Exactly 140 years ago, Carl Benz changed the course of history by filing the patent for the first automobile. Today, Mercedes-Benz continues to honor that pioneering spirit, evolving from the inventor of the motorcar to the world’s most preeminent purveyor of luxury automotive excellence.
To celebrate this monumental anniversary, the brand has announced a year-long global celebration centered on “140 Years of Innovation,” headlined by the world premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and an unprecedented trans-continental expedition.
The Pinnacle of Luxury: The New Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The celebrations commenced on January 29, 2026, at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. The spotlight belonged to the world premiere of the new S-Class, a vehicle that epitomizes the “Welcome Home” philosophy of the brand. As the most significant evolution of the flagship sedan to date, the new S-Class harmonizes cutting-edge technology, uncompromising safety, and bespoke comfort. It serves as a moving testament to 140 years of heritage, reimagined for the discerning drivers of tomorrow.
“140 PLACES”: A Trans-Continental Odyssey
Following the premiere, Mercedes-Benz is launching an ambitious global drive titled “140 PLACES.” This epic journey will see a convoy of three new S-Class sedans traverse over 31,000 miles across six continents. This is not merely a test of endurance but a celebration of the brand’s global impact.
The convoy will visit 140 iconic locations, weaving through historic milestones like Route 66—celebrating its own centennial—and global cultural hubs such as Shanghai, Sydney, and Buenos Aires. Along the route, the S-Class will be joined by a curated fleet of classic heritage vehicles and 2026 premieres, bridging the gap between a storied past and an electric future.
Beyond the Drive: Luxury Lifestyle and Collaborations
In a move that blends automotive prestige with high-fashion lifestyle, Mercedes-Benz also announced a collaboration with adidas. The “140 Years Sneaker Edition” features a retro-inspired design based on the iconic adidas Samba. Incorporating premium leathers and textiles inspired by Mercedes-Benz luxury interiors, these limited-edition sneakers offer fans a contemporary way to wear a piece of automotive history.
The Future of the “World’s Most Desirable Cars”
The 140th-anniversary milestone is just the beginning of the most aggressive product offensive in the company’s history. Over the next 24 months, Mercedes-Benz will launch more than 40 new models. Each release is designed to set new benchmarks in the luxury segment, focusing on the emotional experience of the driver and the progressive needs of a modern society.
As Mercedes-Benz looks toward the next century, the brand remains committed to its singular ambition: creating the world’s most desirable cars through unwavering engineering excellence and a passion for performance.
