Mercedes-Benz S-Class Plug-In Hybrid Facelift Launches 15 June with 22kWh Battery
Mercedes-Benz launches the facelifted S-Class in India on 15 June 2026 with the S 450e PHEV variant combining a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 22kWh battery pack for 435 hp and 680 Nm output.
<cite index="1-3">Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that it will launch the S-Class facelift in India on June 15, 2026.</cite> <cite index="1-4,1-5">The plug-in hybrid S 450e variant that will be offered here comes with a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-six engine mated to an electric motor powered by a 22kWh battery. It is the first PHEV S-Class in India, with an output of 435hp and 680Nm and a claimed 0-100kph time of 5.7 seconds.</cite>
This marks a significant update for Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan in the Indian market. <cite index="4-7">Mercedes claims that up to 90 per cent of the car is new</cite> despite being termed a facelift. The exterior receives comprehensive design changes including <cite index="4-8">the signature tri-arrow elements in the headlamps and taillights, fresh set of bumpers, new multi-spoke wheels, and even an illuminated grille.</cite>
<cite index="4-9">Inside, you'll get the latest MB OS system, OTA updates, MBUX superscreen, and a whole lot more.</cite> <cite index="2-8,2-9,2-10">The facelift also brings a more expressive exterior design, including a larger grille, updated lighting signatures and more chrome detailing. Inside, the dashboard gets the MBUX Superscreen setup with the latest MB.OS operating system. The car also moves further towards a software-defined architecture with over-the-air updates and fewer physical controls.</cite>
<cite index="1-6">The S-Class is expected to get a petrol powertrain at a later date, but it is unclear whether the manufacturer will continue a diesel option.</cite> The plug-in hybrid powertrain positions the S-Class as a bridge between conventional luxury sedans and full electric vehicles in Mercedes-Benz India's portfolio.
What it means for Indian buyers: The S-Class PHEV brings electrified luxury to the flagship sedan segment without forcing buyers into a full EV commitment. With 435 hp and a 22kWh battery, owners can use electric-only mode for short urban commutes whilst retaining petrol power for longer journeys. The comprehensive update with 90 per cent new components and the latest MBUX Superscreen technology ensures this remains India's benchmark luxury sedan. Expect pricing to start well above ₹1.7 crore, positioning it against the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8.
Sources:
- https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/upcoming-car-launches-in-june-2026-439838
- https://www.carwale.com/news/new-car-launches-and-unveils-in-india-in-june-2026/
- https://www.autopunditz.com/post/new-car-launches-june-2026-india
