Step Into the 90s: “Youngtimer” Exhibition at Mercedes-Benz Museum

Explore iconic Mercedes models from the 1990s–2000s at the “Youngtimer” exhibition in Stuttgart. Interactive AI stations and rare concept cars await you.

From April 11 to November 2, 2025, the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart invites visitors on a journey through time. The special exhibition “Youngtimer” immerses the audience in the 1990s and 2000s — a period when cars became symbols of freedom, style, and early emotions for the millennial generation.

At the heart of the exhibition are ten iconic vehicles displayed in Collection Room 5. Each car takes center stage in themed sections: “Easy Life” showcases the SLK and CLK Cabriolet; “Supersonic” features performance legends like the 190 E 2.5 EVO II and SLR McLaren Roadster. “Subculture” celebrates individuality with the E 60 AMG, while “Refinement” emphasizes elegance through the CL 600 and CLS 350 CGI. The “Space” section explores futuristic concepts with the SL 500 and Vision R 320 CDI.

The exhibition extends beyond the main hall: five additional young classics are displayed in glass cases in the museum’s multistorey car park, including the rare A 160 “Häkkinen” — signed by the Formula One driver himself. On Level 0, visitors can view the hybrid concept A-Class HyPer.

But “Youngtimer” is more than static showcases. Interactive zones powered by artificial intelligence offer arcade racing games in 1990s style, music clip creation, and a Face Swap tool that places visitors into historic images. While the specific AI platforms remain undisclosed, the experience reflects cutting-edge content generation and visual integration.

Each vehicle’s story goes beyond specs. Concepts like the Vision R 320 CDI and CLK 320 CDI Cabriolet highlight Mercedes-Benz's diesel innovation at the time. The A-Class HyPer, introduced in 1999, featured a hybrid powertrain long before hybrids became mainstream.

Some of these models were also part of memorable advertising campaigns. In the 1990s, Mercedes-Benz emphasized engineering and safety — including a notable ad based on a true story of a man surviving a cliff fall thanks to his Mercedes.

The exhibition is also supported by weekly events. Starting April 13, the museum hosts the Sunday “Classics & Coffee” meet-up in front of the building — the perfect setting for enthusiasts to reflect on what they’ve seen and share stories.

“Youngtimer” isn’t just about cars. It’s about time, nostalgia, and the technologies that enhanced the value of these machines. And perhaps, it marks the beginning of their cultural renaissance.

Source: mercedes-benz.com