2026 Mercedes-Benz S-class facelift India launch date revealed: Here’s what’s new

Mercedes-Benz India has confirmed the launch of the all-new 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time in India. The company has now confirmed its launch on June 15. Petrol and diesel options are also expected to follow soon as the updated S-Class expands its lineup in the country.

The S-Class is expected to be priced between ₹2 crore and ₹2.4 crore (ex-showroom), with the plug-in hybrid variant likely to be the most expensive. The facelifted S-Class was revealed globally in January and is now expected to arrive in India just over four months later.

Powertrain options

The German marque is bringing the S 450e with EQ Hybrid Technology variant to India. The car pairs a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-six engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 435hp and 680Nm. It uses a 22kWh battery that is claimed to deliver up to 100km of pure electric range. This variant is rear-wheel drive only.

More from Auto

The S 450 petrol variant is equipped with the same M256 Evo turbo-petrol engine as the S 450e, but without the plug-in hybrid setup. This engine works in tandem with a 48V mild-hybrid system that can provide a temporary boost of additional power and torque under hard acceleration. The S 450 produces 404hp and 500Nm of peak torque. It also features Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and can sprint from 0-100kph in 4.9 seconds.

The upcoming diesel variant, namely the S 350d, will continue to use a 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit producing 330hp and 650Nm. Like the S 450, drive is sent to all four wheels in the S 350d variant.

Interior

As opulent as ever, the standout additions to the interior include new wood trims and a Superscreen arrangement featuring three displays. The S-Class also gets the latest MB.OS system, the newest generation of the brand’s MBUX digital architecture.

The system introduces AI-based features, including a digital assistant, Google Maps-based navigation, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) functions. These variants will also feature facial recognition for user identification through the dashboard camera. The same camera can additionally be used for video calls, selfies, and cabin monitoring.

Rear passengers will get 13.1-inch entertainment screens. The S-Class continues to use adaptive air suspension as standard, while active self-levelling remains optional. Rear-wheel steering will also be available, with both standard and 10-degree versions offered.

Exterior changes

Exterior updates begin with the illuminated three-pointed star logo, while the larger headlamps now feature the latest three-pointed star-shaped DRLs embedded within each unit.

The car also gets new wheel designs, including 50-spoke alloys, along with an updated ADAS suite supported by four radars, 10 cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors.