Luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz has launched the India leg of its global 140 Years. 140 Places. transcontinental drive, celebrating 140 years since Carl Benz filed the patent for the world’s first automobile in 1886.
The initiative features three Mercedes-Benz S-Class luxury limousines, named Gotlieb, Carl and Bertha, on an epic journey spanning more than 60,000 km across six continents, over 55 countries and 140 symbolic destinations.
The global drive commemorates Mercedes-Benz’s legacy as the inventor of the automobile while showcasing the brand’s innovation, engineering excellence and vision for the future of mobility.
India journey to showcase culture and innovation
The India chapter of the global expedition will celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship, landscapes and technological progress, with the S-Class serving as the flagship symbol of innovation and luxury.
The journey will document stories of people, traditions, aspirations and innovation through engagements across diverse destinations, highlighting the country’s unique identity.
The three S-Class vehicles will travel along two major routes named after Mercedes-Benz pioneers Gotlieb, Carl and Bertha.
Northern route to traverse the Himalayas
The vehicle named Gotlieb will begin its journey from New Delhi before heading to Amritsar, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
A key highlight of the expedition will be its drive across some of the world’s highest and most challenging mountain roads, including Umling La, the highest motorable pass in the world—and the mountain passes around Manali, showcasing the S-Class’ engineering capability, comfort and refinement.
The journey will then continue through Lucknow, Varanasi and Patna, celebrating India’s craftsmanship, spirituality and artistic traditions before crossing into Bhutan, the only international destination on the India route, and finally returning to New Delhi.
Western and southern routes highlight heritage and industry
The Carl and Bertha S-Class vehicles will jointly travel from New Delhi through Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad, exploring destinations renowned for their architectural heritage, royal history and craftsmanship.
The route will then reach Pune, home to Mercedes-Benz India’s manufacturing facility.
From Pune, the two vehicles will take separate routes. One will travel through Mumbai, while the other will explore the historic landscapes of Hampi before reuniting in Bengaluru, home to Mercedes-Benz’s research, development and technology operations in India.
The journey will conclude in Mumbai after traversing Goa and India’s western coastline, capturing the country’s geographical diversity, cultural richness and economic progress.
Celebrating 140 years of automotive innovation
Mercedes-Benz said the global initiative reflects its 140-year journey of pioneering mobility innovation, from inventing the first automobile in 1886 to developing today’s intelligent, connected and luxury vehicles.
The 140 Years. 140 Places. campaign also coincides with one of the company’s most ambitious product programmes, highlighting its continued focus on shaping the future of mobility.
The S-Class, the company’s flagship luxury sedan, represents Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation, safety, comfort, technology and luxury.
India reflects the spirit of the S-Class
Mercedes-Benz India, Managing Director & CEO, Santosh Iyer, said the India leg of the global drive celebrates both the company’s legacy and the country’s diversity.
“Mercedes-Benz’s much awaited ‘140 Years. 140 Places.’ world tour is coming to India, celebrating the Three-Pointed Star’s 140 years global legacy of innovation and progress. In India, this world tour aims at capturing the rich cultural tapestry, awe-inspiring architecture, the unique geographical diversities and the unmatched energy and spirit of our customers, who define Mercedes-Benz’s legacy,” he said.
Iyer added that India’s blend of tradition, cultural heritage, technological innovation and rapid progress closely mirrors the evolution of the S-Class over the decades.
“We are proud to host the ‘140 Years. 140 Places.’ global journey in India, narrated through our flagship S-Class,” he said.