Luxury sedan gets plug-in hybrid power, 115 km EV range, AI-powered tech and upgraded rear-seat comfort.
Mercedes has unveiled the latest version of its flagship sedan, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which has been launched in the country at a starting price of Rs 2.20 crore (ex-showroom). The upgraded S-Class comes with updates in terms of design, technology, comfort, and, most importantly, a first for Mercedes in India: a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) motor.
Currently, the upgraded S-Class is available only in a single variant, the S 450e, and comes in two variants, namely the Launch Edition Exclusive Line, which is offered at Rs 2.20 crore (ex-showroom), and the premium Manufaktur Edition AMG Line at Rs 2.38 crore (ex-showroom).
Plug-In Hybrid Power
Perhaps the most noticeable feature of the new S-Class is the hybrid powertrain for the Indian market. Featuring a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine along with the assistance of a rear-wheel-mounted electric motor and a 22kWh lithium-ion battery unit, the maximum power output is 435 hp and 680 Nm of torque.
The vehicle is capable of driving 115 km in pure electric mode alone. The battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 20 minutes using a 60kW fast charger. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz has claimed an impressive fuel efficiency figure of 32.3 kpl for this vehicle on the WLTP test cycle.
While that gives the German luxury sedan some serious green credentials, there is no shortage of performance either. The S 450e can do 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds with both motors working in tandem.
At a later stage, the car will also be made available in a mild-hybrid version, called the S 450 4MATIC.
New Styling Outside
While the silhouette is more or less similar, the refreshed S-Class gets a few styling improvements too. For starters, the sedan now boasts a large grille with chrome accents and three-pointed-star designs, as well as an option for a light surround on the grille.
In addition, the Digital Light LEDs also get Mercedes-Benz’s star-shaped logo. The redesigned front bumper also adds larger air intakes for improved aerodynamics. At the rear, you will find new LED taillights with illuminated stars and animated lighting patterns.
There are new alloy wheel designs available, along with more colour choices for the exterior. Mercedes’ Manufaktur customization also offers many new possibilities.
Luxury And Comfort Inside
The dashboard has gone through a complete redesign, along with a host of upgrades to a number of cabin elements inside the refreshed S-Class. The S-Class is only available in India in the long-wheelbase format, as there is greater emphasis on rear passenger comfort. You have the choice of executive rear seats that recline up to 43.5 degrees.
All four seats now have heating and ventilation functions, plus multiple massage settings. There has been an upgrade in the insulation of the cabin to minimize noise, vibration, and harshness. The ambient lighting feature has also been enhanced by adding more lights that illuminate different areas of the vehicle’s interior, namely the dashboard, centre console, door panels, and rear seats.
Technology Dominates the Scene
Among the other impressive technologies featured in the 2026 Mercedes Benz S-Class are two 13.1-inch displays for the rear seats, providing entertainment, gaming, streaming, and video-conferencing capabilities. Furthermore, there is a Burmester 4D audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air upgrades, and connected car capabilities.
Safety features are no less extensive and consist of adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane departure assistance, 360-degree cameras, and several airbags. Moreover, the new luxury sedan will be equipped with adaptive air suspension, E-Active Body Control, and rear-wheel-steering systems.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz S 450e has only one competitor for now, the BMW 7 Series, which will be launched next month. While the 7 Series will come in hybrid and electric-only variants, the S 450e gives buyers the best of both worlds by combining a plug-in hybrid powertrain with state-of-the-art digital tech features. We will have to wait and see whether luxury buyers prefer a hybrid like the S-Class or opt for an all-electric BMW 7i instead.
