Mercedes-Benz Launches a Global Journey Celebrating 140 Years

Mercedes-Benz begins its 140th anniversary with the world premiere of the new S-Class and a global journey across six continents. Discover the story.

In 2026, Mercedes-Benz marks 140 years since the birth of the automobile and turns the anniversary into a truly global moment. The celebrations begin on January 29, exactly 140 years after Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile, with Stuttgart hosting the official start of the jubilee year and the world premiere of the new S-Class.

Choosing the flagship sedan as the opening act is no coincidence. The S-Class has long served as Mercedes-Benz’s technological showcase, and in this anniversary year it becomes a symbol of continuity between heritage and future ambition. The updated model is positioned as one of the most extensive evolutions within a single generation, setting the tone for the months ahead.

Immediately after its premiere, the new S-Class embarks on a transcontinental journey titled “140 Years. 140 Places.” Three vehicles will travel more than 50,000 kilometers across Europe, North and South America, Asia, Australia, and Africa. The route links locations that reflect the brand’s history and global presence, from iconic roads such as Route 66 to major cities including Buenos Aires, Shanghai, and Sydney. The journey concludes in October 2026 in Stuttgart, where the story began.

The project is designed not only as a moving showcase but also as an invitation to engage. Customers, enthusiasts, and Mercedes-Benz clubs around the world are encouraged to follow the journey digitally, while selected stops will offer opportunities for on-site encounters, presentations, and local celebrations that bring the brand’s legacy closer to its audience.

The anniversary year is supported by a broader communication program that highlights the pillars that have defined Mercedes-Benz from the start: technology, safety, comfort, and design. By connecting historical milestones with today’s vehicles, the brand frames its past innovations as a foundation for modern mobility.

As Mercedes-Benz looks back on 140 years of progress, the celebrations also underline a forward-looking message. Against the backdrop of an ongoing large-scale product offensive, the jubilee serves as a marker of continuity and intent, reinforcing the brand’s ambition to shape the next chapter of automotive development.