New Mercedes S-Class Hybrid Launches With 115 km Electric Range

The updated S-Class facelift shows the world one of the most impressive luxury vehicles being created today. The top-line sedan has now had an update and this includes a new Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) model to its range.

This is the first time that the S-Class has been introduced in this type of plugin hybrid setup and aims to blend the prestige of the German marque with a cleaner and more efficient electric-driving setup.

The update offers various styling revisions to the exterior, while the interior is still a haven of pure luxury with added comfort and technology for drivers and passengers alike, adding to the refined and luxurious experience of driving the S-Class.

The new Mercedes-Benz S 450e could offer the driver everything that one expects from the S-Class while giving owners a slight advantage in terms of economy, and being an efficient addition to its already stellar portfolio.

Mercedes S-Class Hybrid Sedan

The 2026 S-Class is likely to be priced nearly $20,000 over the preceding iteration, however, Mercedes-Benz is also expected to launch a mild-hybrid variant, to be christened as S 450 4MATIC

Speaking of the design, the car appears more opulent and aggressive than before. The front has a more imposing presence owing to a significantly larger front grille – around 20% bigger compared to the one it replaces-that receives illuminated borders and chrome stars, imparting a luxurious touch.

While the LEDs headlamps are also slightly larger, the Daytime Running Lights receive a distinct triple-star design, which contributes to a more contemporary and unique front profile.

The three-pointed Mercedes-Benz emblem is also lit up in the front of the new facelift to add luxury.

The headlights themselves are brighter, using a micro LED Digital Light technology and the front bumper now boasts larger air intakes, creating a bolder, aggressive looking machine for the road.

Moving to the side profile of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class it has updated alloy wheel designs that help give it an even more modern feel and it is much the same for the rear which features re-styled taillights that mimic the front with their three-pointed star design.

Mercedes-Benz is also offering a new set of color options for its 2026 S-Class facelift and even includes exclusive paint options from its Manufaktur range which gives the buyer further bespoke paint finishes.

Interior Updates

In terms of interior of the S-Class facelift: The S-Class has become more technological with the old style dashboard being replaced with a MBUX Superscreen. This has three displays, with a 14.4 inch central touchscreen, 12.3 inch driver display and another 12.3 inch screen for the front passenger. All powered by MB.OS, which supports new forms of AI through MBUX’s virtual assistant.

The new S-Class now comes with OTA(Over The Air) updates allowing the S-Class to be kept up-to-date without requiring workshop visits. The AR HUD also support the integration of Google Maps.

The interior also features a digital air vents and 13.1 inch entertainment screens in the back. A Burmester 4D surround sound system is standard, while air suspension is also standard, although an enhanced self levelling system is an optional extra.

Comfort has been another primary focus. 4-zone climate control is standard along with high level driver assistance and standard 4.5 degree rear wheel steering with the option of a 10 degree steer for easier maneuvering at low speeds. Front and rear seats can recline and also features heating, cooling and massage functionality.

Optional rear seats named executive seats cater the demands of rear passenger comfort, while the interior has been made much quieter through enhanced sound insulation and improved interior ambient lighting.

A newly developed plug-in hybrid engine system

This new Mercedes S-Class S 450e has an electric motor and an EQ Hybrid Tech 3-litre twin-turbo-charged, petrol, six-in-line engine. The electric motor is supplied by 22kWh battery and the output combined system is a whopping 435bhp and 680Nm of torque. The car is capable of travelling 115km on a full battery and from 0-100km/h it takes approximately 5.7 seconds. The petrol-powered, non-hybrid, version of the S450 will arrive at a later stage and the powertrain will consist of an electric motor and a 48V mild-hybrid system which is 404bhp and 500Nm of torque. It comes equipped with 4Matic all-wheel drive and achieves 0-100km/h in approximately 4.9 seconds.