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

Mercedes-Benz India has launched the facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class plug-in hybrid in the luxury sedan segment with prices ranging from ₹2.20 crore to ₹2.38 crore (ex-showroom). The new S-Class is available in two configurations — Launch Edition Exclusive Line and Manufaktur Edition AMG Line — both imported into the country as completely built units. Bookings are now open across dealerships, while customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with initial deliveries expected around the Diwali festive season. The launch marks a significant milestone in the premium electrified vehicle segment in India.

Mercedes-Benz Introduces Its First Plug-in Hybrid S-Class

The S 450e becomes the first plug-in hybrid S-Class introduced by Mercedes-Benz India. Designed to combine electric mobility with long-distance capability, the sedan integrates a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with a 120kW electric motor. The combined powertrain delivers 320kW of power and 680Nm of peak torque. The vehicle targets customers seeking emission-free city commuting while retaining the flexibility of an internal combustion engine for extended journeys beyond urban environments.

Battery Performance and Charging Capabilities

The luxury sedan features a 22kWh battery pack offering a claimed pure electric driving range of up to 115km. Mercedes-Benz states that the vehicle achieves a WLTP-certified combined fuel efficiency of 32.3km/l. The S 450e is also claimed to be the first plug-in hybrid vehicle in India to support DC fast charging up to 60kW, enabling charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes. Customers will receive a complimentary AC wallbox for home or workplace charging.

“Today, we're introducing a PHEV powertrain that stands in a class of its own in the Indian luxury market. The new hybrid S-Class delivers an astonishing pure electric range of up to 115 kilometres,” said Brendon Sissing, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India.

“This enables silent, zero-emission city commuting while insulating you from urban chaos,” he added.

Intelligent Energy Management and Regenerative Braking

The plug-in hybrid powertrain incorporates an intelligent Battery Hold mode that enables drivers to preserve battery charge for later use during their journeys. Its regenerative braking system supports peak energy recuperation of up to 100kW, with Mercedes-Benz claiming that the technology can add as much as 15% to the vehicle’s driving range. The energy-management software automatically selects the most appropriate operating mode based on road conditions, route characteristics, and driving behavior.

Two Distinct Variants for Indian Customers

The facelifted S-Class will be offered in two unique configurations for the Indian market. The Launch Edition receives the Exclusive Line styling package, while the premium Manufaktur Edition features AMG Line styling and enhanced personalization options. The Manufaktur programme includes specialized exterior paint finishes, handcrafted interior trims, and diamond-quilted Nappa leather, emphasizing bespoke luxury experiences for customers seeking greater exclusivity.

“Beyond advanced technology, the new S-Class celebrates the art of handcrafted luxury,” Sissing said. “Through our specialised Manufaktur division, master artisans hand finish every detail from heritage paint finishes to diamond quilted Nappa leather across the cabin,” he added.

Key Specifications of the Mercedes-Benz S 450e

More Than Half of the Vehicle Is Newly Developed

Mercedes-Benz states that over 50% of the facelifted S-Class is new despite retaining the familiar silhouette of the existing generation. According to the company, extensive upgrades have been made to both hardware and electronic architecture to improve vehicle intelligence, connectivity, and digital capabilities. These changes are intended to deliver a significant leap in luxury mobility and advanced engineering.

“The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always defined the benchmark for luxury and engineering. Today, we raise that benchmark once again,” Sissing said.

“We have re-engineered its hardware and electronic architecture to deliver a true generational leap in automotive intelligence,” he added.

MB.OS and AI-Powered Digital Experience

The new S-Class is underpinned by the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), a software-defined architecture that integrates infotainment, driver assistance, powertrain, and comfort functions into a centralized chip-to-cloud ecosystem. The cabin features the MBUX Superscreen with a 14.4-inch OLED touchscreen and a 12.3-inch passenger display under a single glass surface. An AI-backed virtual assistant enables natural conversations and can proactively offer suggestions based on routines, time, and driving conditions.

Cloud-Based Suspension Intelligence

The intelligent damping system connects to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud and leverages crowdsourced road data alongside high-precision maps to anticipate road irregularities such as potholes and speed breakers. Rather than reacting after encountering obstacles, the suspension adjusts in advance to improve ride quality and comfort.

“The vehicle does not simply react to the road. It connects to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud to stay ahead of it,” Sissing said.

Advanced Safety with 15 Airbags and ADAS

The facelifted S-Class comes equipped with 15 airbags as standard, which Mercedes-Benz claims is an industry-first offering in India. The package includes front-facing airbags for rear passengers and seat-belt-integrated belt bags for enhanced protection. The standard M-Drive Assist package utilizes 27 advanced sensors monitoring traffic, speed, lane markings, blind spots, and surrounding vehicles. The intelligent drive controller is capable of performing up to 254 trillion operations per second for rapid driver-assistance responses.

“The S-Class has always been synonymous with safety, with every generation introducing breakthroughs like the first crumple zone, Pre-Safe Impulse Side, Night View Assist and anti-skid regulations,” Sissing said.

“Time and again, it has set these benchmarks for the industry, with these innovations becoming standard across the segments,” he added.

Luxury Rear-Seat Experience and Entertainment

The rear executive seats can recline by up to 43.5 degrees, enhancing passenger comfort during long journeys. The Energising Comfort package offers ten full-body massage programmes, including calf massage and an integrated neck-and-shoulder heating pillow. Rear occupants also benefit from two 13.1-inch OLED displays with embedded cameras capable of recognizing gestures and gaze. The Burmester 4D surround-sound system delivers immersive audio through 31 speakers, eight seat exciters, Dolby Atmos support, and more than 1,600 watts of peak output.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the electric range of the Mercedes-Benz S 450e plug-in hybrid?
The Mercedes-Benz S 450e offers a claimed pure electric driving range of up to 115km on a full charge. This allows owners to complete daily urban commutes using only electric power while maintaining the flexibility of a petrol engine for longer trips. The sedan uses a 22kWh battery pack and supports both AC charging and DC fast charging up to 60kW. Mercedes-Benz claims the hybrid system delivers both efficiency and luxury without compromising long-distance usability.

What are the key technology features in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class introduces MB.OS, an advanced software-defined vehicle architecture integrating infotainment, comfort, and driver-assistance systems. The car features the MBUX Superscreen, AI-powered virtual assistant, cloud-connected suspension technology, and a 27-sensor ADAS suite. Additional highlights include 15 airbags, rear-seat entertainment displays, and a Burmester 4D sound system. These technologies are designed to enhance safety, personalization, connectivity, and the overall luxury driving experience.