140 Years. 140 Places.

“140 Years of Innovation”

An epic trans-continental journey.

January 29, 2026 – Celebrating 140 Years of Innovation together with customers, fans and communities around the world, Mercedes-Benz has embarked on an epic trans-continental journey.

Following the World Premiere of the New S-Class on 29 January 2026, three new S-Class saloons have set off on a global drive spanning more than 50,000 kilometres across six continents. The journey will visit a symbolic 140 locations, each reflecting a chapter of the brand’s heritage, pioneering spirit and worldwide presence. The drive is planned to end in Stuttgart in October 2026, where the journey started.

It is the most ambitious brand journey ever attempted, taking the most advanced brand ambassadors on four wheels to the world. The route covers brand milestones and legendary routes – such as the Route 66, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026 – to megacities like Buenos Aires, Shanghai and Sydney. Along the way, checkpoint companions will join the new S-Class: classic cars, 2026 model premiere models and local fleet vehicles that reflect the current brand presence.
Christina Schenck

Our ‘140 Places’ journey will see the new S-Class visiting customers and fans all around the world, bringing the Mercedes-Benz heritage to life in every corner we reach. We’re truly looking forward to meeting people in six continents, celebrating together and sharing highlights on our brand channels. We can’t wait to catch up with you along the way.

Christina Schenck
Vice President Digital & Communications and Investor Relations, Mercedes-Benz AG
Christina Schenck

“140 Years. 140 Places.” will offer memorable in person moments for customers, Mercedes-Benz Club members and fans – from meet and greets to exclusive stories, showcases and chances to experience the journey up close. The global drive can be followed through the digital hub on the Mercedes Benz Community  site and other brand channels like YouTube . Fans everywhere can join in with behind the scenes content, checkpoint stories and regular updates from the road.

Visited places along the route

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Places in Germany Close
The S-Class starts its journey to 140 legendary places at the Mercedes-Benz Museum.
The S-Class starts its journey to 140 legendary places at the Mercedes-Benz Museum.
The first stages led to central places in the company's history, such as the Daimler garden house in Bad Cannstatt, Germany. It was here that Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach developed the first high-speed combustion engine at the end of the 19th century.
The first stages led to central places in the company's history, such as the Daimler garden house in Bad Cannstatt, Germany. It was here that Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach developed the first high-speed combustion engine at the end of the 19th century.
The Automuseum Dr. Carl Benz in the former Benz factory in Ladenburg, Germany. The new S-Class is accompanied by a golden Mercedes-Benz 300 SE (W 126, 1988). Jutta Benz, the great-granddaughter of Carl and Bertha Benz on a replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen.
The Automuseum Dr. Carl Benz in the former Benz factory in Ladenburg, Germany. The new S-Class is accompanied by a golden Mercedes-Benz 300 SE (W 126, 1988). Jutta Benz, the great-granddaughter of Carl and Bertha Benz on a replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen.
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class together with a replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen in Wiesloch, Germany. Bertha Benz stopped here on the first long-distance journey in automotive history in 1888 to buy alcohol as fuel in the pharmacy. Today, the building is considered the "first gas station in the world".
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class together with a replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen in Wiesloch, Germany. Bertha Benz stopped here on the first long-distance journey in automotive history in 1888 to buy alcohol as fuel in the pharmacy. Today, the building is considered the "first gas station in the world".
The city Schorndorf is Gottlieb Daimler’s birthplace, in which a glass cube housing the 1886 Daimler Motor Carriage can be found. The vehicle is considered the world's first four-wheeled automobile.
The city Schorndorf is Gottlieb Daimler’s birthplace, in which a glass cube housing the 1886 Daimler Motor Carriage can be found. The vehicle is considered the world's first four-wheeled automobile.
Places in Europe Close
In St. Moritz (Switzerland), the S-Class stops on the frozen lake. Here, Alpine elegance meets 140 years of innovation.
In St. Moritz (Switzerland), the S-Class stops on the frozen lake. Here, Alpine elegance meets 140 years of innovation.
The anniversary convoy with 140 customer vehicles arrives at the harbour in Nice (France) on 1 February. The tour travels along the Route Napoleon. Among them is the luxurious sports and prestige vehicle 'Mercedes 35 PS', which formed the basis for the Mercedes Simplex models introduced from 1902 onwards.
The anniversary convoy with 140 customer vehicles arrives at the harbour in Nice (France) on 1 February. The tour travels along the Route Napoleon. Among them is the luxurious sports and prestige vehicle 'Mercedes 35 PS', which formed the basis for the Mercedes Simplex models introduced from 1902 onwards.
The new S-Class in front of a picturesque backdrop in Spain. After a stop in Madrid (Spain), the journey continues along the coast of San Sebastián back towards France.
The new S-Class in front of a picturesque backdrop in Spain. After a stop in Madrid (Spain), the journey continues along the coast of San Sebastián back towards France.
The next stop on the journey is France. After crossing Spain, we head north again to Paris. In front of the Eiffel Tower, the new S-Class is staged.
The next stop on the journey is France. After crossing Spain, we head north again to Paris. In front of the Eiffel Tower, the new S-Class is staged.
The next stop is Belgium before the global journey sends the convoy to South America. Here, the new S-Class is parked in front of the Royal Palace in Brussels.
The next stop is Belgium before the global journey sends the convoy to South America. Here, the new S-Class is parked in front of the Royal Palace in Brussels.
The new S-Class at another stop at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), one of the most demanding circuits in the world, with the racing legend “Rote Sau”, the AMG 300 SEL 6.8.
The new S-Class at another stop at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), one of the most demanding circuits in the world, with the racing legend “Rote Sau”, the AMG 300 SEL 6.8.
Places in South America Close
In South America, the convoy visits extraordinary destinations, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile.
In South America, the convoy visits extraordinary destinations, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile.
From Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) we continue through the Itatiaia National Park to São Paulo (Brazil). Along one of the highest drivable routes in Brazil, the convoy is accompanied by adventure photographer Karl Shakur.
From Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) we continue through the Itatiaia National Park to São Paulo (Brazil). Along one of the highest drivable routes in Brazil, the convoy is accompanied by adventure photographer Karl Shakur.

This article was last updated in February 2026.
140 Years of Innovation.

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.

140 Years of Innovation Overview