Mercedes-Benz Launches First-Ever Plug-In Hybrid S-Class in India at ₹2.20 Crore

Mercedes-Benz India has introduced its first-ever plug-in hybrid S-Class for the Indian market, marking a significant expansion of the brand’s electrification strategy in the top-end luxury segment.

Called the S 450 e, the new flagship luxury sedan combines a six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a claimed electric-only range of around 115km. Mercedes says the model is also the most extensively updated S-Class ever, with over 2,700 components either newly developed, updated or refined.

Bookings are now open, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Prices and Variants

The new S-Class plug-in hybrid will be offered in two versions.

Mercedes-Benz S 450 e pricing (ex-showroom):

• S 450 e Launch Edition – ₹2.20 crore
• S 450 e MANUFAKTUR Edition – ₹2.38 crore onwards

The launch also marks the arrival of Mercedes-Benz’s first plug-in hybrid in the flagship S-Class line-up in India.

More Powerful Than the Standard S 450

Power comes from an updated 3.0-litre M256 Evo inline-six turbo-petrol engine paired with a 120kW electric motor integrated into the transmission.

Together, the system produces 435hp and 680 Nm, making it more powerful than the standard S 450 4MATIC.

Powertrain highlights:

• 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-petrol engine
• 326hp and 540 Nm from the petrol engine
• 163hp electric motor
• 435hp combined system output
• 680Nm combined torque
• 9-speed automatic transmission
• Rear-wheel drive layout

The S 450 e can accelerate from 0-100kph in 5.7 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.

Up To 115km Of Electric Range

A 22kWh lithium-ion battery powers the electric side of the drivetrain.

Mercedes claims the sedan can travel up to 115km in pure electric mode under WLTP testing conditions, allowing many urban commutes to be completed without using the petrol engine.

Battery and EV highlights:

• 22kWh battery pack
• Up to 115km electric range
• Seamless switching between EV and hybrid modes
• Zero range anxiety on longer journeys

More Technology, More Luxury

The new S-Class receives a host of updates inside and out.

Key upgrades include:

• New DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps
• Illuminated grille with 20% larger surface area
• Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS)
• MBUX Superscreen
• Google Maps-based navigation
• AIRMATIC air suspension
• Rear-axle steering
• Up to 15 airbags

Mercedes has also introduced redesigned front and rear lighting signatures, further distinguishing the updated S-Class from its predecessor.

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Final Take

The S 450 e brings together everything buyers expect from an S-Class: luxury, technology and comfort, while adding the efficiency and flexibility of a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

With an electric range that rivals some EVs and the reassurance of a six-cylinder petrol engine for long journeys, the new S-Class could prove particularly appealing to luxury buyers who are not yet ready to make the jump to a fully electric limousine.