Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that India will host the next phase of its global ‘140 Years’. The 140 Places expedition, a worldwide campaign marking 140 years since the invention of the automobile. As part of the initiative, three new Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans are traveling to six continents and 140 destinations. During the India leg, the luxury flagship will pass through several historically, culturally and geographically significant locations across the country.
The campaign commemorates the 140th anniversary of Carl Benz receiving the patent for the world’s first automobile in 1886. Through the journey, Mercedes-Benz aims to highlight its engineering heritage while showcasing the people, traditions and landscapes that have shaped mobility for decades.The India leg starts in JulyThe India drive will begin in July and will take the S-Class through a wide range of destinations that represent the country’s heritage, architecture, craftsmanship, urban development and natural diversity. Before reaching India, the three participating S-Class sedans have traveled over 60,000 km across 55 countries on six continents. Named Gotlieb, Carl and Bertha, the cars honor the pioneers involved in the beginnings of Mercedes-Benz.According to the company, India’s combination of cultural heritage, technological growth and diverse terrain make it an important destination in the global program and reflects the evolution of the S-Class over the years. The India journey is planned in two separate routes to cover different regions of the country.
The first route, developed by Gotlieb, will start in New Delhi before proceeding to Amritsar, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. This section includes some of the highest mountain roads in the world, including Umling La, along with high passes near Manali. The route then descends to the Gangetic plain. From there, the S-Class will travel through Lucknow, Varanasi and Patna, highlighting cities known for their history, craftsmanship and spiritual significance. The route also includes a brief visit to Bhutan, the only international section of India’s itinerary, before returning to Delhi.The other two S-Class sedans, Carl and Bertha, will initially travel together from Delhi via Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad, covering destinations recognized for their architecture, royal heritage and traditional crafts.
The convoy will then arrive in Pune, where Mercedes-Benz operates its Indian factory. From Pune, the two vehicles will separate, with one going to Mumbai and the other to Hampi. The vehicles will later be reassembled in Bengaluru, home to one of Mercedes-Benz’s largest research and development centers outside of Germany. The final leg of the drive will take the S-Class through Goa before ending in Mumbai, covering India’s west coast and documenting the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural diversity.Mercedes-Benz says the program is intended to document the stories of the people, traditions, craftsmanship and communities encountered along the route rather than simply completing a long journey. The company says the S-Class was chosen as the central vehicle for the campaign because it represents the brand’s focus on innovation, luxury, safety, comfort and technology.The campaign also commemorates Mercedes-Benz’s role in the development of the modern automobile. Since Carl Benz introduced the first patented motor car in 1886, the company has contributed to advances in vehicle engineering, safety, luxury and mobility technologies. Alongside its current focus on electrification, software-defined vehicles and future mobility, Mercedes-Benz says the S-Class continues to represent the brand’s flagship offering. The ‘140 Years. The 140 Places expedition is intended to connect the company’s history with its future direction while celebrating the places and communities that have become part of its global presence.