To celebrate 140 years since the invention of the automobile, three new Mercedes S-Class W223 facelift models have embarked on a 50,000 km world tour across six continents. The journey began on January 29 in Stuttgart and will end on October 29, also in Stuttgart, after the three models visit 140 iconic destinations.
The story is well known. On January 29, 1886, Carl Benz filed the patent for the first motorized vehicle. History records that the Benz Patent-Motorwagen—whose replica we saw in motion a few years ago—was the world’s first automobile.
That is why Mercedes chose January 29, 2026, to launch the facelifted Mercedes S-Class W223, as that date marks exactly 140 years since the birth of the automobile.
To celebrate this milestone, Mercedes has begun a transcontinental journey with three new facelifted Mercedes S-Class models that will travel more than 50,000 km across six continents over the course of eight months.
The journey started on January 29 in Stuttgart and will conclude on October 29, also in Stuttgart, passing through 140 iconic locations, each reflecting a chapter of the brand’s heritage, pioneering spirit, and global presence.
The route will span Europe, South America, North America, Australia, Asia, and Africa—visiting countries, cities, and communities on every continent where Mercedes-Benz has left its mark. It is the most ambitious brand journey ever undertaken, sending the most advanced four-wheeled brand ambassadors out into the world. The itinerary includes major brand milestones and legendary routes—such as Route 66, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026—as well as megacities like Buenos Aires, Shanghai, and Sydney.
Along the way, the new S-Class models will be joined at various checkpoints by classic cars, 2026 premiere models, and local fleet vehicles that reflect the brand’s current presence.
The journey can be followed online via the Mercedes-Benz Community hub and the brand’s social media channels, with regular updates.
In the photo gallery you can see images from the journey through Europe: the three facelifted Mercedes S-Class models captured in Maastricht, Brussels, St. Moritz, and San Sebastian.
