Mercedes-Benz S-Class Plug-in Hybrid Launched in India with 115km Electric Range

Mercedes-Benz India has launched the facelifted S-Class plug-in hybrid, priced between ₹2.20 crore and ₹2.38 crore ex-showroom. The new S-Class PHEV offers up to 115km of electric range, 60kW DC fast charging, and a WLTP-certified combined efficiency of 32.3kmpl. Bookings are now open, with deliveries set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, targeting the Diwali festive season for the first units.

Key Highlights

• Mercedes-Benz S-Class plug-in hybrid launched at ₹2.20–2.38 crore ex-showroom
• S 450e offers up to 115km electric range and 32.3kmpl WLTP-certified efficiency
• Supports 60kW DC fast charging with 10 to 80 percent charge in about 20 minutes
• Facelifted model features 15 airbags and advanced driver-assistance systems
• Deliveries to begin in Q4 2026 with bookings now open across India

Key Features and Specifications

The S 450e is the first plug-in hybrid S-Class introduced by Mercedes-Benz India. It targets customers seeking electric driving for daily urban use, while retaining an internal-combustion engine for longer journeys. The S 450e combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with a 120kW electric motor. Together, the system delivers 320kW of power and 680Nm of peak torque. The 22kWh battery provides a claimed pure electric driving range of up to 115km.

The S 450e supports DC fast charging up to 60kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes. Mercedes-Benz includes a complimentary AC wallbox for home or workplace charging. The car features an intelligent Battery Hold mode, enabling drivers to preserve battery charge for later use. A regenerative braking system supports peak recuperation of up to 100kW, which can add up to 15% to the driving range. The energy-management system automatically selects the optimal operating mode based on journey and driving conditions.

Variants and Design

The facelifted S-Class is available in two variants: the Launch Edition Exclusive Line and the Manufaktur Edition AMG Line. Both are imported as completely built units. The Launch Edition features the Exclusive Line styling package, while the Manufaktur Edition offers the sportier AMG Line treatment and a broader range of personalisation options. The Manufaktur programme includes specialised exterior paint finishes, diamond-quilted Nappa leather, and handcrafted interior trim.

Mercedes-Benz states that more than 50% of the facelifted S-Class is new, though the sedan retains the familiar silhouette. The new model is built on the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), which integrates infotainment, driver-assistance, powertrain, and comfort systems into a centralised chip-to-cloud ecosystem. The cabin features an MBUX Superscreen with a 14.4-inch central OLED touchscreen and a 12.3-inch front-passenger display under a single glass surface. An intelligent privacy function prevents the passenger display from distracting the driver.

Safety, Comfort, and Technology

The S-Class is equipped with 15 airbags as standard, including front-facing airbags for rear passengers. It also features seat-belt-integrated belt bags for added torso protection. The M-Drive Assist Package, standard on the S-Class, uses 27 advanced driver-assistance sensors. The system monitors distance, speed, adjacent traffic, blind spots, traffic signs, lane markings, and lateral movement. The intelligent drive controller can perform up to 254 trillion operations per second, enabling rapid responses from the driver-assistance systems.

The rear executive seat reclines by up to 43.5 degrees. The Energising Comfort package offers 10 full-body massage programmes, including a calf-massage function and an integrated neck-and-shoulder heating pillow. The MBUX rear-seat entertainment system includes two 13.1-inch OLED displays with embedded cameras that recognise passenger gestures and gaze. The Burmester 4D surround-sound system features 31 speakers, eight seat exciters, and over 1,600 watts of peak output. Mercedes-Benz also promises roadside assistance within 30 minutes in select cities.