Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift India launch on June 15, hybrid powertrain confirmed
Mercedes-Benz will launch the facelifted 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in India on June 15, introducing a plug-in hybrid powertrain, updated styling, advanced technology and enhanced luxury features.
Mercedes-Benz is set to launch the S-Class facelift in India on June 15, marking the arrival of the updated flagship sedan with a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time in the country.
The biggest highlight of the updated S-Class line-up is the introduction of the S 450e with EQ Hybrid Technology. Mercedes-Benz will bring the plug-in hybrid version to India alongside the standard petrol-powered S 450, while the future of the S 350d diesel variant remains uncertain for now. To maintain competitive pricing, Mercedes could consider local assembly of the hybrid variant at its Chakan facility in Maharashtra.
Plug-in hybrid delivers 100km electric range
The new S 450e combines a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-six engine with an electric motor to produce a combined 435Bhp and 680Nm of torque. Power comes from a 22kWh battery pack, which Mercedes claims can deliver up to 100km of pure-electric driving range under ideal conditions. The luxury sedan can sprint from 0-100kMph in 5.7 seconds and sends power exclusively to the rear wheels. Due to the addition of the battery pack and hybrid hardware, the S 450e weighs 2,465kg.
The standard S 450 petrol variant uses the same ‘M256 Evo’ 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine but pairs it with a 48V mild-hybrid system instead of the plug-in setup. It develops 404hp and 500Nm while benefiting from Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Despite producing lower outputs than the hybrid, the lighter setup allows the S 450 to complete the 0-100kph sprint in a claimed 4.9 seconds.
If retained, the S 350d diesel will continue with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine producing 330hp and 650Nm, paired with Mercedes’ all-wheel-drive system.
Superscreen dashboard and AI-powered MB.OS
Inside, the facelifted S-Class adopts Mercedes-Benz’s latest Superscreen setup, replacing the outgoing dashboard design. The cabin now features a 14.4-inch central touchscreen flanked by 12.3-inch displays for the driver and front passenger.
The new S-Class also debuts Mercedes’ latest MB.OS operating system, transforming the limousine into a software-defined vehicle capable of receiving over-the-air updates. The system integrates AI-based features, an advanced digital assistant, Google Maps-based navigation and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity.
Mercedes has further reduced physical controls inside the cabin, with only a slim row of capacitive shortcut buttons positioned below the touchscreen. Like the updated E-Class, the air vents are electronically adjustable but can still be operated manually.
Rear-seat passengers continue to get twin 13.1-inch entertainment displays mounted behind the front seats. However, the traditional rear controller tablet has been replaced by two compact touch-based controllers resembling smartphones.
The S-Class retains adaptive air suspension as standard, while active self-levelling suspension remains optional. Rear-wheel steering is also offered, with the 4.5-degree setup now standard and the more advanced 10-degree system available as an option.
Exterior gets illuminated grille and star-themed lighting
On the outside, the updated S-Class receives subtle yet noticeable styling revisions. Mercedes says the front grille is now 20 percent larger and incorporates chrome three-pointed star motifs within the slats, along with an illuminated surround. The iconic bonnet-mounted three-pointed star emblem is illuminated as well.
The redesigned headlamps now feature star-shaped daytime running lamps and incorporate the brand’s latest micro-LED Digital Light technology, which is said to provide 40 percent more illumination while consuming less energy.
Changes along the side profile are more restrained, limited mainly to newly designed alloy wheels, including intricate 50-spoke rims produced using a high-pressure casting process. Mercedes has also expanded the paint palette with several new shades sourced from the exclusive Manufaktur range.
At the rear, the facelift introduces slimmer tail-lamps with three-pointed star LED signatures, giving the flagship sedan a more modern identity.
Enhanced ADAS and sensor suite
The updated S-Class also benefits from an upgraded ADAS package supported by five radars, 10 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors. These enhancements improve the sedan’s driver assistance and safety capabilities while supporting future-ready autonomous functions.
With the addition of electrification, next-generation software architecture and subtle design refinements, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift aims to further strengthen its position in the ultra-luxury sedan segment in India.
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Mercedes-Benz is set to launch the S-Class facelift in India on June 15, marking the arrival of the updated flagship sedan with a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time in the country.
The biggest highlight of the updated S-Class line-up is the introduction of the S 450e with EQ Hybrid Technology. Mercedes-Benz will bring the plug-in hybrid version to India alongside the standard petrol-powered S 450, while the future of the S 350d diesel variant remains uncertain for now. To maintain competitive pricing, Mercedes could consider local assembly of the hybrid variant at its Chakan facility in Maharashtra.
Plug-in hybrid delivers 100km electric range
The new S 450e combines a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-six engine with an electric motor to produce a combined 435Bhp and 680Nm of torque. Power comes from a 22kWh battery pack, which Mercedes claims can deliver up to 100km of pure-electric driving range under ideal conditions. The luxury sedan can sprint from 0-100kMph in 5.7 seconds and sends power exclusively to the rear wheels. Due to the addition of the battery pack and hybrid hardware, the S 450e weighs 2,465kg.
The standard S 450 petrol variant uses the same ‘M256 Evo’ 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine but pairs it with a 48V mild-hybrid system instead of the plug-in setup. It develops 404hp and 500Nm while benefiting from Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Despite producing lower outputs than the hybrid, the lighter setup allows the S 450 to complete the 0-100kph sprint in a claimed 4.9 seconds.
If retained, the S 350d diesel will continue with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine producing 330hp and 650Nm, paired with Mercedes’ all-wheel-drive system.
Superscreen dashboard and AI-powered MB.OS
Inside, the facelifted S-Class adopts Mercedes-Benz’s latest Superscreen setup, replacing the outgoing dashboard design. The cabin now features a 14.4-inch central touchscreen flanked by 12.3-inch displays for the driver and front passenger.
The new S-Class also debuts Mercedes’ latest MB.OS operating system, transforming the limousine into a software-defined vehicle capable of receiving over-the-air updates. The system integrates AI-based features, an advanced digital assistant, Google Maps-based navigation and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity.
Mercedes has further reduced physical controls inside the cabin, with only a slim row of capacitive shortcut buttons positioned below the touchscreen. Like the updated E-Class, the air vents are electronically adjustable but can still be operated manually.
Rear-seat passengers continue to get twin 13.1-inch entertainment displays mounted behind the front seats. However, the traditional rear controller tablet has been replaced by two compact touch-based controllers resembling smartphones.
The S-Class retains adaptive air suspension as standard, while active self-levelling suspension remains optional. Rear-wheel steering is also offered, with the 4.5-degree setup now standard and the more advanced 10-degree system available as an option.
Exterior gets illuminated grille and star-themed lighting
On the outside, the updated S-Class receives subtle yet noticeable styling revisions. Mercedes says the front grille is now 20 percent larger and incorporates chrome three-pointed star motifs within the slats, along with an illuminated surround. The iconic bonnet-mounted three-pointed star emblem is illuminated as well.
The redesigned headlamps now feature star-shaped daytime running lamps and incorporate the brand’s latest micro-LED Digital Light technology, which is said to provide 40 percent more illumination while consuming less energy.
Changes along the side profile are more restrained, limited mainly to newly designed alloy wheels, including intricate 50-spoke rims produced using a high-pressure casting process. Mercedes has also expanded the paint palette with several new shades sourced from the exclusive Manufaktur range.
At the rear, the facelift introduces slimmer tail-lamps with three-pointed star LED signatures, giving the flagship sedan a more modern identity.
Enhanced ADAS and sensor suite
The updated S-Class also benefits from an upgraded ADAS package supported by five radars, 10 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors. These enhancements improve the sedan’s driver assistance and safety capabilities while supporting future-ready autonomous functions.
With the addition of electrification, next-generation software architecture and subtle design refinements, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift aims to further strengthen its position in the ultra-luxury sedan segment in India.
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