New Mercedes-Benz S-Class PHEV launching in India on June 15 — All you need to know
- 1Mercedes-Benz India will launch the new S-Class facelift on June 15, 2026
- 2S450e PHEV will be the first plug-in hybrid Mercedes in India outside the AMG range
- 3It pairs a 3.0-litre six-cylinder with a 22kWh battery and a 120kW electric motor
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been considered the benchmark for luxury sedans. Now, Mercedes-Benz is preparing to introduce an updated version in India, and for the first time on a non-AMG Mercedes model in the country, it will come with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Mercedes-Benz India has officially confirmed that the 2026 S-Class facelift will launch on June 15. The updated model was revealed globally earlier this year and, while the overall silhouette remains familiar, the company says nearly 90% of the car is new, including major changes to its hardware and electronic architecture.
New Mercedes-Benz S-Class design changes
The updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets subtle exterior changes rather than a complete redesign. The front fascia has been refreshed, the alloy wheels are larger, and the signature tail lamps now feature a new design.
Despite the updates, the S-Class continues with its familiar proportions, including the long bonnet and elegant rear profile that have defined the model for years. Mercedes has kept the design changes restrained with more focus on the tech and updates inside the cabin.
S450e PHEV — India's first plug-in hybrid S-Class
The biggest update on the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the introduction of the S450e plug-in hybrid. It combines a 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor and a 22kWh battery pack. Together, the setup produces 449hp and 680Nm. The S450e is rear-wheel drive only and can sprint from 0-100 kmph in 5.7 seconds.
Mercedes claims an electric-only range of up to 100 km under ideal conditions. This means many daily city drives can be completed without using the petrol engine at all. The S450e is also important because it becomes the first non-AMG Mercedes-Benz in India to get a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Until now, plug-in hybrid technology was limited to AMG models in the country.
Alongside the plug-in hybrid, Mercedes is also expected to continue offering the S450 petrol and S350d diesel variants. The S450 uses a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, producing 404hp and 500Nm. The S350d diesel makes 330hp and 650Nm from its 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine. All three versions use a 9-speed automatic gearbox. The petrol S450 gets Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system, while the S450e remains rear-wheel drive.
New Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift interior
The biggest cabin update in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the addition of Mercedes’ new Superscreen setup. It includes a 14.4-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, and a separate 12.3-inch screen for the front passenger. The system now runs on Mercedes’ latest MB.OS software, which brings smoother performance, better connectivity, and support for over-the-air updates.
Rear seat comfort continues to remain a major focus, with the S-Class expected to offer the same flagship-level space and luxury experience. Mercedes-Benz India is also likely to introduce a special launch edition, similar to previous launches.
What to expect on June 15
The launch will initially focus on the plug-in hybrid version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, while the petrol and diesel variants are expected to arrive later. The current S-Class is priced between around Rs 1.85 crore and Rs 2 crore in India, and the new PHEV version is expected to cost more than the existing models.
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