2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift Launched At Rs 2.20 Cr

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift has been launched today at Rs 2.20 Cr (ex-showroom). This marks a major update for the twelfth-generation W223 S-Class, which was introduced in India in 2021. Mercedes-Benz describes it as a "50% new car," and the claim is reflected in its extensively revised design and significantly updated interior featuring new layout and its plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Let's take a closer look at what's new in the updated S-Class. In the meantime, do join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to stay updated with the latest automotive news and updates.

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Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the first-ever plug-in hybrid version of the S-Class in India, badged as the S 450e. The luxury saloon is being offered in two trims: the Launch Edition Exclusive Line and the range-topping MANUFAKTUR Edition AMG Line. 

Price:

Launch Edition Exclusive Line	Rs 2.20 Cr
MANUFAKTUR Edition AMG Line	Rs 2.38 Cr

Powertrain

Powering the S 450e is a 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 22 kWh battery pack. The combined system output stands at 435 hp and 680 Nm of torque. In pure EV mode, the S-Class offers a claimed range of up to 115 km, while the certified fuel-efficiency figure is rated at an impressive 32.3 km/l.

Engine	3.0L Inline 6-turbo
Power	435 Hp (Combined)
Torque	680 Nm
Gearbox	9-speed automatic
Battery Capacity	22 kWh
Electric Range	115 km
0-100 km/h	5.7 seconds
Top Speed	250 km/h

New Changes

The facelift also brings a host of design updates. Up front, the S-Class gets redesigned headlamps featuring Mercedes-Benz's signature star-shaped LED daytime running lights, with two illuminated stars integrated within each cluster. A similar lighting motif has been extended to the rear LED tail-lamps, lending the luxury saloon a more distinctive appearance.

Interior

Inside, the cabin has undergone a significant transformation. Replacing the outgoing portrait-style floating infotainment display is a new screen layout inspired by the latest E-Class. The setup now includes a dedicated passenger display alongside a larger central touchscreen, creating a more digital and immersive cockpit experience. Mercedes-Benz has also introduced a new steering wheel featuring physical control buttons, replacing the touch-sensitive controls used on the previous S-Class.

Features

The new S 450e comes loaded with features across the board. It rides on Aromatic air suspension as standard, gets rear-axle steering that makes tight city manoeuvres noticeably easier, and uses cloud data to prep the suspension before hitting a bump. Safety gets a serious upgrade too - 15 airbags is an India-first for the S-Class, backed by PRE-SAFE Impulse pretensioners.

Inside, MB.OS now runs the show, powering the MBUX Superscreen, a reworked "Hey Mercedes" AI assistant, and Google Maps-based surround navigation. On the outside, new micro-LED headlamps throw a beam up to 600 metres, the grille is larger and now illuminated, and the tail-lamps get fresh chrome-framed signature stars.

Old vs New

The current S-Class - the pre-facelift W223 - starts at around Rs 1.84 Cr and tops out near Rs 1.95 Cr ex-showroom. It comes with two powertrain options: a 2.9-litre diesel making 286 hp and 600 Nm, and a 3.0-litre petrol producing 367 hp and 500 Nm, both with all-wheel drive on the petrol variant. It already gets Airmatic suspension, rear-axle steering, and a 12.8-inch OLED infotainment screen.

The new S 450e, at Rs 2.20 Cr, asks for a significant premium - but it justifies it. You get a more powerful combined output of 435 hp and 680 Nm versus the petrol's 367 hp, plus 115 km of pure electric range that makes daily city commutes largely fuel-free. The tech jumps too - MB.OS replaces the older MBUX setup, the headlamps switch to micro-LED, and the airbag count goes up to 15, which is an India-first.

The trade-off is that the S 450e drops 4MATIC all-wheel drive in favour of rear-wheel drive only. But for a car primarily bought for rear-seat comfort and urban luxury, that's unlikely to matter to most buyers.