Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that India will host the next phase of its global ‘140th Anniversary’ campaign. The 140 Places adventure is a global event commemorating the 140th anniversary of the invention of the automobile. As part of the programme, three new Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans are traveling across six continents and 140 destinations. During its India leg, the luxury flagship store will travel through various historically, culturally and geographically significant locations in the country.
The event commemorates the 140th anniversary of Carl Benz’s patent for the world’s first automobile in 1886. Through this journey, Mercedes-Benz aims to highlight its engineering heritage while showcasing the people, traditions and landscapes that have shaped mobility for decades.India leg starts in JulyThe India tour will begin in July and will take the S-Class through a host of destinations representing the country’s heritage, architecture, craftsmanship, urban development and natural diversity. Before arriving in India, the three participating S-Class sedans had traveled more than 60,000 kilometers and traveled through more than 55 countries on six continents. The vehicles are named Gotlieb, Carl and Bertha respectively, paying homage to the pioneers associated with the origins of Mercedes-Benz.The company said India’s cultural heritage, technological advancement and diverse terrain make it an important destination for the global program and reflect the evolution of the S-Class over the years. The India tour is planned in two different itineraries covering different parts of the country.
The first route, run by Gotlieb, will start from New Delhi and continue to Amritsar, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. This section includes some of the highest mountain passes in the world, including Umling La and high-altitude passes near Manali. The route then descends to the Gangetic plains. The S-Class will depart from there via 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 portion of the India 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, passing through destinations renowned for their architecture, royal heritage and traditional craftsmanship.
The convoy will then arrive in Pune, where Mercedes-Benz has a manufacturing facility. From Pune, two cars will be separated, one going to Mumbai and the other going to Hampi. The vehicles will then be reunited in Bengaluru, home to one of Mercedes-Benz’s largest research and development centers outside Germany. The final leg of the journey will take the S-Class through Goa and finally to Mumbai, covering India’s western coastline and documenting the country’s varied landscapes and cultural diversity.Mercedes-Benz says the program aims to document the stories of the people, traditions, craftsmanship and communities encountered throughout the route, rather than simply completing a long drive. 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 company said.The event also commemorates the role Mercedes-Benz played in the development of modern automobiles. Since Carl Benz introduced the first patented motor vehicle in 1886, the company has contributed to advances in vehicle engineering, safety, luxury and mobility technology. Alongside its current focus on electrification, software-defined cars and future mobility, Mercedes-Benz says the S-Class continues to represent the brand’s flagship product. 140 years. 140 Places’ adventures aim to connect the company’s history with its future direction while celebrating the places and communities that form part of its global operations.