Mercedes-Benz India has introduced its first-ever plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the flagship S-Class range with the launch of the S 450 e Launch Edition, marking a significant milestone in the luxury carmaker’s powertrain diversification strategy.
The launch expands Mercedes-Benz India’s portfolio across internal combustion engine (ICE), battery electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid technologies, offering customers greater flexibility in choosing their preferred powertrain.
New chapter in luxury mobility
The S 450 e combines electric mobility with the comfort and long-distance capability of a conventional luxury limousine.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the model represents the most comprehensive update ever undertaken for a single-generation S-Class, with more than 2,700 components either newly developed or revised.
The luxury sedan is powered by a Euro 7-compliant 3.0-litre M256 Evo inline six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 326 hp and 540 Nm of torque. Paired with a 120 kW electric motor integrated into the transmission, the combined powertrain delivers 435 hp and 680 Nm of torque.
This makes the S 450 e more powerful than the conventional petrol-powered S 450 4MATIC.
Up to 115 km electric-only range
A key highlight of the S 450 e is its 22 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which delivers an electric-only driving range of up to 115 kilometres (WLTP).
The range is expected to cover most daily urban commuting requirements without activating the combustion engine, allowing customers to enjoy silent, emissions-free driving for routine journeys.
For longer distances, the petrol engine seamlessly takes over, eliminating range anxiety while maintaining uninterrupted mobility.
The sedan accelerates from 0-100 kmph in 5.7 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph.
Technology-led luxury experience
The 2026 S-Class receives a range of design and technology upgrades. At the front, the sedan features new DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps incorporating micro-LED technology, offering a significantly larger illumination field and a high-beam range of up to 600 metres.
The illuminated radiator grille has also been redesigned, while the rear receives new signature tail lamps featuring chrome-framed star elements.
MB.OS powers intelligent ecosystem
The new S-Class is among the first models to feature the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), which acts as the vehicle’s central computing architecture.
The platform integrates all major vehicle functions into a connected ecosystem while enabling advanced software-based capabilities and intelligent user interactions.
The luxury sedan also comes equipped with the latest MBUX infotainment system and MBUX Superscreen, featuring an AI-powered “Hey Mercedes” virtual assistant, enhanced user interface and navigation functions powered by Google Maps.
Enhanced ride comfort and safety
Mercedes-Benz has equipped the S 450 e with AIRMATIC air suspension as standard, complemented by rear-axle steering.
Customers can opt for a 10-degree rear steering system, which significantly improves manoeuvrability in tight urban spaces by reducing the turning circle.
The vehicle also uses Car-to-X data shared through the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud to proactively adjust suspension settings based on upcoming road conditions.
Safety remains a core focus, with the S-Class featuring an enhanced adaptive restraint system, PRE-SAFE belt pretensioners and up to 15 airbags.
Expanding customer choice
Mercedes-Benz India, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Santosh Iyer, said, “Mercedes-Benz follows a flexible, powertrain-agnostic strategy, and bringing a PHEV to the S-Class for the first time in India reflects exactly that. There is growing demand for a plug-in hybrid among our top-end customers, and the S 450 e PHEV answers it directly.”
He added that the company’s portfolio now spans ICE, BEV and PHEV technologies, enabling customers to choose the powertrain that best suits their requirements.
Pricing
Mercedes-Benz has priced the S 450 e Launch Edition at ₹2.20 crore (ex-showroom), while the S 450 e MANUFAKTUR Edition starts at ₹2.38 crore (ex-showroom).
With the launch, Mercedes-Benz India is betting on growing demand for electrified luxury vehicles, particularly among customers seeking the benefits of electric mobility without compromising on range, performance or convenience.