Mercedes-Benz is set to launch the 2026 facelift of its flagship sedan, the S-Class, in India on Monday, June 15. Revealed earlier this year, the S-Class facelift introduces major changes inside and out – Mercedes-Benz claims that 50 percent of it is new. Below, we’ve laid out everything you can expect from the 2026 S-Class facelift ahead of its imminent India launch.
What exterior changes does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift have?
The majority of styling changes for the 2026 S-Class facelift are concentrated on the front end. It gets reshaped LED headlamps that, like newer Mercedes models, feature three-pointed star LED signatures. Mercedes also claims that the headlamps are 40 percent brighter than those of the outgoing S-Class. The headlamps flow into a much larger grille, which is illuminated (the bonnet-mounted star also lights up) and has tiny three-pointed stars between its horizontal slats, and the air intakes on the revised bumper are now cordoned-off into chrome-lined clusters.
Not much has changed on the side profile of the 2026 S-Class facelift, save for new 18-inch alloy wheels (standard fit, up to 19-inchers available) and cameras on front fenders and ORVMs. At the back, the tail-lamps have a smoother profile and incorporate three-pointed star DRLs. The chrome band connecting them is slimmer, and the bumper has a subtle diffuser-like treatment.
What interior changes does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift bring?
Inside, the 2026 S-Class facelift is a major departure from its predecessor in terms of layout. It ditches the prior S-Class’ wood-laden dashboard and 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen in favour of a massive ‘Superscreen’ setup, which comprises a 14.4-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch passenger display and a 12.3-inch digital infotainment cluster. The Superscreen runs on the latest MB.OS software and integrates most in-car functions.
There’s also an updated steering wheel with numerous physical controls, turbine-style AC vents on the extremities of the dashboard, a redesigned centre console with dual wireless charging pads, and heaps of ambient lighting all around. Moving to the rear, the prior S-Class’ 7-inch central controller tablet has been replaced by two smartphone-like units in the 2026 facelift, but the 43.5-degree reclining seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions have been retained. As before, buyers of the 2026 S-Class facelift will be able to choose from various interior colour schemes, upholsteries and trim options.
Which features does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift offer?
In addition to the aforementioned Superscreen, dual wireless charging pads, ambient lighting, and luxurious rear seats, the 2026 S-Class facelift packs goodies like a dual-pane sunroof, an ADAS suite labelled ‘Level 2++’, dual 13.6-inch rear entertainment screens, a new AI assistant, over-the-air (OTA) updates, 4-zone climate control, upgraded auto-park assist, rear-wheel steering, air suspension, and more.
Which powertrain will the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift come with?
At launch, the 2026 S-Class facelift will be offered in a sole plug-in hybrid ‘S 450e’ spec in India – the first non-AMG PHEV variant of the S-Class to be sold here. Under the S 450e’s skin lies a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-six, a 22kWh battery, and rear-mounted electric motor, all of which team up to generate 435hp and 680Nm, which is routed solely to the rear wheels via a 9-speed automatic gearbox. Mercedes claims a 0-100kph time of 5.7 seconds and an all-electric range of 100km.
Down the line, Mercedes is anticipated to add the petrol-powered S 450 variant to the updated S-Class line-up. The S 450 gets an upgraded 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with a 48V mild-hybrid system, outputting up to 404hp and 500Nm, channelled to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic. 0-100kph comes up in a claimed 4.9 seconds. For buyers interested in a diesel option, though, it’s currently unclear if Mercedes plans to offer the 313hp S 350d variant of the S-Class facelift in India.
What is the expected price of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift?
Considering the thorough revisions in the 2026 S-Class facelift, expect it to command a significant premium over the outgoing model. We anticipate the 2026 S-Class facelift to be priced in the Rs 2 crore-2.4 crore ballpark (ex-showroom), with the S 450e likely to be the costliest due to the added complexity of its PHEV powertrain.
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
Saptarshi Mondal
