Mercedes-Benz has launched the 2026 S-Class in India at a starting price of Rs 2.20 crore (ex-showroom). The German brand’s flagship sedan comes with exterior and interior styling revisions, upgraded on-board tech and, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The new S-Class is currently only available in the S 450e guise in India. Bookings have commenced today and deliveries of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class are scheduled to commence around Diwali in Q4 2026.
- S 450e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) develops 435hp and 680Nm
- Claimed electric-only range is up to 115km
- Gets new ‘Superscreen’, deeper AI integration, upgraded tech features and more
New Mercedes-Benz S-Class price
The 2026 S-Class price ranges between Rs 2.20 crore and 2.38 crore (ex-showroom). Compared to the previous model that was priced from Rs 1.85 crore, the starting price of new S-Class has gone up by Rs 35 lakh. In India, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class primarily competes against the BMW 7-Series.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class powertrain specifications
This is the first S-Class to feature a plug-in hybrid system in India
Mercedes-Benz has introduced the S 450e plug-in hybrid as the newest member of the S-Class line-up. Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine, which is paired with a rear-mounted electric motor and a 22kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Combined system output stands at 435hp and 680Nm, with power being sent to the rear wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Mercedes-Benz claims an electric-only range of up to 115km for the new S 450e, while its 0-100kph time is a claimed 5.7 seconds. The brand says the 22kWh battery can be topped up from 10-80 percent in 20mins using a 60kW charger, and overall, it is claimed to return 32.2kmpl (WLTP cycle).
The German automaker offers the 2026 S-Class globally in the S 450 4MATIC guise too, where a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol six-cylinder engine is coupled with a 48V mild-hybrid system. This powertrain develops up to 404hp and 500Nm of torque, accelerating from 0-100kph in a claimed 4.9 seconds. This variant is expected to arrive here at a later stage.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exterior
The most notable updates are visible up front and in the lighting signature
While the overall silhouette remains unchanged from the pre-facelift model, the 2026 Mercedes S-Class isn’t without its fair share of styling revisions. The front grille is larger than before and now incorporates chrome-garnished three-pointed star elements, with Mercedes also offering an illuminated grille surround. The ‘Digital Light’ LED headlamps feature Mercedes-Benz’s signature three-pointed star graphics. At the rear are new LED tail-lamps that feature dynamic light animations and illuminated three-pointed star motifs, mirroring the design of the front lighting elements.
The redesigned front bumper adds to the overall presence of the new S-Class, courtesy of its sizeable air-intakes positioned on either corners. The 2026 S-Class gets new alloy wheel designs and additional standard paint choices, though customers can pick from a catalogue of Manufaktur colours and trims as per their requirements.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class interior
The cabin gets a series of design updates and more comfort-oriented tweaks
Mercedes-Benz has updated the interior of the S-Class for 2026, giving it upgraded digital interfaces and a more technology-heavy layout. Apart from the new dashboard design, there are also updated centre console elements and new trim finishes.
Since India only gets the long-wheelbase version of the S-Class, space for rear-seat occupants is generous. The four-seater option comes with the so-called “executive rear seats”, which allows the backrest to be reclined up to 43.5 degrees. All four seats of the 2026 Mercedes S-Class can be had with ventilation, heating and an assortment of massage functions.
Mercedes-Benz claims that it has improved cabin insulation to further reduce the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels in the cabin over the old model. Meanwhile, the extended ambient lighting system of the new S-Class covers multiple areas of this interior – including the dashboard, footrests, door pads, centre console, armrests, cupholders, AC vents and the housing for the rear seats.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class features
A lengthy equipment list adds to the luxury quotient of the new S-Class
For 2026, Mercedes-Benz has given the S-Class its new MBUX ‘Superscreen’ setup. This basically consists of a 14.4-inch OLED touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and another 12.3-inch unit for the front passenger. The screens run the brand’s latest MB.OS operating system, while the MBUX virtual assistant now gets deeper AI integration.
The integration of Google Maps in the augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD) means that navigation instructions and guidance are overlaid in the driver’s line of sight. The MBUX system of the new S-Class also supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates, too. Meanwhile, the 13.1-inch rear-entertainment screens support video streaming, gaming and video conferencing.
Some of the other feature highlights of the 2026 S-Class include a high-end Burmester 4D audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected-car technology and a four-zone automatic climate control system. Safety and driver-assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, surround-view cameras and multiple airbags (including dedicated seatbelt airbags).
The 2026 S-Class gets adaptive air suspension with the ‘E‑Active Body Control’ as standard. There’s also rear-wheel steering system that allows the rear wheels to rotate by up to 4.5 degrees as standard, while it can be upgraded to allow up to 10 degrees of movement as an optional extra.
Uday Singh
Dhruv Dhaka
Glenn Noronha
