Mercedes-Benz models reaching 30 years and the 2026 H plateDiscover Mercedes-Benz models qualifying for the 2026 H plate, as reported by Mercedes-Benz, with details on heritage support and the shift toward classic status.

Discover Mercedes-Benz models qualifying for the 2026 H plate, as reported by Mercedes-Benz, with details on heritage support and the shift toward classic status.

In 2026, a group of Mercedes-Benz models will reach an important milestone: the thirtieth anniversary that opens the door to historic registration and the coveted German H number plate. This moment marks a dual status, when a car still feels contemporary in everyday use yet officially becomes a classic under national regulations. To qualify, each vehicle must undergo an Oldtimergutachten in accordance with Section 23 of the StVZO, confirming its solid condition and largely original specification.

Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH plays a central role in supporting these ageing icons. The division supplies owners with an extensive range of genuine replacement parts—more than 160,000 individual items—many of which reach dealers worldwide within 24 hours. For late-1990s models this support ensures not only survival into the Youngtimer and Oldtimer eras, but preservation in an authentic state.

The list of models becoming eligible for H registration in 2026 spans several notable vehicles introduced in 1996. The compact SLK R170, launched with its steel Vario-Roof in April that year, remains one of the most recognisable roadsters of its era. With over 311,000 units produced, it established a new niche for the brand and continues to attract enthusiasts seeking an accessible entry into the classic Mercedes-Benz world.

The high-performance E 50 AMG also joins the ranks. Built for roughly a single year, it carried a 347-PS V8 and served as the bridge between the celebrated E 500 of the W124 series and the later E 55 AMG. Its short production period has made it a sought-after sedan among collectors, reinforcing its significance within the AMG lineage.

The estate models are equally noteworthy. The C-Class T-Model S202, presented in Geneva, became the first compact station wagon of the C-Class line, combining practicality with four distinct equipment lines. Its larger counterpart, the E-Class T-Model S210, entered the market in the same period, offering almost two cubic metres of cargo capacity and quickly gaining popularity among families.

Summer 1996 saw the introduction of the V-Class 638, the first large-capacity passenger vehicle derived from the Vito platform. Designed to carry up to six occupants, it featured flexible seating arrangements including a vis-a-vis configuration. By autumn, the G 300 Turbodiesel of the W463 series followed, powered by the 177-PS OM606 inline-six with 330 Nm of torque and available in both short and long wheelbase variants.

The renewed fascination with 1990s automotive design is reflected in the ongoing “Youngtimer” special exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, open until April 2026. It highlights vehicles that have transitioned from everyday transport to cultural and collectible artefacts. Their arrival in the H registration category underscores this shift, marking the moment when familiar models begin their evolution into recognised automotive heritage.