When it comes to fuel-efficient cars in India, Maruti Suzuki is usually the first name that comes to mind. Among petrol vehicles, the Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid is currently considered as the most fuel-efficient car with up to 27.97 kmpl mileage. However, a luxury sedan has now taken the mileage crown. The new 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, launched by Mercedes-Benz India, claims a fuel efficiency of up to 32.2 kmpl, surpassing even some of India's most economical mass-market vehicles. 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Powertrain and Mileage The updated S-Class is the first version of the flagship luxury sedan to be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain in India. The Mercedes-Benz S 450e combines a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-six engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 435 hp and 680 Nm of torque. The plug-in hybrid setup is powered by a 22kWh battery pack that can deliver an electric-only driving range of up to 115 km under ideal conditions. Mercedes-Benz claims the luxury sedan achieves a fuel efficiency of 32.2 kmpl on the WLTP test cycle. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. The S 450e can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in 5.7 seconds, while its battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes using a 60kW DC fast charger. Design Updates The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retains its iconic silhouette but receives several exterior upgrades. The front fascia now features a larger grille with chrome star-pattern inserts and an illuminated surround. The bonnet-mounted Mercedes emblem is also backlit. New headlamps with triple three-pointed star-shaped daytime running lights and the latest Micro-LED Digital Light technology improve visibility. Mercedes-Benz claims the lighting system enhances illumination by 40% and offers a high-beam range of up to 600 metres. At the rear, the sedan gets slimmer LED tail-lamps with three-pointed star lighting signatures, while new alloy wheel designs add a fresh touch to the side profile.Interior and Features Inside, the luxury sedan features Mercedes-Benz's new Superscreen setup, consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a dedicated passenger display, and a larger 14.4-inch central touchscreen. The updated S-Class runs on the latest MB OS platform, offering cloud connectivity, AI-powered functions, Google Maps integration, vehicle-to-everything communication technology, and enhanced driver-assistance features. Rear-seat passengers continue to enjoy dual 13.1-inch entertainment screens, reclining seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions, and an optional four-seat configuration. The long-wheelbase version offers up to 43 degrees of seat recline for enhanced comfort.Price and Availability The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is available in two variants: Launch Edition Exclusive Line – Rs 2.20 crore (ex-showroom) Manufaktur Edition AMG Line – Rs 2.38 crore (ex-showroom) Bookings are now open, with deliveries expected to begin around Diwali 2026. The luxury sedan rivals the BMW 7 Series and the Audi A8 L in the Indian market. With a claimed mileage of 32.2 kmpl, the new plug-in hybrid Mercedes-Benz S-Class proves that luxury and fuel efficiency can now go hand in hand.