Mercedes-Benz ‘140 Years. 140 Places’ global tour arrives in Malaysia

Quick look

• To mark the 140th anniversary of the patent for the world’s first car, Mercedes-Benz is sending three of the latest S-Class sedans around the world.
• The production models will cover over 50,000 kms between January and October 2026, stopping at a symbolic 140 locations that have special places in the brand’s history.

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class (still the W223 generation) had its world premiere on January 29, 2026. That date is of great significance to Mercedes-Benz because it was on the same day 140 years ago that Carl Benz filed for a patent for the world’s first car.

To celebrate the 140^th anniversary year of the first car, Mercedes-Benz has sent three of the new S-Class limousines on a global journey which will cover over 50,000 kms across 6 continents. The convoy will stop over at a symbolic 140 locations, each reflecting a chapter of the brand’s heritage, pioneering spirit and worldwide presence.

After 120 days and around 33,000 kms since leaving Stuttgart in Germany and travelling through Europe, South America, North America, Korea, Japan, China and entering Southeast Asia through Indo-China, the convoy has reached Malaysia.

Malaysia would certainly have a special mention in the brand’s history as it was here that one of its first official distributors in Asia was appointed. The distributor was Cycle & Carriage, which successfully obtained a Mercedes-Benz franchise in 1951. Cycle & Carriage would go on to build the brand in the market and though its role changed in the early 2000s, it remains synonymous with Mercedes-Benz and continues to be associated with it.

To welcome the S-Class convoy to Malaysia and also give the public a preview of the new model that will be launched later in the year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is having an event called “140 Places. 140 Years. One celebration in Kuala Lumpur.” A special House of Mercedes-Benz has been set up on a site adjacent to KLCC (Isetan side) and the public can have an immersive experience of the luxury brand.

Key highlights include an exclusive showcase of classic and high-performance Mercedes-AMG models, as well as the Mercedes MGP W01 Formula 1 racing car. There’s also Mercedes-Benz merchandise on sale during the 2-day event (today and tomorrow, 10 am to 8 pm). Entry is free.

“For Malaysia, this celebration holds a special meaning. Through the ‘140 Years. 140 Places’ journey, we are proud to celebrate and share the rich legacy and heritage of our brand with Malaysians — a legacy built over decades through Mercedes-Benz’s enduring commitment to fostering meaningful and lasting relationships with its customers,” said Martin Schulz, CEO & President, Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia & Head of Region, Mercedes-Benz Cars Southeast Asia.

The global tour
The three S-Class sedans for the journey are production models which originated from Factory 56 in Stuttgart, Germany where the brand’s high-end models are made. From there, there were delivered to the Mercedes-Benz Museum which was the starting point right after the new model had its premiere.

Making the starting event even more special was the presence of Jutta Benz, the great-granddaughter of Carl and whose wife, Bertha, was the first person in the world to drive an internal-combustion-engined automobile over a long distance (105 kms).

Similar to showroom cars
Unlike the Mercedes-Benz 280E that won the 1977 London – Sydney Rally, the three S-Class sedans have not been modified or even had any protective accessories added. They are similar to cars in the showrooms and on the roads, even though the journey across continents would not always been on highways or good roads.

The crews for the cars are mainly from the R&D department, many of whom are involved in endurance testing of prototypes. Normally, the cars they drive are less ‘complete’ but this time, they have a production model to travel comfortably in.

Even before this journey, prototypes of the new S-Class were already tested in many parts of the world as part of the usual development program. Since this is also an endurance run, so to speak, the engineers are also collecting running data which is sent back to the factory.

There are also no large trucks following them and the primary support vehicles are GLS SUVs which carry emergency parts and tyres, the items that are most frequently changed.

Along the way, in various sectors, there are also prominent global digital creators, hosts, and brand ambassadors who join in to publicise the journey. At some of the 140 stops, special events have been organised to celebrate the anniversary as well as preview the new S-Class.

After travelling through Europe at the tail end of winter, the convoy cross the Atlantic to start the South American leg from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They drove through Uruguay and Argentina, reaching Santiago in Chile as the southernmost point.

Then it was up to Miami, the first stop in the USA, from which they drove to New York and then Toronto in Canada. On their journey across America, they stopped at Tuscaloosa, a city which Mercedes-Benz set up a factory in 1997 to make the M-Class and other SUV models. Here, the new S-Class had to share attention with the new GLE and GLS models that were having their world premiere.

Travelling along the famous Route 66 to Los Angeles was the final part of the North American leg before the convoy crossed the Pacific.

Travelling through Asia
Arriving in Asia on April 23, the convoy travelled in Japan and Korea and through many parts of China, crossing into Southeast Asia at the border with Vietnam. From there, they passed through Indochina, making fast progress as the roads are fairly good.

On May 27, the convoy was in Bangkok and Mercedes-Benz Thailand took the opportunity to give Thai customers their first viewing of new S-Class. The same day, they left Bangkok and headed south to Hua Hin for a brief stop before continuing to Malaysia where a 2-day event is now on.

The Malaysian leg would not be complete without a stopover at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit where the Mercedes-Benz team has raced in the Formula 1 World Championship in previous years.

These being production cars, there have been no technical issues to delay progress. However, there were some places where delays occurred due to ‘human factors’. But the convoy has generally kept to its schedule, making up for delays by extending driving time into the night. That’s not been too challenging since the new headlights, with 25,000 micro LEDs per headlamp, can illuminate the road further than before, up to 605 metres.

Singapore will be the final stop on the Asian leg and they will be there from June 2 to 6. The 4-day stop includes a presentation of the cars at the IMBA Theatre, located close to the new Mercedes-Benz Studio Singapore. This is an initiative designed to bring the ‘Welcome Home’ experience to major cities around the world. Its aim is to expand the brand’s physical presence in prime central locations, creating welcoming spaces that draw in new customers and help build lasting relationships.

Decontamination for Australia
The extra days in Singapore are also needed to thoroughly clean the cars before they are shipped to Australia. This is not just a wash-and-polish exercise but almost like a decontamination process.

As those who have travelled to Australia will know, they are very strict biosecurity laws to prevent any biological threats (especially insects) from entering their country. Even aircraft cabins are sprayed before landing.

Because the cars have travelled through many countries all over the world, including rural countryside areas, they may have picked up dirt and insects. So even the radiators must be cleaned before they arrive in Australia. We were told that many sections under the cars will also be changed.

The rest of the journey
The Australian leg will start in Melbourne, where Mercedes-Benz has had a presence since 1907. In fact, a Mercedes-Benz was the first car in Australia, having arrived there in May 1900.

While the larger part of the 140 PLACES convoy continues its journey across Australia, one car will go to Auckland, New Zealand where it will be used for an S-Class launch event.

The journey will still continue – with India, the Middle East and Africa being done between mid-July and mid-September. Thereafter, it’s back to Stuttgart where a big welcome has been planned.

Click here for other news and articles about Mercedes-Benz