In 2026, we mark not only the 140th anniversary of the brand, but also the 100th anniversary of the merger between Daimler and Benz. This historic union brought together the two leading names of the German automotive industry, along with their symbols: Daimler’s three-pointed star — representing land, sea and air — encircled by Benz’s laurel wreath. The result was a brand that would become synonymous worldwide with quality, prestige and technological progress.
The exhibition retraces this remarkable story, from the very first three-wheeled Benz (1886) to the spectacular AMG ONE. More than fifty iconic vehicles, including several rare highlights, are brought together for the first time in Belgium, displayed across thematic zones that reveal the many faces of Mercedes-Benz.
Highlights of the exhibition:
Icons and Symbols
A journey through the models that have defined the Mercedes-Benz DNA to this day, from early pioneers such as the 540 K Cabriolet and the 300 SL “Gullwing” to the hypercar AMG ONE.
HISTORY
Mercedes-Benz is, above all, a story of firsts. Discover milestones that havetransformed the automotive industry: the 260 D (1936), the world’s first series- production diesel car, the first saloon with ABS, and numerous breakthroughs in safetyand comfort.
Sport and Competition
The Mercedes-Benz DNA shines just as brightly on the racetrack.
This section features a legendary Silver Arrow, a Mercedes F1 W05 (2014) driven by Lewis Hamilton, a DTM 190, and of course the iconic “Rote Sau”, the car thatpropelled AMG onto the international stage during the 1971 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. Also on display is the formidable Sauber Mercedes C9, one of the most dominant Group C racers ever built and winner of the 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Supercars & Concept Cars
Mercedes-Benz has played a pioneering role in the evolution of high-performance vehicles. Alongside the iconic 300 SL “Gullwing” (1954) — often cited as one of the earliest supercars — visitors will encounter a C111, an extremely rare CLK GTR (Loh Collection), an SLR 722, an SLR Stirling Moss, and a striking SLS AMG Black Series, each of them exemplifying the brand’s fusion of racing heritage and road-going innovation.
S-Class & SL
Synonymous with luxury and prestige, these two legendary model lines are celebrated with six to seven representative examples of each series. Highlights include a 220 S “Heckflosse” (1961), a 170 S (1952), a 280 SEL 3.5 (1968), and a beautifully preserved 190 SL from 1957.
Scale models
The exhibition also includes an impressive selection of Mercedes-Benz scale models, generously loaned by Eric Janssen, one of Belgium’s most renowned collectors. As with every major thematic exhibition at Autoworld, he contributes a curated selection from his exceptional personal collection.
Kids Zone
During school holidays and weekends, a playful and educational area will welcome children. They can build their own Mercedes with LEGO bricks, draw their dream Mercedes, and see it come to life in 3D on an interactive screen. A creative and imaginative experience that inspires the engineers and car enthusiasts of tomorrow.
Shop
In the Autoworld shop, visitors will also find a wide range of Mercedes and automotive lifestyle items, books, and miniature models, perfect for extending the experience and taking home a piece of automotive history.
Exhibition Catalogue
Discover this unique catalog where every car from the exhibition comes to life through Yves Noël’s lens. Explore their intricate details, fascinating stories, and immerse yourself in a captivating retrospective of the brand, complete with miniatures and stunning photos from the exhibition.
Available at the Autoworld shop, it is an essential keepsake and a must-have reference for both automotive enthusiasts and the general public.
