When Mercedes-Benz launched the S-Class facelift in India on June 15 (2026), it did not merely update the flagship sedan with a fresh face — it fundamentally changed what an S-Class means to the world! For the first time ever, India gets a plug-in hybrid S-Class: the S 450e, combining a 3.0-litre turbo inline-six with a 163 PS electric motor for a combined 435 hp and a claimed 115 km of pure-EV range.
The Mercedes S-Class 2026 India price of Rs 2.20 crore is Rs 35 lakh more than the outgoing model — a bold ask in a segment where every rupee is scrutinised. But between the PHEV powertrain, 15 airbags (a record for any car sold in India), and a triple-display MBUX Superscreen, this may be the most comprehensively upgraded S-Class India has ever received.
This in-depth review covers every detail: price and variants, the PHEV powertrain, the redesigned exterior and interior, and how the 2026 S-Class stacks up against the BMW 7 Series and i7. Let us break it all down.
2026 Mercedes S-Class Facelift Price in India
Mercedes-Benz S 450e India has launched the 2026 S-Class facelift in two variants, both exclusively in the S 450e PHEV configuration:
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price (India) |
|---|---|
| S 450e Launch Edition (Exclusive Line) | Rs 2.20 crore |
| S 450e AMG Line (Manufaktur Edition) | Rs 2.38 crore |
All prices are introductory ex-showroom, pan-India. The outgoing S-Class was priced at Rs 1.85 crore, making this a Rs 35 lakh increase — a jump that Mercedes justifies through the addition of the PHEV system, the new MBUX Superscreen, the 15-airbag suite, and several technology upgrades.
The S 450e Launch Edition (Exclusive Line trim) is the entry point and includes virtually all the flagship technology. The S 450e AMG Line adds sportier exterior styling — blacked-out grille surround, AMG-specific 20-inch alloys, AMG side sills, and a sportier interior trim — for Rs 18 lakh more.
Two additional variants — the S 350d (diesel) and the S 450 4MATIC (petrol AWD) — are expected to be introduced later in 2026, though Mercedes-Benz India has not confirmed pricing or timelines for these yet. For now, the PHEV is the only game in town.
It is also worth noting that the India-EU FTA, which reduced import duties on EU-manufactured CBU cars to 10%, does not benefit the S-Class: Mercedes assembles the S-Class in India via CKD operations at its Chakan plant, so it is exempt from the CBU tariff reduction. You can read more about how the India-EU FTA impacts luxury car pricing in India in our detailed breakdown.
S 450e Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain: India’s First PHEV S-Class
The headline story of this facelift is the powertrain. The 2026 S-Class marks the first time Mercedes-Benz has offered a plug-in hybrid S-Class in India — and the numbers are impressive.
The S 450e uses a 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged petrol engine paired with a rear-axle-mounted electric motor rated at 163 PS (120 kW). Together, they produce a combined 435 hp and 680 Nm of torque, routed through a 9-speed automatic gearbox. The sprint from 0 to 100 kph takes 5.7 seconds — brisk for a car weighing north of 2,300 kg and measuring over 5.3 metres in length.
The 22 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (usable capacity) is mounted under the boot floor, preserving the long-wheelbase rear cabin space that S-Class buyers expect. Mercedes-Benz S 450e Facelift claims a WLTP-certified electric-only range of 115 km — enough to cover most urban commutes in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore without touching a drop of petrol. On a combined WLTP cycle, the S 450e returns a claimed 32.3 kpl equivalent, reflecting the extraordinary efficiency gains in EV-dominant city driving.
| Specification | S 450e PHEV |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L inline-six turbo petrol |
| Electric Motor | 163 PS (120 kW), rear-axle mounted |
| Combined Power | 435 hp |
| Combined Torque | 680 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 22 kWh lithium-ion |
| EV Range (WLTP) | 115 km |
| Fuel Efficiency (WLTP combined) | 32.3 kpl equivalent |
| 0-100 kph | 5.7 seconds |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive (standard) |
| DC Fast Charging (60 kW) | 10-80% in 20 minutes |
| AC Home Charging | Available (standard home wallbox) |
Charging is a practical consideration for Indian buyers. The Mercedes-Benz S 450e supports 60 kW DC fast charging, allowing a 10-80% charge in just 20 minutes at a compatible DC charger — increasingly common at premium malls, hotels, and expressway plazas in metro India. Standard AC home charging is also supported for overnight top-ups.
Why PHEV over pure ICE for India? Mercedes-Benz India has consistently cited India’s improving charging infrastructure and the aspirational green credentials that premium buyers increasingly demand. The S 450e threads the needle between the petrol-powered S 350d (coming later) and a full EV, offering genuine zero-emission city capability without the range anxiety of a pure electric vehicle.
Exterior Design Updates: Bigger, Bolder, More Tech
The 2026 S-Class facelift is an evolution, not a revolution, in design — but the changes are meaningful enough to distinguish the new car from its predecessor at a glance.
Up front, the grille is 20% larger than the outgoing model, with illuminated chrome three-pointed star elements embedded in the grille surround. The redesigned LED headlights feature DIGITAL LIGHT technology with a claimed projection distance of up to 600 metres, along with an intricate twin-star lighting signature that identifies the new S-Class after dark. A new illuminated bonnet emblem — a first for any S-Class — adds a subtle but distinctive premium touch.
At the sides, new 20-inch alloy wheel designs are standard on both variants, with AMG-specific 20-inch five-spoke turbine wheels on the AMG Line. The body dimensions are carried over from the outgoing long-wheelbase version: 5,289 mm in length, 1,954 mm wide, and 1,503 mm tall, with a 3,216 mm wheelbase.
At the rear, revised LED tail lamps with dynamic light animations and a resculpted bumper round off the updates. The overall silhouette remains the quintessential three-box luxury sedan — elegant, restrained, and unmistakably S-Class.
MBUX Superscreen Interior: India’s Most Advanced Cabin Display
Step inside the 2026 S-Class and the most dramatic change is immediately apparent: the MBUX Superscreen, a sweeping triple-display setup that replaces the previous-generation’s 12.8-inch central tablet with something far more ambitious.
The setup consists of three high-resolution screens spanning the full width of the dashboard:
- 14.4-inch OLED central touchscreen — the primary infotainment and control hub, running MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System)
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster — fully customisable, with multiple display modes including sport, navigation, and classic dials
- 12.3-inch front passenger OLED display — a co-pilot screen for navigation, entertainment, or media, with an anti-dazzle function that prevents the driver from seeing content at speed
The MB.OS platform is central to this generation’s technology story. It integrates over-the-air (OTA) software updates, Google Maps with augmented-reality navigation projected on the AR head-up display, and an enhanced MBUX AI voice assistant. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless charging pads are integrated into the centre console.
The Burmester 4D audio system — standard on the S-Class — uses 31 speakers (with 8 seat exciters, 1,610W total output, and Dolby Atmos support) and resonators built into the seat structures to deliver a concert-hall-quality listening experience. Extended ambient lighting wraps the dashboard, door panels, centre console, and footwells in 64-colour programmable illumination.
Rear Cabin and Executive Features
The S-Class is, above all, a chauffeur-driven car for many of its Indian buyers — and the rear cabin is where the real luxury lives.
The long-wheelbase configuration (standard in India) delivers a 3,216 mm wheelbase, translating into exceptional legroom in the rear. The Executive Rear Seats recline up to 43.5 degrees and include individually adjustable Ottoman footrests. All four seats offer heating, ventilation, and multi-level massage functions as standard.
Each rear passenger gets access to a 13.1-inch rear entertainment screen with an integrated camera for video calls. The 4-zone climate control system allows the front and both rear passengers to set independent temperatures. The MBUX AI voice assistant responds to natural language commands across all four zones — passengers can adjust seat temperature, sunblind positions, or ambient lighting without touching a button.
NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) insulation has been significantly upgraded in this facelift. Double-glazed side windows, acoustic laminated glass, and additional sound-deadening material in the floor and roof contribute to a near-silent cabin — critical for a car that will spend significant time crawling through India’s urban traffic.
Safety: India’s First Car with 15 Airbags
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S450e makes automotive history in India: it is the first car sold in this country to offer 15 airbags as standard. To put this in context, most luxury sedans in India offer 8-12 airbags. The S-Class goes further:
- 2 front airbags
- 2 front side thorax airbags
- 2 rear side thorax airbags
- 2 front curtain airbags
- 2 rear curtain airbags
- 2 front seatbelt airbags (integrated into the front seatbelts)
- 1 front centre airbag (between driver and passenger)
- 1 rear centre airbag (between rear passengers)
- 1 driver knee airbag
The seatbelt airbags are particularly noteworthy — they inflate during a frontal collision to distribute crash forces more evenly across the occupant’s chest, reducing thoracic injury risk significantly. The front centre airbag prevents the driver and front passenger from colliding with each other in a side-impact scenario.
Beyond airbags, the S-Class carries a comprehensive Level 2+ ADAS suite:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Active lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- 360-degree surround-view camera system.
Rear-wheel steering is standard, providing 4.5 degrees of rear-axle steering angle that dramatically improves low-speed manoeuvrability.
For those interested in how the S-Class compares to the world’s safest cars on broader safety metrics, our deep dive on the safest cars in the world provides useful context on modern vehicle safety benchmarks.
Charging, Running Costs and Ownership
The PHEV setup of the S 450e creates a genuinely compelling ownership proposition for Indian buyers — particularly those based in metro cities with access to home charging or corporate charging facilities.
| Charging Type | Charger Power | Time to Charge (10-80%) |
|---|---|---|
| DC Fast Charging | 60 kW | ~20 minutes |
| AC Home / Public Charging | 7.2 kW (standard wallbox) | ~3-4 hours (full) |
Running cost estimate: In EV mode, assuming a commercial electricity rate of Rs 12 per kWh, the S 450e costs approximately Rs 2.08 per km for the 115 km EV range (22 kWh divided by 115 km multiplied by Rs 12). By contrast, running on petrol at today’s Delhi pump price of approximately Rs 95 per litre and a real-world mileage of 10 kmpl, the cost per km on petrol is Rs 9.50. For a buyer who covers 80-90 km daily and charges overnight, the effective running cost can be a fraction of a comparable petrol-only luxury sedan.
Mercedes-Benz India offers a standard 2-year / unlimited-km manufacturer warranty, with an optional extended warranty available. The PHEV battery pack carries a separate 8-year / 1,60,000 km warranty — in line with Mercedes’ global PHEV policy.
Mercedes S-Class 2026 vs BMW 7 Series: How Do They Compare?
The BMW 7 Series is the S-Class’s oldest and most direct rival in India. Here is how they compare across the key dimensions that matter to buyers:
| Specification | Mercedes S 450e Launch Edition | Mercedes S 450e AMG Line | BMW 740i M Sport | BMW i7 eDrive50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 2.20 crore | Rs 2.38 crore | Rs 1.83 crore | Rs 2.05 crore |
| Powertrain | PHEV (3.0L turbo + electric) | PHEV (3.0L turbo + electric) | 3.0L turbo petrol (mild hybrid) | Fully electric (dual motor) |
| Combined Power | 435 hp | 435 hp | 381 hp + 18 hp (48V) | 449 hp |
| Torque | 680 Nm | 680 Nm | 520 Nm | 650 Nm |
| 0-100 kph | 5.7 sec | 5.7 sec | 5.4 sec | ~4.7 sec |
| EV / Electric Range | 115 km (WLTP) | 115 km (WLTP) | N/A (mild hybrid only) | 560-603 km (WLTP) |
| Airbags | 15 | 15 | Not specified | Not specified |
| Infotainment | 14.4″ OLED + dual 12.3″ | 14.4″ OLED + dual 12.3″ | 31.3″ Theatre Screen + Curved Display | 31.3″ Theatre Screen + Curved Display |
| Audio System | Burmester 4D (31 speakers, 1,610W) | Burmester 4D (31 speakers, 1,610W) | Bowers and Wilkins (16-24 speakers) | Bowers and Wilkins (36 speakers) |
The BMW 740i M Sport at Rs 1.83 crore is significantly more accessible — Rs 37 lakh less than the base S 450e. However, the 740i is a mild hybrid (48V system), not a genuine PHEV: it offers no electric-only driving capability. The BMW i7, at Rs 2.05 crore, is the true electric alternative — but with a 560 km WLTP range that comes entirely from a 101.7 kWh battery, it is a different proposition altogether.
The S 450e positions itself as the pragmatic middle ground: genuine EV capability for daily use, with a petrol engine for long-distance driving, all wrapped in the S-Class’s historically superior rear-cabin execution and the new segment-first 15-airbag safety standard.
The BMW 7 Series does have an edge in one area: the 31.3-inch 8K theatre screen in the rear roof is genuinely spectacular, and the 740i’s 5.4-second 0-100 kph time beats the S 450e’s 5.7 seconds. But in ride quality, rear-cabin refinement, and brand prestige in India, Mercedes continues to set the benchmark.
The 7 Series has the advantage in most areas of dimensionality: it’s 87mm longer, 29mm wider, and 41mm taller than the S-Class. The 7 Series is equipped with 20-inch wheels as standard, which can be optioned up to 22 inches, versus 18- or 19-inch wheels standard on the S 450e. It also offers 540 litres of luggage capacity, which is 195 litres more than the S-Class — a direct trade-off from the S-Class’s battery pack eating into boot room.
The Mercedes S 450e, however, pulls ahead where it counts, too: its plug-in hybrid setup delivers 429bhp and 680Nm combined, well past the 7 Series’ outputs – along with a 115km EV-only range and 32.3kmpl efficiency. Safety-wise, the S 450e comes loaded with up to 15 airbags against the 7 Series’ 7, alongside the Level 2++ ADAS and rear-wheel steering.
In short, the 7 Series wins on value and practicality, while the S 450e leads on performance, safety, and hybrid tech.
Before vs After: 2026 Facelift vs Outgoing S-Class
| Feature | Outgoing S-Class (2021-2025) | 2026 Facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Rs 1.85 crore | Rs 2.20 crore |
| Powertrain Options (India) | S 350d diesel, S 450 4MATIC petrol | S 450e PHEV (initially) |
| EV Range | None | 115 km (WLTP) |
| Central Display | 12.8-inch OLED | 14.4-inch OLED |
| Passenger Display | Not available | 12.3-inch OLED |
| Airbags | 8 airbags | 15 airbags |
| Operating System | MBUX (first gen) | MB.OS (latest gen) |
| Charging | Not applicable | 60 kW DC / 7.2 kW AC |
| Rear Entertainment | Rear screens (available) | 13.1-inch rear screens standard |
| Grille Size | Standard | 20% larger, illuminated |
Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2026 Mercedes S-Class?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 450e is the most complete expression of the S-Class in India to date. According to Autocar India’s launch coverage, it represents not just a mid-cycle refresh but a meaningful technological leap — and our analysis agrees. The PHEV powertrain is the most compelling reason to choose this car over its predecessor and over the BMW 740i.
First Drive Impressions — Based on International Launch Event and Autocar India’s India Launch Drive
Based on international first drives and S-Class India launch event impressions reported by Autocar India, the S 450e’s defining quality in real-world use is its seamlessness. In stop-start city traffic — the primary environment for chauffeur-driven buyers in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru — the transition between EV and hybrid mode is imperceptible: the engine slides in without a shudder, and at crawling speeds under 30 kph the car remains in near-silent EV mode automatically.
The 435 hp combined output feels brisk rather than savage — the substantial 2,300+ kg kerb weight from the battery pack is felt, but the instant electric torque ensures the car never feels sluggish in traffic. The E-Active Body Control air suspension in Comfort mode absorbs broken tarmac and potholes with the kind of unhurried composure that is genuinely difficult to replicate at any price point. NVH levels in EV mode are exceptional — tyre noise is the dominant sound source at speed.
Switch to hybrid mode on the expressway and the inline-six’s refinement ensures the cabin atmosphere remains hushed. For India’s executive rear-seat passenger, the combination of near-silent progress, 43.5-degree seat recline, and multi-zone massage creates an environment that few cars anywhere in the world can match.
Buy the S 450e if: You are a chauffeur-driven executive or business owner who covers 80-120 km daily in a metro city. You have access to a home charger or office charging point. You want the greenest possible luxury sedan without committing to a full EV. The 15-airbag safety record matters to you. You value rear-cabin refinement above all else.
Consider the BMW 740i instead if: The Rs 37 lakh premium over the 740i M Sport is genuinely difficult to justify for your use case, you predominantly drive long highway distances where the PHEV advantage diminishes, or you prefer BMW’s sportier driving character and the exceptional rear theatre screen.
Consider the BMW i7 instead if: You want a fully electric flagship with no range anxiety (560 km WLTP), and you have a reliable home charging solution.
India’s luxury car market is growing at 15-20% annually, according to industry data — and the S-Class has consistently been the benchmark by which all other luxury sedans are judged. The 2026 facelift reinforces that position with authority. The Rs 2.20 crore price tag is significant, but for a car that offers India’s first PHEV S-Class, 15 airbags, a triple-OLED Superscreen, and a 115 km electric range, the value proposition is more convincing than it first appears.
India’s growing luxury segment also makes this a relevant time to explore how the Range Rover is priced across India — the S-Class’s closest ultra-luxury competitor in the SUV space. For a broader view of how import duty changes are reshaping luxury car pricing in India, see our analysis of India-EU FTA and its impact on luxury cars.
2026 Mercedes S-Class Full Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-litre inline-six turbo petrol (M256) |
| Electric Motor | 163 PS (120 kW), rear-axle mounted |
| Combined System Power | 435 hp |
| Combined System Torque | 680 Nm |
| Battery | 22 kWh lithium-ion |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic (9G-TRONIC) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-100 kph | 5.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250 kph (electronically limited) |
| EV Range (WLTP) | 115 km |
| Fuel Efficiency (WLTP combined) | 32.3 kpl equivalent |
| DC Fast Charging | 60 kW (10-80% in 20 min) |
| Length | 5,289 mm (LWB) |
| Width | 1,954 mm |
| Height | 1,503 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,216 mm |
| Airbags | 15 (India record) |
| Infotainment | 14.4″ OLED central + 12.3″ cluster + 12.3″ passenger display |
| Operating System | MB.OS |
| Audio | Burmester 4D (31 speakers, 1,610W, Dolby Atmos) |
| Rear Seat Recline | 43.5 degrees |
| Rear Entertainment | 13.1-inch screens |
| ADAS Level | Level 2+ |
| Suspension | Adaptive air suspension (E-Active Body Control) |
| Rear-wheel Steering | 4.5 degrees standard |
| Warranty | 2 years / unlimited km; battery 8 years / 1,60,000 km |
Mercedes S-Class 2026 FAQ
1. What is the 2026 Mercedes S-Class price in India?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift is priced at Rs 2.20 crore for the S 450e Launch Edition (Exclusive Line) and Rs 2.38 crore for the S 450e AMG Line — both ex-showroom, pan-India. These are introductory prices. The S 350d and S 450 4MATIC variants are expected to be launched later in 2026, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.
2. What is the electric range of the Mercedes S 450e in India?
The Mercedes S 450e PHEV offers a WLTP-certified pure electric range of 115 km on a full charge. The 22 kWh battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes using a 60 kW DC fast charger. On AC charging via a 7.2 kW home wallbox, a full charge takes approximately 3-4 hours overnight.
3. How many airbags does the 2026 Mercedes S-Class have?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the first car in India to offer 15 airbags as standard. The airbag setup includes front airbags, side thorax airbags (front and rear), curtain airbags (front and rear), seatbelt airbags integrated into the front seatbelts, a front centre airbag, a rear centre airbag, and a driver knee airbag. This is a record for any production car sold in India.
4. What is new in the 2026 Mercedes S-Class interior?
The biggest interior change is the MBUX Superscreen: a 14.4-inch central OLED touchscreen (up from 12.8 inches), a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a new 12.3-inch front passenger OLED display. The system runs on MB.OS with OTA update capability, AR navigation via Google Maps, and an enhanced AI voice assistant. All four seats now get heating, ventilation, and massage as standard.
5. When will Mercedes launch the S 350d diesel in India?
Mercedes-Benz India has not confirmed a specific launch date or price for the S 350d diesel variant of the 2026 facelift. The S 350d and S 450 4MATIC petrol variants are expected to join the Indian lineup later in 2026, likely by Q3 or Q4 2026. For now, the S 450e PHEV is the only variant available for booking and delivery. We will update this article as soon as official pricing is announced.
