2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift Launched In India At Rs 2.20 Crore; The Luxury Sedan Now Gets A Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain!

Mercedes-Benz has launched the 2026 S-Class facelift in India, starting with a price tag of Rs 2.20 crore (ex-showroom). Mercedes-Benz claims that more than 50 per cent of the vehicle has been newly developed and around 2,700 components have been reworked. These updates can be seen on the luxury sedan with subtle updates to the exterior, bringing refreshed styling, a feature and tech-loaded cabin, and improved comfort features. 

The new S-Class also receives a comprehensive set of revisions underneath, with the biggest highlight of the facelift being the introduction of the S 450e plug-in hybrid. It combines a petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver a strong power output, while offering an electric-only range of up to 100 km. Apart from the S 450e, the S-Class facelift continues to be available in S 350d and S 450 4MATIC trims. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift:

 

 

 

 

 

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2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift Price And Variants 

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift will be sold in a total of three variants, spread across petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engine options. The car is locally assembled at Mercedes-Benz's Chakan plant in Maharashtra, which helps to manage pricing. Here is the detailed price list:

(All prices ex-showroom India)  

Exterior: Elegant & Understated

This time around, with the facelift, the S-Class incorporates a series of subtle yet striking updates to give the exterior styling a more contemporary appearance. While the overall silhouette remains identical, revisions to the bumpers, front grille, and lighting elements help distinguish it from the outgoing model. 

Upfront, the biggest change can be spotted in the form of the enlarged grille, which screams for attention. The front bumper has also been revised with design elements that complement the larger grille. Mercedes-Benz has also given the S-Class facelift its DIGITAL LIGHT headlights, which use millions of micro-mirrors to project precise patterns and even warnings onto the road. Apart from these additions, the three-pointed star emblem on the bonnet is now illuminated, which further enhances the luxury sedan’s road presence, especially at night. 

In profile, the changes are kept to a minimum with a similar silhouette as its predecessor. The S-Class facelift gets a new set of 20-inch alloy wheels as standard, and larger 19-inch alloy wheels are available as an option. Another addition on the side is the integration of cameras into the front fenders and the ORVMs. 

At the rear, the S-Class facelift sports revised LED taillights with three-pointed star lighting signatures, giving the sedan a more distinctive and unique appearance after dark. The new taillights are connected by a subtle and slim chrome strip that complements the overall rear design. The rear bumper gets slight revisions, but overall it remains similar to the outgoing model, with chrome surrounds around the rear diffuser and tailpipe. 

Interior And Features: Modern And Tech-rich

Step inside the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and you will be greeted with a new and refreshed dashboard layout featuring the new MBUX Superscreen, a triple-display setup comprising a 14.4-inch central infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch passenger display, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The cabin can be specced in various interior colour schemes, upholsteries, and additional trim options. The ambient lights wrap around the dashboard and doors to give the feeling of immersive luxury when the sun sets. There are no physical control buttons for any functions; all controls of the vehicle can be accessed via the central infotainment screen. Powering this system is Mercedes-Benz's latest MB.OS software architecture with fourth-generation MBUX, bringing enhanced voice recognition, AI-based assistance, and more intuitive interaction between the driver and the vehicle. Also new here is a three-spoke steering wheel with multiple physical buttons. 

To build focus around technology-driven comfort features, the S-Class facelift comes equipped with Digital Vent Control, which enables occupants to adjust the direction of airflow through the infotainment screen. It also gets the option of heated and ventilated seats. For occupants at the rear, the rear row now gets two ne smartphone-like gadgets to control various seat functions, including heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The rear seats continue to offer a 43.5-degree reclining angle for added comfort. Mercedes-Benz also offers a pair of 13.1-inch displays and video conferencing functionality. 

Speaking of comfort, Mercedes-Benz has upgraded the standard suspension setup of the S-Class to air suspension, and a an intelligent damping has been given as an optional add-on.  

On the mechanical front, the luxury sedan can be equipped with the brand's, while the standard setup continues to use the updated air suspension. The S-Class is also equipped with rear-wheel steering with a 4.5-degree setup as standard, and a 10-degree setup available as an option.

The long list of features on the S-Class facelift also includes a Level 2++ ADAS suite, upgraded auto-park assist, dual-pane sunroof, 4-zone climate control, dual wireless smartphone charging pads, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. 

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift Powertrain Options 

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift is offered in a total of three different engines: a 2.9-litre diesel, a 3-litre turbo petrol with mild hybrid, and a 3-litre inline-six petrol with plug-in hybrid. All three engines are mated to a ZF 9-speed automatic gearbox. The highlight here remains the new PHEV setup on the petrol engine, which works with a 120kW electric motor and a 22kWh battery. This setup is capable of delivering an electric-only range of up to 100 kms.

What this means is that buyers with city runs would be able to drive this car for the majority of its time without even the engine ever turning on. Here are the detailed engine specifications:  

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift Rivals 

The S-Class currently has only one direct rival in India, which is the BMW 7 Series. The 7 Series does not yet offer a plug-in hybrid in India, but it can be had with an electric avatar in the form of the BMW i7. Mercedes-Benz aims to target an audience who do not want to miss the very essence of having a powerful engine, along with a side benefit of a plug-in hybrid for increased efficiency. 

ZigSays… 

With the introduction of a facelift, Mercedes-Benz plans on keeping the S-Class a top contender in the luxury sedan segment. The S-Class has always been the first choice of a buyer who enjoys being driven by his chauffeur and wants the best of a premium and luxurious experience. The exteriors now look more appealing with a larger grille and updated headlights and taillights, and the refreshed cabin with its long list of features, including a triple-screen layout and comfort and convenience enhancements, ensures that the car stays in the eyes of prospective buyers. The S-Class now gets a diverse range of engine options, which means there is an S-Class available for every type of buyer according to their usage needs. Another factor that helps the S-Class in India is the fact that the car is now locally assembled, which helps bring down the prices and really gives the feel of what a true benchmark is like. 

Would you consider buying the Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift at this price? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!