Mercedes-Benz has successfully wrapped up its extensive global tour titled ‘140 Years. 140 Places.’ This initiative celebrated the milestone of 140 years since Carl Benz secured the patent for his groundbreaking Motorwagen in 1886. On October 17, three S-Class sedans made their way back to the Mercedes-Benz Museum located in Stuttgart, Germany, after an impressive journey surpassing 65,000 kilometers across 55 nations and six continents over the course of nearly nine months.
The homecoming event attracted around 20,000 attendees and showcased the global premiere of the new Mercedes-AMG GT SUV, marking a significant occasion for the brand.
Details of the Expedition
The tour commenced on January 29, 2026, from Stuttgart with three S-Class vehicles named Bertha, Carl, and Gottlieb. Over its course, the expedition traversed more than 140 sites across six continents, crossing 67 international borders and navigating through 13 climate zones. Key cities featured in the itinerary included New York, Tokyo, Mumbai, Nairobi, and Sao Paulo.
Upon returning to Stuttgart, the S-Class sedans were part of a convoy that included 140 historical and contemporary vehicles. This included a replica of the original 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, a Ponton 220 S, the C 111 experimental vehicle, as well as the modern electric G-Class and C-Class models.
Performance Insights from the Journey
Mercedes-Benz emphasized that the tour was instrumental in evaluating the S-Class under real-world driving conditions, which went beyond the standard testing scenarios typically employed in extreme environments and simulation facilities. Notably, during its passage through India, the vehicles reached Umling La, situated at approximately 5,800 meters above sea level, and faced challenges such as monsoon rains and flooded roads.
In East Africa, the expedition included stretches on unpaved and rugged roads in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. Additionally, the S-Class experienced temperature fluctuations exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, navigating through both desert and tropical climates.
Continued Celebrations and Future Plans
The publication Autocar India participated in the Indian segment of the tour, where they had the chance to drive the pre-production S-Class sedans through the cities of Udaipur and Ahmedabad, assessing the luxury sedan’s performance, comfort, and technological advancements.
Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz will sustain its ‘140 Years of Innovation’ anniversary celebrations until the conclusion of 2026. Following previous exhibitions in cities like Copenhagen, Los Angeles, Sydney, and Delhi, the company has plans for additional showcases in various international locations. In December, a unique feature will be introduced in Munich, where the dealership’s approximately 145-meter-long glass facade will be transformed into a large Advent calendar.
Moreover, Mercedes-Benz is working on a coffee-table book that will chronicle the expedition, detailing its various stops and experiences along the way, providing fans and enthusiasts with a comprehensive look at this historic journey.
Source: Autocar India
