Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that India will host the next phase of its global ‘140 years’. Expedition 140 places, a worldwide campaign celebrating 140 years since the invention of the car. 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 cruise through several historically, culturally and geographically significant locations across the country.
The campaign marks the 140th anniversary since Carl Benz received the patent for the world’s first automobile in 1886. Through the journey, Mercedes-Benz aims to highlight its engineering heritage while showcasing the people, traditions and landscapes that have shaped mobility over the decades.The Indian part starts in JulyThe India drive will begin in July and take the S-Class through a wide range of destinations that represent the country’s heritage, architecture, craftsmanship, urban development and natural diversity. Before reaching India, the three participating S-Class sedans had already traveled more than 60,000 km through over 55 countries on six continents. Named Gotlieb, Carl and Bertha, the vehicles pay tribute to the pioneers associated with the origins of Mercedes-Benz.According to the company, the combination of India’s cultural heritage, technological development and diverse terrain makes it a key destination in the global program and reflects the evolution of the S-Class over the years. The India tour is planned through two separate routes to cover different regions of the country.
The first route, undertaken by Gotlieb, will start in New Delhi before proceeding to Amritsar, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. This stretch includes some of the highest mountain roads in the world, including Umling La, along with high altitude passes near Manali. The route will then descend into the Gangetic plains. From there, the S-Class will travel through 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 leg of the Indian 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, covering destinations renowned for their architecture, royal heritage and traditional crafts.
The convoy will then arrive in Pune, where Mercedes-Benz operates its manufacturing facility in India. From Pune, two cars will separate, with one heading to Mumbai and the other to Hampi. The vehicles will later be reunited in Bengaluru, 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 finishing in Mumbai, covering India’s west coast and documenting the country’s varied landscapes and cultural diversity.Mercedes-Benz says the program is intended to document the stories of people, traditions, craftsmanship and communities encountered along the route, rather than simply completing a long-distance drive. The company says the S-Class was chosen as the central vehicle for the campaign because it represents the brand’s focus on innovation, luxury, safety, comfort and technology.The campaign also celebrates Mercedes-Benz’s role in the development of the modern car. 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. In addition to its current focus on electrification, software-defined vehicles and future mobility, Mercedes-Benz says the S-Class continues to represent the brand’s flagship offering. ‘140 years. The 140 Places expedition aims to connect the company’s history with its future direction, while celebrating the places and communities that form part of its global presence.
