140 years of the automobile: Public event at the Mercedes-Benz Museum marks the finale of the new S-Class world tour

• “The 140 Festival” with extensive programme on Sunday, 18 October 2026 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Experience iconic vehicles from 140 years of automobile history
• Engine starts, classic car rides and a pit-stop challenge
• Immerse yourself in the legendary history of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class model series with virtual reality

On Sunday, 18 October 2026, the Mercedes-Benz Museum will become the focal point for 140 years of automobile history. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the major public event will showcase vehicles from Mercedes-Benz history. They span the history from the Benz Patent-Motorwagen of 1886 – the world’s first automobile – through the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” (W 198) to the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class of the 223 model series. Engine starts, rides, expert talks, vehicle presentations, a pit-stop challenge and an immersive S-Class experience make it a memorable day out for the whole family. The new Mercedes-AMG GT SUV will also be on display for the first time following its world premiere the previous evening. 

A variety of refreshments will be available at numerous stands across the event site. DIE NEUE 107.7 – the event’s radio partner – will keep you entertained throughout the day. Admission to the entire programme in the outdoor area is free of charge. Visiting the permanent exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz Museum is subject to regular admission prices. Further information: https://go.mercedes-benz.com/140-festival. 

Programme for the free public event

• Engine starts: Original competition cars from Mercedes-Benz motorsport history bring the authentic sounds of the racetrack to the Mercedes-Benz Museum.
• Classic tours: Rides in vehicles spanning 140 years of Mercedes-Benz history bring automobile history to life – from the Benz Patent-Motorwagen to the latest S-Class. Mercedes-Benz Trucks invites visitors to take a ride in a vintage fire engine.
• Pit-stop challenge: A rapid tyre change, just like in a real race? Two DTM show cars are available for the challenge: a Mercedes-AMG GT3, as driven by Maro Engel in the 2026 season, and a 2018 Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM.
• Immersive S-Class experience: Using virtual reality, visitors can immerse themselves in the legendary history of Mercedes-Benz luxury-class vehicles. The experience comprises seven chapters covering “140 Years of Innovation”, culminating in the new S-Class of the 223 model series. This is on offer in the Great Hall of the Mercedes-Benz Museum on Level E1. Up to 20 people at a time can take part in the experience, which lasts around twelve minutes.
• Living history: Expert talks with former racing driver Ellen Lohr and other guests offer fascinating insights and stories from 140 years of innovation.
• Special exhibition: Legendary Mercedes-Benz classics are paired with their modern interpretations, bringing the history of engineering and design to life as a dialogue between yesterday and tomorrow. On display are the W 125 (1937) and the Vision EQ Silver Arrow (2018), the 320 streamlined saloon (1938) and the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 (2016), as well as the C 111-II (1970) and the Vision One-Eleven (2023).
• Catering options: Various refreshments will be on offer at numerous stands across the event site. 

At “The 140 Festival”, Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the homecoming of the new S-Class after its “140 Years. 140 Places” world tour. Since 29 January 2026 – exactly 140 years after Carl Benz filed the patent for his motor car – three S-Class saloons have covered around 65,000 kilometres across all continents. On Saturday, 17 October 2026, invited guests will celebrate the return of the S-Class from its world tour. The free public event on 18 October 2026 will bring the anniversary weekend to a close. 

Further information about the “140 Years. 140 Places” tour across six continents is available in the “140 years of innovation | Mercedes-Benz Media” special and in the Mercedes-Benz Community. 

The Mercedes-Benz Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The ticket desk always closes at 5 p.m. 

Registrations, reservations and the latest information: Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. by telephone on +49 711 17-30000, by email to classic@mercedes-benz.com or online at
www.mercedes-benz.com/museum

Further research and multimedia material:
mercedes-benz-archive.com/marsmuseum 

Mercedes-Benz Classic on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/mercedesbenzmuseum
https://www.facebook.com/mercedesbenzmuseum

Mercedes-Benz anniversary year “140 Years of Innovation”
Since Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorised carriage shortly afterwards, Mercedes-Benz has dedicated itself to constant innovation and to creating the world’s most desirable cars for its customers. This ambition has driven every innovation – from the world’s first automobile in 1886 to the biggest product launch programme in the company’s history, which is currently underway. With a passion for performance and pioneering power, excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer service, the brand has consistently shaped the future of mobility. The result goes well beyond engineering achievement – it creates the unmistakable feeling which defines Mercedes-Benz in all it does: Welcome home.