Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that India will host the next phase of its global ‘140 Years’. 140 Places’ expedition marks 140 years since the invention of the automobile. As part of the initiative, three new Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans are traveling across six continents and 140 destinations. During the India leg, the luxury flagship will pass through several historically, culturally and geographically significant places across the country.
The campaign celebrates the 140th anniversary of Carl Benz’s 1886 patent for the world’s first automobile. During the journey, Mercedes-Benz aims to highlight its engineering heritage by showcasing the people, traditions and landscapes that have shaped mobility for decades.The India match will start in JulyThe India drive will begin in July and will take the S-Class through various destinations representing the country’s heritage, architecture, craftsmanship, urban development and natural diversity. Before reaching India, the three participating S-Class sedans had already covered more than 60,000 km in more than 55 countries across six continents. Cars named Gotlieb, Carl and Bertha honor the pioneers associated with the origins of Mercedes-Benz.According to the company, India’s combination of cultural heritage, technological development and diverse terrain make it a key destination in the global program and reflects the evolution of the S-Class over the years. The India trip is planned in two separate itineraries to cover different parts of the country.
The first route operated by Gotlieb will start in New Delhi before proceeding to Amritsar, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. This section includes some of the world’s highest mountain passes, including Umling La and high mountain passes near Manali. The route will then descend to the Gangetic Plain. From there, the S-Class will pass through Lucknow, Varanasi and Patna, highlighting cities known for their history, craftsmanship and spiritual significance. The itinerary also includes a short visit to Bhutan, the only international leg of the India itinerary, before returning to Delhi.The other two S-Class sedans, Carl and Bertha, will initially travel from Delhi via Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad together to cover destinations known for their architecture, royal heritage and traditional handicrafts.
The caravan will then reach Pune, where Mercedes-Benz operates its manufacturing plant in India. Two cars will leave from Pune, one for Mumbai and the other for Hampi. The vehicles will then be reunited in Bangalore, 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 varied landscapes and cultural diversity.Mercedes-Benz says the program is designed to document the stories of the people, traditions, crafts and communities encountered along the route, rather than simply completing a long-distance drive. The company says the S-Class was chosen as the centerpiece of the campaign because it represents the brand’s focus on innovation, luxury, safety, comfort and technology.The campaign also recalls Mercedes-Benz’s role in the development of the modern automobile. Since Carl Benz introduced the first patented automobile in 1886, the company has contributed to advances in automotive engineering, safety, luxury and mobility technologies. Along with electrification, software-defined cars and a focus on future mobility, Mercedes-Benz says the S-Class continues to represent the brand’s flagship offering. ‘140 Years. The 140 Places expedition aims to link the company’s history with its future direction by celebrating the places and communities that form part of the company’s global presence.
