From the registration of the “Motorwagen” patent in 1886 to the digital frontiers of 2026, Mercedes-Benz’s history is a relentless journey forward. As the brand prepares to celebrate its 140th anniversary, it continues to prove that its DNA—built on quality, design, and superior engineering—is not just about preserving a giant legacy, but about systematically shaping the future of global mobility.
In 2026, the Mercedes-Benz DNA will be more prominent than ever. The 140th anniversary will be marked by the largest product launch program in the brand’s history. Beginning with the world premiere of the new S-Class on January 29, 2026, the brand will introduce over 40 new models across all segments within the next two years, blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation.
Two Inventors, One Goal: The Birth of the Automobile
On January 29, 1886, Carl Benz applied for a patent for his revolutionary three-wheeled motor vehicle—the first to consistently combine an internal combustion engine with a lightweight chassis.
Simultaneously, Gottlieb Daimler designed the first four-wheeled motor carriage, dreaming of mobility “on land, on water, and in the air.” These two vehicles formed the first link in an unbroken chain of innovation.
Icons of Progress: From Bertha Benz to the Vision EQXX
- The First Influencer: In 1888, Bertha Benz embarked on the world’s first long-distance drive (Mannheim to Pforzheim), famously solving mechanical issues on the road—like cleaning a clogged carburetor with a hatpin—to prove the automobile’s potential.
- Rethinking the Concept: Wilhelm Maybach’s 1901 Mercedes 35 hp heralded a new era with its low center of gravity and high-performance drive. Today, that courage lives on in the VISION EQXX and the CONCEPT AMG GT XX.
- The Electric Evolution: Mercedes-Benz’s electric roots go back to the 1906 Mercedes-Électrique. In 2022, the VISION EQXX set a record by driving 1,202 km on a single charge from Stuttgart to Silverstone. In 2025, the CONCEPT AMG GT XX broke records at Nardò, covering 5,479 km in 24 hours.
Defining Luxury and Performance
- The Chancellor’s Choice: From the 1951 “Adenauer” 300 (W 186) to the modern Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the star remains the global standard for state vehicles.
- The Sports Car of the Century: The 1954 300 SL “Gullwing” was voted the “Sports Car of the Century” in 1999, a title supported by its timeless design and racing DNA.
- Safety Pioneer: Invented by Béla Barényi, the crumple zone debuted in 1959. This legacy continues with ABS (1978), ESP® (1995), and today’s MB.DRIVE ASSIST systems.
Motorsport Mastery and the Future
- The Silver Arrows: Since 2014, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has secured seven Driver and eight Constructor Championships. In 2026, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will take to the track in the new Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E.
- The Ultimate Collectible: The 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupé” remains the most valuable car in the world, auctioned for €135 million in 2022 to fund the beVisioneers fellowship.
- Autonomous Vision: From the first research vehicles in the 1980s to the SAE Level 2 capabilities of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA, otonomous driving is becoming a daily reality.
