Mercedes-Benz Launches First Plug-In Hybrid S-Class In India At Rs 2.20 Crore
Mercedes-Benz has launched its first plug-in hybrid S-Class sedan in India, the S 450e, priced at Rs 2.20 crore. Combining a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with electric power, the flagship model focuses on offering luxury buyers a versatile, high-performance, and efficient driving experience.
Highlights
- •Mercedes-Benz launched its first plug-in hybrid S-Class (S 450e) in India, priced at Rs 2.20 crore.
- •The vehicle combines a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor, producing 429 BHP.
- •It features a 22 kWh battery offering an electric-only range of 115 km and 32.3 km/l overall efficiency.
- •Interior highlights include the advanced Superscreen system and premium rear-seat luxury controls.
Mercedes-Benz, the leading German luxury automotive manufacturer in India, has officially expanded its prestigious S-Class sedan lineup. In a significant move to strengthen its commitment to diverse powertrain options, the automaker has introduced its first-ever plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant in the Indian market, marking a new chapter for its flagship sedan series.
The new Mercedes-Benz S 450e is now available for bookings across India with an introductory starting price of Rs 2.20 crore. Potential customers can expect the initial deliveries of this sophisticated luxury sedan to commence around the Diwali festival period in November 2026. This launch highlights the company's broader strategic goal of providing high-end vehicle consumers with a flexible array of choices, encompassing traditional internal combustion engines (ICE), fully electric battery-powered vehicles (BEV), and now, plug-in hybrids.
Performance and Technological Innovation
At the heart of the Mercedes-Benz S 450e is a powerful 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine seamlessly integrated with an electric motor and a 22 kWh battery pack. This combination delivers a formidable 429 BHP and 680 Nm of peak torque, transferred to the rear wheels through an efficient nine-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle is engineered for impressive performance, capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds.
Beyond its power, the plug-in hybrid S-Class emphasizes efficiency and modern convenience. It boasts an electric-only driving range of 115 km, making it suitable for emission-free daily commutes. Under the WLTP cycle, the car achieves an overall claimed mileage of 32.3 km/l, striking a balance between luxury performance and fuel economy. The exterior design reflects its status, featuring a redesigned front fascia, an illuminated grille with a gloss-black surround, and distinctive LED headlamps with star-shaped daytime running lights.
The interior of the S 450e is equally impressive, centered around the advanced Superscreen setup. This system includes a 14.4-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a dedicated 12.3-inch display for the front passenger, all running on the latest Mercedes operating system. Rear-seat passengers are treated to a premium experience with 13.1-inch displays and a control tablet for seat adjustments, including heating, ventilation, and massage functions.
The management at Mercedes-Benz India has noted a consistent increase in sales within the top-end vehicle segment, which currently accounts for 27 percent of their total volume in the country. Following a record-breaking financial year in FY26 with 19,363 units sold, the company is strategically evaluating the potential for localized manufacturing of the S-Class PHEV at its Chakan facility near Pune to further meet the growing demand from luxury buyers.
