Mumbai, June 22, 2026: Mercedes-Benz India has unveiled the new S 450 e, marking the arrival of the brand’s first-ever Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) in the flagship S-Class range in India. The launch reinforces Mercedes-Benz’s flexible, powertrain-agnostic strategy, offering customers the choice of ICE, EV and now PHEV technologies in the luxury segment. The new S 450 e combines electrified efficiency with the hallmark comfort, refinement and technological sophistication of the S-Class. Featuring the most comprehensive update ever within a single S-Class generation, the luxury sedan incorporates more than 2,700 newly developed, updated or refined components, making it the most advanced S-Class introduced in India.
At the heart of the S 450 e is a 3.0-litre M256 Evo inline-six turbo-petrol engine paired with a powerful electric motor, delivering a combined output of 320 kW (435 hp) and 680 Nm of torque. The plug-in hybrid powertrain offers an impressive pure electric driving range of up to 115 km (WLTP), enabling most daily urban commutes to be completed entirely on electric power while retaining the flexibility of a combustion engine for longer journeys. The luxury limousine accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h, seamlessly blending performance with efficiency.
The 2026 S-Class also receives significant design and technology enhancements. Exterior updates include new twin-star DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps with advanced micro-LED technology, an illuminated radiator grille that is 20% larger, and redesigned tail lamps featuring signature chrome star elements. Inside, the sedan debuts the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) and an upgraded MBUX digital experience, featuring AI-powered voice assistance, enhanced navigation and a more intuitive user interface. Ride comfort remains a key highlight, with standard AIRMATIC air suspension and rear-axle steering. The latter can be upgraded from 4.5 degrees to 10 degrees, significantly improving maneuverability in urban environments. Safety has also been elevated, with the new S 450 e becoming the first S-Class in India to offer up to 15 airbags, alongside Mercedes-Benz’s advanced PRE-SAFE® occupant protection systems and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies.
Commenting on the launch, Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “The S-Class continues to set the benchmark for automotive luxury and excellence globally. With the introduction of the S 450 e, we are offering customers the best of both worlds—electric mobility for everyday driving and the flexibility of a combustion engine for longer journeys. The new S-Class further strengthens its leadership with enhanced technology, comfort, safety and digital innovation.” Bookings for the new S 450 e have commenced across India, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin from the fourth quarter of 2026. The S 450 e Launch Edition is priced at ₹2.20 crore, while the S 450 e MANUFAKTUR Edition starts at ₹2.38 crore (both prices ex-showroom, India).
