Mumbai: Mercedes-Benz India has introduced the S 450e PHEV, marking the debut of the company’s first-ever Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) in the flagship S-Class range in India.
The launch of the S 450e PHEV represents a significant step in Mercedes-Benz’s powertrain-agnostic strategy, offering customers a choice across internal combustion engine (ICE), battery electric vehicle (BEV), and plug-in hybrid technologies in the top-end luxury segment.
Mercedes-Benz said the new S 450e PHEV is the most advanced S-Class ever introduced in India, featuring more than 2,700 newly developed, updated, or refined components, making it the most comprehensive update within a single S-Class generation.
Commenting on the launch, Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “The S-Class embodies Mercedes-Benz’s extraordinary legacy of timeless luxury, setting the global benchmark for automotive excellence.
In India, it leads the top-end luxury segment and redefines customer aspiration — with serene first-class comfort in every seat, sublime driving, quiet strength and safety, unparalleled presence and personalisation, and an intuitive digital experience powered by MB.OS.
With more than 2,700 new and updated components, the new S-Class enhances comfort, safety, digital experience and refinement to become the most advanced S-Class ever. We are confident it will exceed customer expectations and carry the S-Class legacy forward in India.”
Speaking about the introduction of the plug-in hybrid variant, Iyer added, “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.”
Also Read: BYD Launches DM-i Technology in India with Electric-First Hybrid Mobility and 1,200 km Range
S 450e PHEV Delivers Combined Output of 435 hp
At the heart of the S 450e PHEV is an updated Euro 7-compliant 3.0-litre M256 Evo inline-six turbo-petrol engine that generates 326 hp and 540 Nm of torque.
The engine is paired with a 120 kW (163 hp) synchronous electric motor integrated between the engine and the 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.
Together, the system produces a combined output of 320 kW (435 hp) and 680 Nm, making the S 450e PHEV more powerful than the petrol-powered S 450 4MATIC.
Mercedes-Benz stated that the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and attains an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Around 115 km Pure Electric Range
One of the key highlights of the S 450e PHEV is its 22 kWh lithium-ion battery, which offers a pure electric range of approximately 115 km under WLTP standards.
According to the company, the range is sufficient for most urban commutes in major Indian cities without requiring the combustion engine.
The drivetrain intelligently alternates between electric and combustion power, ensuring seamless transitions for occupants. For longer journeys, the petrol engine can be engaged, eliminating range anxiety.
Unlike several other S-Class variants, the S 450e PHEV features a rear-wheel-drive configuration, designed to enhance rear-seat comfort and refinement.
Extensive Updates Across the New S-Class
The new S-Class receives significant design and technology upgrades.
Exterior highlights include new twin-star DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps equipped with micro-LED technology, delivering a high-beam illumination field approximately 40 per cent larger than the previous generation. The ULTRA RANGE high beam can project illumination up to 600 metres.
Mercedes-Benz has also enlarged the illuminated radiator grille by around 20 per cent, complemented by redesigned three-dimensional chrome stars.
At the rear, new tail lamps featuring three chrome-framed signature stars further strengthen the vehicle’s visual identity.
MB.OS and Advanced Digital Experience
The new S-Class is powered by the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), which integrates all vehicle systems into a unified digital ecosystem.
The standard MBUX Superscreen and latest-generation MBUX infotainment system introduce the AI-based “Hey Mercedes” MBUX Virtual Assistant, enhanced Zero Layer interface, and MBUX Surround Navigation powered by Google Maps, enabling a more intuitive and natural interaction experience.
Comfort and Chassis Enhancements
The S 450e PHEV comes standard with AIRMATIC air suspension and rear-axle steering of 4.5 degrees, which can be upgraded to 10 degrees.
The enhanced steering capability reduces the turning circle by nearly two metres, improving manoeuvrability in tight urban spaces.
Additionally, using Car-to-X information shared through the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, the vehicle can proactively adjust suspension settings based on upcoming speed bumps and road surface conditions.
Safety Features
Mercedes-Benz continues to prioritise occupant safety in the new S-Class. For the first time in India, the S 450e PHEV will feature up to 15 airbags.
The vehicle also incorporates an enhanced adaptive restraint system, including PRE-SAFE® Impulse belt pretensioners.
Booking and Pricing
Bookings for the new S 450e PHEV have commenced, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The company has announced the following introductory prices (ex-showroom, all-India):
- S 450e Launch Edition: ₹2.20 crore
- S 450e MANUFAKTUR Edition: Starting from ₹2.38 crore
Mercedes-Benz India is celebrating 140 years of innovation globally and continues to strengthen its presence in the Indian luxury automotive market through an expanding product portfolio and technology-driven customer experiences.
