There is a proverb that says if you want to know where you are going, you must first look back at where you come from. On 29 January 2026, that reflection carried profound significance as Mercedes-Benz marked 140 years since the invention of the automobile — a moment that would shape the course of modern mobility forever.
In 1886, Carl Benz registered the patent for the Motorwagen, while Gottlieb Daimler would soon follow with his own motorised carriage. Together, these pioneering acts laid the foundation for an industry — and a brand — defined by relentless innovation, engineering excellence, and an unwavering pursuit of progress. More than a century later, that spirit continues to guide the Three-Pointed Star.
From Invention to Icon
To commemorate this milestone, Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) hosted an intimate media gathering at the Makopotong Car Museum in Pretoria — a world-class facility housing a pristine collection of more than 250 Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Set against rolling lawns and heritage architecture, the museum provided an evocative backdrop for celebrating 140 years of the automobile, 130 years of transport, and 100 years of Mercedes-Benz history. It felt, unmistakably, like Gauteng’s answer to the Franschhoek Motor Museum.
The collection on display was a moving tribute to the brand’s enduring relationship with South Africa. From the 1928 Stuttgart Typ 200 — the oldest Mercedes-Benz vehicle in the country — to modern performance icons such as the SL 600 V12, the exhibition traced a lineage of craftsmanship, innovation, and aspiration. Adding depth to the experience was a comprehensive showcase of commercial vehicles, including classic vans, Unimogs, buses and heavy-duty trucks, underscoring Mercedes-Benz’s role in shaping both personal mobility and industrial progress.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, MBSA revealed that 2026 will usher in the most ambitious product rollout in the brand’s local history. Over the next two years, more than 40 new models are set to be introduced, blending heritage with cutting-edge technology across every segment. “Every model embodies the brand’s promise: to build the world’s most desirable cars,” the company said in a statement — a philosophy rooted as much in emotion as it is in engineering.
Among the highlights confirmed for South Africa are the Mercedes-Maybach SL roadster and the ultra-exclusive Mercedes-Maybach S 680 V12 Edition. Limited to just 50 units globally, with only two destined for local shores, the latter serves as a fitting tribute to the legendary V12 engine — an emblem of power, refinement, and mechanical artistry. Also on the horizon are the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA and GLC 200 4MATIC. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz Vans will introduce products built on the new VLE architecture, signalling a move towards purpose-built electric versatility in the luxury people-carrier space.
The S-Class Reveal
Yet it was the unveiling of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class later that day that anchored the celebration firmly in the present — and the future.
Marking 140 years since the invention of the automobile, the new S-Class represents the most comprehensive update within a single S-Class generation, with more than half of the vehicle newly developed, refined, or reimagined. It carries forward Mercedes-Benz’s enduring promise of engineering excellence, craftsmanship and the unmistakable “welcome home” feeling that has defined the flagship sedan for decades.
Visually, the S-Class enters a new era of presence and status. An optionally illuminated Mercedes star on the bonnet, a larger illuminated grille, and next-generation Digital Light headlamps with micro-LED technology create a distinctive, commanding light signature. Beneath the surface, the all-new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) acts as a powerful digital backbone, seamlessly connecting all vehicle domains and enabling over-the-air updates that ensure the S-Class remains future-ready.
Inside, the standard MBUX Superscreen and AI-driven “Hey Mercedes” virtual assistant transform interaction into an intuitive, almost human experience. Google-based navigation enhances real-world usability, while the rear cabin elevates luxury to a boardroom on wheels, complete with first-class seating, twin 13.1-inch displays and integrated video conferencing.
Effortless performance comes courtesy of refined electrified powertrains, advanced suspension systems, rear-axle steering and class-leading safety innovations. With Manufaktur Made-to-Measure customisation offering hundreds of exterior and interior combinations, the S-Class remains the ultimate personal expression of modern luxury.
As Mercedes-Benz celebrates 140 years of innovation, the message is clear: true luxury does not stand still. The Three-Pointed Star continues to evolve with confidence and purpose, lighting the way forward.
