New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Launched in India at Rs 2.20 Crore with 15-Airbags

German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz has today launched the new S-Class in India. The new S-Class arrives with a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time in the country and it also gets a revised design, a more technology-focused cabin and an expanded list of comfort and safety features. Mercedes-Benz has introduced the new S-Class in India priced from Rs 2.20 crore (ex-showroom). Bookings for the same are now open, with deliveries scheduled to commence from the Q4 2026.

The biggest talking point of the updated S-Class is the introduction of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The S 450 e combines an updated 3.0L, inline six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with a rear-mounted electric motor and a 22 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The combined system develops 429bhp and 680Nm of torque, with power sent to the rear wheels through a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox. Mercedes-Benz claims the luxury sedan can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.7 seconds, and has a top speed of 250 kmph.

The battery pack offers a claimed electric-only range of up to 115 km (WLTP), allowing the S-Class to handle most daily city commutes without using the petrol engine. The battery also supports 60 kW DC fast charging, with a claimed 10-80 per cent charging time of around 20 minutes.

While the overall silhouette remains unchanged, the 2026 S-Class receives a series of styling updates that differentiate it from the outgoing model. Up front, it gets a larger illuminated radiator grille featuring multiple three-pointed star inserts, along with redesigned Digital Light headlamps that now incorporate Mercedes-Benz's signature star-shaped LED DRLs.

Mercedes-Benz says the new headlamp setup offers a wider illumination field and can project light up to 600 metres ahead. The front bumper has also been redesigned with additional chrome detailing. At the rear, the tail-lamps feature a new three-pointed star lighting signature, while fresh alloy wheel designs and new exterior colour options further distinguish the facelifted model.

On the inside, the new S-Class receives a comprehensive technology upgrade led by the introduction of the new MBUX Superscreen. The setup integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.4-inch central infotainment display and a 12.3-inch passenger-side screen, all powered by the latest MB.OS software platform. The system supports OTA updates and features an AI-powered "Hey Mercedes" virtual assistant with natural voice interaction. It also integrates Google Maps-based navigation and enhanced connected car functions. Mercedes-Benz has revised the dashboard layout with electrically adjustable air-conditioning vents and a new steering wheel featuring tactile controls.

The S-Class continues to focus heavily on rear-seat comfort. Occupants at the back get electrically adjustable reclining seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions. Dual 13.6-inch rear entertainment screens are offered as standard, while the earlier tablet-style rear controller has made way for two compact touchscreen units that resemble smartphones. Other features include dual wireless charging pads, four-zone climate control, ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof.

Mercedes-Benz has equipped the new S-Class with an expanded suite of driver assistance and safety systems. The luxury sedan comes with Level 2++ ADAS functions, upgraded automated parking assistance and an enhanced adaptive restraint system featuring Pre-Safe Impulse belt pretensioners and up to 15 airbags.