Mercedes-Benz India launched its first-ever plug-in- hybrid in the flagship S-Class -- the S 450 e launch edition. This represents a new chapter in Mercedes-Benz’s powertrain-agnostic strategy by offering a world-class PHEV, bringing the quiet capability of electric mobility to India’s top-end luxury limousine segment. The S 450 e is refined in every detail, delivering the most comprehensive update in a S-Class in a single generation ever, with over 2,700 components new or revised.
New or revised components include MB.OS operating system, new twin-star Digital Light headlamps with micro-LED technology and around 40% larger high-beam projection (up to 600 m), and a 20% larger illuminated grille.
The vehicle also features Airmatic air suspension and rear-axle steering (4.5° standard, upgradeable to 10°) as standard. For the first time in India, the S450e will have 15 airbags.
Bookings for the new S 450e have begun with deliveries are scheduled from Q4 2026. The price of the new S 450e Launch Edition is Rs. 2.20 crore and the price of the new S 450e Manufaktur Edition begins from Rs. 2.38 Cr. (both prices ex-showroom, all-India)
At the heart of the S 450 e is the updated 3.0-litre M256 Evo inline-six turbo-petrol engine, now Euro 7 compliant, producing 326 hp and 540 Nm on its own. Integrated with a 120 kW (163 hp) synchronous electric motor positioned between the engine and the 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, the combined system delivers 320 kW (435 hp) and 680 Nm of torque — making the S 450 e more powerful than the petrol S 450 4MATIC, which produces 280 kW (381 hp) and 500 Nm.
The S 450 e’s 22 kWh lithium-ion battery provides a pure electric range of around 115 km (WLTP) — sufficient for most urban commutes in India’s major cities without engaging the combustion engine. The drivetrain continuously alternates between electric and combustion power during everyday driving, with the transition imperceptible to occupants. For longer journeys, the petrol engine is available on demand, eliminating range concerns entirely.
The S 450 e accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Unlike most S-Class variants, the S 450 e is rear-wheel drive only — a configuration that prioritises rear passenger refinement and contributes to the car’s distinctive character among the S-Class family.
An intuitive and state-of-the-art system, the purpose-built Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) is the supercomputer behind the new S-Class, powering every domain and connecting all systems into one intelligent ecosystem.
The standard MBUX Superscreen and latest-generation MBUX bring the AI-based “Hey Mercedes” MBUX Virtual Assistant with natural dialogue, an enhanced Zero Layer interface, MBUX Surround Navigation based on Google Maps to the S-Class, turning interaction into an intuitive, human-like experience.
Technical Specifications: S 450 e:
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Specification
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S 450 e
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Engine
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3.0-litre M256 Evo inline-6 turbo-petrol
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Combustion Engine Output
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326 hp / 540 Nm
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Electric Motor Output
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120 kW (163 hp) / 440 Nm
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System Output (Combined)
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320 kW (435 hp) / 680 Nm
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Transmission
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9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic
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Battery Capacity
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22 kWh
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Pure Electric Range (WLTP)
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Around 115 km
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Drive Configuration
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Rear-wheel drive
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0–100 km/h
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5.7 seconds
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Top Speed
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250 km/h (electronically limited)
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Suspension
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AIRMATIC air suspension (standard)
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Rear-Axle Steering
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4.5° standard / 10° optional
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“Mercedes-Benz follows a flexible, powertrain-agnostic strategy, and bringing a PHEV to the S-Class for the first time in India reflects exactly that. There is growing demand for a plug-in hybrid among our top-end customers, and the S 450 e PHEV answers it directly. With ICE, BEV and PHEV powertrains now in our line-up, customers have the flexibility to choose the one that suits them best,” said Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India