes.
We just got a first look at the 2026 edition of the flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class that entered the Indian market today. With some impressive design and tech updates on the outside and within the cabin, the new S-Class also happens to be the brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid for India, which is news in itself.
The S450e PHEV, its official nomenclature, simplified by pop culture to ‘the S-Class’, boasts 2,700 new and updated components, and the German marque calls it the most advanced S-Class ever.
Some standout design highlights include the oversized front grille, which is illuminated, complemented by the new twin-star digital headlamps that have significantly larger high-beam projection that can flash light to up to 600 metres. A design touch shines through, quite literally, with the textured chrome stars on the grille, while the star leitmotif is replicated on the tail lamps as well.
The luxurious bells and whistles do matter when an S-Class customer is driving - or being driven - and for that the MB.OS operating system, a supercomputer brilliantly manages all aspects of the drive and ride experience within the cabin.
The car couples a turbocharged 3.0 litre inline-six turbo petrol engine with a 120 kW electric motor, paired to a 9-speed automatic transition.
Performance-wise, this S-Class boasts 435 hp of power and a torque of 680 Nm, coupled with a pure electric range of 115 kms. It can attain a top speed of 250 kmph and sprints from 0-100 mph in 5.7 seconds. The pure electric range makes it ideal for small city commutes, without having to activate the engine. On longer drives, though, the petrol engine can be activated on demand, which lets you effectively manage the range.
On a more technical note, the car ensures an enhanced rear-seat chauffeured experience thanks to its signature AIRMATIC air suspension, and an optional enhanced rear-axle steering, which would make driving, turning and parking in smaller, crowded city spaces far easier.
The cabin is resolutely futuristic, underpinned by the MBUX Superscreen, and the carmaker has made its AI assistant - MBUX Virtual Assistant - even more conversational and engaging, integrating immersive navigation on Google Maps and more.
And if this wasn’t enough, customers seeking an even more elevated S-Class can opt for the S450e MANUFAKTUR Edition, with far higher levels of personalisation and bespoke touches from the marque’s bespoke studio, MANUFAKTUR, which, apropos, gets 15 airbags built in.
This is, for now, summarising the new S-Class and its highlights, with a deeper dive into its cabin products, seat functionality, interior design elements, and tech specs to follow once we get our hands on the car.
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets a hefty but well-deserving price tag of Rs 2.20 crore for the Indian market, while the S450e is priced higher at Rs 2.38 crore.