Quick Reads
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift launch soon
- Will get a plug-in hybrid variant for the first time
- Expected prices is between Rs 2 and 2.4 crore
Mercedes-Benz confirmed that the facelifted 2026 S-Class will be launched in India soon. The launch is scheduled for June 15, 2026, and it will be the first plug-in hybrid variant of the brand’s flagship sedan. The updated S-class luxury sedan was globally unveiled earlier this year, and it now arrives in india with a lot of upgrades.
New Powertrain
The biggest highlight of the updated S-Class Facelift is the introduction of a plug-in hybrid variant. The German automaker is expected to launch the ‘S 450e with EQ Hybrid Technology’ (official name of the plug-in hybrid variant) alongside the standard petrol version. However, the future of the S 350d, which runs on diesel, remains unclear at the moment.
Globally, the S 450e with EQ Technology is powered by a 3.0-litre, turbocharged petrol, inline six-cylinder engine, paired to an electric motor. The combination produces around 325 kW (435 hp) of peak power, and 680 Nm of peak torque. Assisting the engine is a 22 kWh battery pack, which has a claimed pure-electric range of up to 100 km under ideal conditions.
Elegant Aesthetic
The facelifted 2026 S-Class will have a similar limousine silhouette, and will get subtle styling revisions. On the front, the luxury sedan is expected to get a larger illuminated grille with chrome star detailing, redesigned LED headlamps with the iconic three-pointed star-shaped DRLs, and revised bumper designs. At the rear end, the hybrid S-class will get slimmer tail lamps with new star-inspired graphics. Apart from this, a fresh alloy wheel design, and additional exclusive paint options have also been added to the palette.
Better Cabin Experience
Inside the cabin, the 2026 S-Class facelift receives a lot of major updates for a better digital experience. The cabin now hosts the brand’s latest MB.OS operating system along with upgraded MBUX functionality.
The feature list is quite exquisite and includes a 14.4-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch instrument console, and an optional passenger display. There are large entertainment screens for rear passengers as well. Other connected features include integrated AI-powered voice assist, Google Maps navigation, OTA (Over-the-Air) updates, and enhanced connected car functions.
Expected Pricing And Rivals
The new 2026 S-Class PHEV is expected to be priced between Rs 2 crore and Rs 2.4 crore (ex-showroom). We also think that the plug-in hybrid model will be the top-end variant. In India, the S-class will continue to rival the BMW 7 Series, the Audi A8 L, and the Lexus LM MPV (Van), which is priced in a similar bracket.
