Mercedes-Benz Brings Its First Plug-In Hybrid S-Class To India, Promises Up To 115km Electric Range
Mercedes-Benz has launched the S 450e, the first plug-in hybrid S-Class in India. The luxury sedan combines a 3.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver 435hp, while offering a claimed electric-only range of up to 115km and introducing the most extensive update ever made to an S-Class generation.
Mercedes-Benz India has introduced the new S 450e Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), marking the first time the flagship S-Class limousine is being offered with plug-in hybrid technology in the country. The launch signals the German luxury carmaker’s continued push toward offering customers multiple powertrain options, with internal combustion, electric, and hybrid models now available across its portfolio.
Positioned as the most advanced S-Class ever sold in India, the new S 450e arrives with what Mercedes-Benz calls the most comprehensive update in a single S-Class generation. More than 2,700 components have been newly developed, updated, or refined, spanning everything from lighting and safety systems to infotainment and vehicle software. The luxury sedan is powered by a 3.0-litre M256 Evo inline-six turbo-petrol engine paired with a 120kW electric motor, delivering a combined output of 435hp and 680Nm of torque. Mercedes-Benz claims the sedan can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds while offering an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
The biggest highlight, however, is its electrified capability. The S 450e features a 22kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers a claimed electric-only range of approximately 115 kilometres under WLTP testing standards. For many urban users, that could mean completing daily commutes without using a drop of fuel. When additional range is required, the petrol engine seamlessly takes over, eliminating concerns around charging infrastructure and long-distance travel. Unlike several other S-Class variants, the plug-in hybrid is offered exclusively with rear-wheel drive.
Beyond the powertrain, the new S-Class introduces Mercedes-Benz’s latest MB.OS operating system, which integrates vehicle functions into a unified software architecture. The sedan also receives new twin-star DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps with micro-LED technology, an illuminated grille that is around 20% larger than before, the latest-generation MBUX infotainment system with AI-powered “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant, and Google Maps-based navigation. Standard equipment includes AIRMATIC air suspension, rear-axle steering, and for the first time in India, up to 15 airbags in an S-Class. Mercedes-Benz has opened bookings for the S 450e, with deliveries expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. Pricing starts at ₹2.20 crore (ex-showroom) for the Launch Edition and ₹2.38 crore (ex-showroom) for the MANUFAKTUR Edition.