140 Years of Innovation.

Since Carl Benz registered his patent for the motor car (Motorwagen) in 1886 and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorised carriage (Motorkutsche) shortly afterwards, the history of Mercedes-Benz has for 140 years known only one direction: forward. From Bertha Benz’s legendary pioneering journey to speed records, early milestones in autonomous driving, vision cars and high-tech drive systems: the brand repeatedly demonstrates its unwavering determination to win and how it is constantly rethinking the automobile.

As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz holds a truly unique position in automotive history – a legacy established 140 years ago with the development of the world’s first automobile. Today, that same pioneering spirit drives us to unite engineering leadership, human-centric design and seamless technology to create the world’s most desirable cars. Currently underway, the biggest launch programme in the history of Mercedes-Benz is proof of this enduring commitment.
Ola Källenius
Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG

The new S-Class.

The 140th anniversary year is defined by the biggest product launch programme in the brand’s history. It starts with the world premiere of the new S-Class on 29 January 2026. Over the next two years, Mercedes-Benz will launch more than 40 new models that blend tradition with innovation and set new standards across all segments. Every model embodies the brand’s promise: to build the world’s most desirable cars. Today’s Mercedes-Benz innovations carry heritage into the future – as a brand that understands progress programmatically, focuses on the needs of people and society, and continually redefines individual mobility.

The new S-Class.

Most comprehensive update and 140 years of innovation: more than 50 per cent of the car is newly-developed, updated and refined, the new S-Class delivers the most comprehensive update within one S-Class generation.

To the new S-Class

Recording of the world premiere.

Click here for the recording of the world premiere of the new S-Class at the Mercedes-Benz Museum.

To the recording

What began 140 years ago is still our driving force today: building cars that inspire people. At its heart is a simple but powerful brand promise – the unmistakable feeling of ‘Welcome home’. Every Mercedes embodies this feeling. The moment someone gets behind the wheel, tradition and innovation become emotion – familiar, intuitive, unmistakably Mercedes-Benz. With the biggest product launch in our history, we are bringing this feeling to more people and more markets than ever before.
Mathias Geisen
Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Sales

“140 Years of Innovation”.

Right after the new S Class world premiere, Mercedes Benz will go on an epic drive across six continents, bringing the anniversary celebration directly to customers and fans.

Future robotaxi ecosystem.

Working with technology leaders such as NVIDIA and Momenta paves the way for secure and technologically advanced robotaxi services.

From history to the future.

For more than 140 years, inventive spirit, a commitment to quality and a culture of innovation have carried Mercedes-Benz to the forefront of automotive development. Today’s Mercedes-Benz innovations take this heritage into the future – as a brand that understands progress as a guiding principle, focuses on the needs of people and society, and continually redefines individual mobility.

Vehicle icons from 140 years.

Every single model since 1886 represents the strengths of the brand in its own way. Time and again, individual models and model series stand out. They become automotive icons and represent in a special way what defines the brand – the innovative strength of Mercedes-Benz.

More about iconic vehicles

Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, Mercedes-Benz 190 SL racing version and Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss (from right to left) near Dubai International Financial Centre.

140 years milestones.

Pioneering inventions since 1886 epitomise the culture of innovation at Mercedes-Benz that shape the evolution of the automobile.

More about the milestones

Tradition.

Our company history from the beginnings of the automobile to electromobility.

Tradition overview