Mercedes-Benz celebrates 140 years of innovation, the global S-Class journey stops in Malaysia

140 years ago, Carl Benz patented the world’s first automobile and since then, Mercedes-Benz has continually redefined mobility through innovation and craftsmanship.

In honor of this anniversary, Mercedes-Benz has launched a global tour titled “140 Years. 140 Places,” starting from Stuttgart.

The epic journey spanning six continents began on January 20, 2026 using the facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class and has now arrived in Malaysia.

140 Places. 140 Years in Kuala Lumpur

Hosted at the House of Mercedes-Benz in KLCC Square, the “140 Places. 140 Years” event offers an immersive experience.

Among the main attractions is an exclusive exhibition featuring classic Mercedes-Benz models, a lineup of high-performance Mercedes-AMG vehicles, and the Mercedes Formula One racing car, the MGP W01.

Also making its debut is the facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Martin Schulz, CEO & President, Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia & Head of Region, Mercedes-Benz Cars Southeast Asia said, “140 Years of Innovation for Mercedes-Benz is not just a milestone, it is a testament to what happens when passion, precision, and purpose come together.

“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.”

Key Features of the Facelifted S-Class

Unlike the S-Class introduced in 2020, this facelifted model features over 50 percent, or 2,700 components, that have been built and redesigned.

Notable updates include a redesigned front grille with lighting, a new generation MB.OS operating system powered by a supercomputer, MBUX Superscreen, and Airmatic air suspension.

As a result, the facelifted S-Class offers a quieter and more luxurious driving experience.

The Legacy of Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia

Did you know that the Mercedes-Benz brand has a long-standing presence in Malaysia, dating back more than a century, before the existence of showrooms or assembly plants as we see today?

In the early 20th century, the Sultan of Johor was believed to be one of the earliest Mercedes-Benz owners in Malaya.

Official sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles began in 1951 through Cycle & Carriage.

In 1968, local assembly of passenger car models commenced, followed in 1983 by Malaysia becoming the first country outside Germany to assemble the S-Class model (380 SE).

This momentum continued with the establishment of DaimlerChrysler Malaysia in 2003, which later evolved into Mercedes-Benz Malaysia in 2008.

The Pekan production plant, established in 2004, further solidified Malaysia’s role in the region.

In 2023, two significant achievements were recorded:

1. The production of the first locally assembled Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC
2. The milestone of the 100,000th Mercedes-Benz vehicle rolling off the Pekan facility

Today, Malaysia also plays a crucial role in logistics and digital operations through Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics Asia-Pacific (MBPLAP) and Mercedes-Benz Tech Malaysia.

Agility+: Redefining the Customer Experience

This 140-year celebration is not just about honoring history but reflects the evolution of how customers enjoy the Mercedes-Benz experience today.

Through the Agility+ and Young Star Agility+ plans, Mercedes-Benz offers flexible financing solutions for new and pre-owned models.

This makes the aspiration of owning a Mercedes-Benz more attainable while fostering a community of owners who share interests, meaningful relationships, and exclusive experiences.