If there is one car that has consistently defined what a luxury sedan should feel like, it is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift. Now, with the 2026 facelift arriving in India on June 15, the flagship just got a whole lot more compelling. This is not merely a cosmetic refresh; Mercedes describes it as the most comprehensive facelift ever applied to the S-Class, with over 2,700 components newly developed or re-engineered.
The biggest headline? India is getting a plug-in hybrid S-Class for the very first time, making this generation the most forward-thinking iteration yet. If you are in the market for the absolute best luxury sedan money can buy in India, you need to read this.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift Price in India
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift is expected to be priced between ₹2.00 crore and ₹2.40 crore (ex-showroom).
The S 450e plug-in hybrid, launching first on June 15, is likely to command the top of this range, given its electrified powertrain and segment-first PHEV status in India. The standard S 450 petrol and S 350d diesel variants are expected to join the lineup at a later date. Mercedes may also consider local assembly at its Chakan plant in Pune to keep pricing competitive across variants.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift Variants
The 2026 S-Class Facelift will be offered in the following variants in India:
- S 450e (EQ Hybrid Technology): Plug-in hybrid, launching June 15, 2026
- S 450: 3.0L turbo petrol with 48V mild-hybrid (arriving later)
- S 350d: 3.0L turbo diesel with 48V mild-hybrid (arriving later)
- Launch Edition: Expected across all powertrain options at launch
All variants get a ZF nine-speed automatic transmission as standard.
Engine and Performance
The star of the show is the S 450e plug-in hybrid, pairing a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine with a 120kW electric motor and a 22kWh battery pack. Combined output stands at a muscular 449bhp and 680 N · m of torque, enough to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds.
The battery claims up to 100km of pure electric range, making everyday urban commutes virtually emission-free. The S 450e is rear-wheel drive only and is the first non-AMG plug-in hybrid from Mercedes to be sold in India.
The standard S 450 petrol produces 404bhp and 500Nm, aided by a 48V mild-hybrid system for smoother power delivery and improved efficiency. The entire powertrain lineup is now Euro 7 compliant, reflecting Mercedes’ commitment to cleaner performance. On the road, expect a ride that floats over imperfections, with adaptive air suspension now standard and an active self-levelling option available for those who want the very last word in comfort.
Exterior Design
The 2026 S-Class facelift retains its stately silhouette but sharpens every detail to feel unmistakably new. Up front, the revised grille is 20% larger than before and features an illuminated star-pattern surround on select variants, a signature previously reserved for Mercedes’ electric models. The redesigned LED headlamps now incorporate a three-pointed star DRL motif, and the high-beam range extends up to an impressive 600 metres, 40% farther than the outgoing model.
In profile, new 50-spoke alloy wheels crafted via a high-pressure casting technique add visual drama without looking overdone. At the rear, slimmer taillamps echo the E-Class’s three-pointed star LED signature, giving the car a distinctly modern night-time identity. The bumpers have been lightly reworked fore and aft, and new paint options, many borrowed from the exclusive Manufaktur catalogue, give buyers rare personalisation choices at this price point.
Interior and Seating Comfort
Step inside and the transformation is dramatic. The 2026 S-Class ditches the traditional dashboard layout in favour of a stunning MBUX Superscreen setup similar to the EQS, a continuous glass surface housing a 14.4-inch central touchscreen flanked by a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch passenger display.
The old haptic steering wheel controls are gone, replaced by satisfying physical scroll wheels that feel premium to the touch. Facial recognition now handles driver authentication after the fingerprint scanner was removed.
Rear-seat passengers who are arguably the most important occupants in an S-Class get dual 13.6-inch entertainment screens mounted behind each front seat headrest, along with individual smartphone-style touch controllers.
Optional heated seatbelts warm up to 44°C for cool Indian winter mornings, and an electric air purification system refreshes cabin air roughly every 90 seconds. Rich leather, quilted optionally, combined with real wood or aluminium trim, ensures the cabin feels every bit as opulent as the price tag demands.
Features and Technology
The 2026 S-Class is now a software-defined vehicle (SDV), meaning it can receive over-the-air updates just like a smartphone. At its core is MB.OS, Mercedes’ latest operating system, which acts as a central computer controlling everything from headlights and climate to suspension and ADAS. All air vents are now digitally adjustable, and a slim row of capacitive shortcut keys below the screen is the only physical remnant of traditional controls.
The AI voice assistant is a notable leap forward, now combining ChatGPT, Gemini, and Bing for more accurate, conversational responses. Google Maps-based navigation and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication bring this car firmly into the connected future. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, massaging seats with heating and cooling, and a rear-seat entertainment system round out an exceptionally well-equipped cabin.
Safety Features
Safety has always been an S-Class strength, and the facelift raises the bar considerably. The car is now equipped with 10 cameras, five radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, all dedicated to a significantly upgraded ADAS suite. MB Drive Assist comes as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, active steering intervention, and predictive speed adjustment using route and traffic data.
In select global markets, Drive Assist Pro enables Level 3 full self-driving capability at speeds up to 95kmph; India’s regulatory framework will determine if and when this feature is unlocked locally.
The 4.5-degree rear-axle steering is now standard (up from optional), dramatically improving low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability. Multiple airbags, electronic stability control, surround-view cameras, an augmented-reality head-up display, and automatic collision avoidance complete a safety package that is genuinely class-leading.
Boot Space and Practicality
The S-Class has always been a practical luxury sedan despite its opulence, but the PHEV variant does come with a compromise. The S 450e’s boot space measures 345 litres, reduced from the standard S 450’s 530 litres because the 22kWh battery pack occupies space beneath the boot floor. For a car of this size and price, that is a meaningful trade-off worth considering if you regularly carry bulky luggage.
The standard petrol and diesel variants retain their generous boot capacity and continue to offer excellent real-world practicality. Storage spaces throughout the cabin, including rear console bins and door pockets, are thoughtfully designed for a car this size. The optional four-seat layout with individual rear recliners transforms the S-Class into a true business lounge, complete with a dedicated centre console and personal controls for each occupant.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift is not just a refresh; it is a statement. From its AI-powered MBUX Superscreen and PHEV powertrain to its Level 3 ADAS hardware and over-the-air update capability, this is a car that genuinely sets the agenda for the luxury segment. The S 450e plug-in hybrid, arriving first in India, is a particularly bold choice that rewards buyers who want the prestige of petrol with a clean conscience, with an electric range of up to 100km.
Yes, the PHEV’s reduced boot space is a real-world compromise, and pricing above ₹2 crore means this is a strictly rarefied purchase. But at this level, buyers are not just buying a car; they are buying the best-equipped, most technologically advanced luxury sedan on sale in India right now. With the BMW 7 Series as its nearest rival, the S-Class walks into that fight with a freshly sharpened edge.
FAQs
What is the price of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift in India?
The 2026 S-Class Facelift is expected to be priced between ₹2.00 crore and ₹2.40 crore (ex-showroom), with the S 450e plug-in hybrid likely at the top of this range.
What is the mileage of the 2026 Mercedes S-Class Facelift?
The S 450e PHEV claims up to 100km of pure electric range. In hybrid mode, real-world efficiency will vary, but the combination of electric and petrol power makes it far more efficient than a traditional luxury sedan in urban use.
Does the 2026 Mercedes S-Class Facelift have a sunroof?
Yes, the 2026 S-Class Facelift comes equipped with a panoramic sunroof as standard across variants in India.
Which variant of the 2026 S-Class Facelift is the best buy in India?
For most buyers, the S 450e is the most exciting and forward-looking choice, combining strong performance (449bhp, 0–100kmph in 5.7 sec) with up to 100km of EV range. If boot space is a priority, wait for the S 450 petrol or S 350d diesel.
When is the 2026 Mercedes S-Class Facelift launching in India?
The S 450e plug-in hybrid variant is confirmed for a June 15, 2026, launch in India. The standard petrol and diesel variants are expected to follow later in 2026.
