Mercedes-Benz India is set to introduce the new 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class luxury sedan in the Indian market tomorrow, June 15, 2026. The updated S-Class boasts extensive design revisions, technology upgrades, and new features, with Mercedes-Benz stating that nearly 90 percent of the car has been reworked. A petrol engine option is expected at a later stage, but the company has not yet confirmed the future of the diesel-powered variant.
Design Updates
The updated S-Class retains its overall design profile, with most visual changes concentrated at the front. The facelift introduces a larger grille with chrome star-pattern inserts and an illuminated surround, while the bonnet-mounted Mercedes emblem is now backlit. The redesigned headlamps are larger and feature triple three-pointed star-shaped daytime running lights. Mercedes-Benz has equipped the sedan with its latest micro-LED Digital Light technology, which improves illumination by 40 percent and includes an ultra-range high beam capable of illuminating up to 600 meters ahead.
Side changes are limited, including newly designed alloy wheels, with optional 50-spoke units manufactured using a high-pressure casting process. Additional exterior color options are available, including finishes from the Manufaktur customisation programme. The sedan now incorporates more cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors for upgraded driver assistance functions. At the rear, slimmer LED tail-lamps feature three-pointed star lighting elements, similar to those on the latest E-Class.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the updated S-Class gets a gloss black dashboard layout integrating three screens, referred to as the Superscreen. This includes a 12.3-inch driver display, a front passenger screen, and a larger 14.4-inch central touchscreen handling most vehicle functions. The sedan adopts the latest MB OS digital architecture, integrating systems such as lighting, cameras, suspension, and powertrain controls. The software supports cloud connectivity, AI-based functions, Google Maps navigation, and vehicle-to-everything technology.
Rear passengers continue to get dual 13.1-inch entertainment screens, while the previous rear control tablet has been replaced by two smaller touch-based controllers. The cabin retains leather upholstery and optional wood trim finishes, with climate vents integrated behind illuminated metallic panels featuring electrically adjustable airflow controls. Most vehicle functions are operated through the touchscreen interface and capacitive shortcut controls. Facial recognition via a dashboard-mounted camera supports video calling and cabin monitoring.
Rear seat comfort remains a focus, with the long-wheelbase version offering up to 43 degrees of seat recline, along with heating, ventilation, massage functions, and an optional four-seat layout.
Powertrain Options
The S 450e with EQ Hybrid Technology trim features a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-six engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 435 hp and 680 Nm of torque. Power comes from a 22 kWh battery pack, delivering an electric-only driving range of up to 100 km under ideal conditions. The S 450 trim gets a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, producing 404 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The diesel-powered S 350d is equipped with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine producing 330 hp and 650 Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz’s AWD setup. Adaptive air suspension remains standard, with active self-levelling optional. Rear-axle steering is now standard at 4.5 degrees, with a 10-degree setup optional.
India Launch and Pricing
It is not yet confirmed whether the facelifted S-Class will be brought to India as a CBU import or assembled locally to keep pricing competitive. The updated flagship sedan is expected to be priced from Rs 2 crore (ex-showroom), with the plug-in hybrid variant likely commanding the highest price tag. Once introduced, the S-Class will compete against the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series in the Indian market.
