Mercedes-Benz Celebrates 140 Years of Innovation in Kenya with New S-Class
From Carl Benz’s first Motorwagen to today’s intelligent luxury vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is marking 140 years of changing the way the world moves and Kenya is part of the celebration.
The milestone was marked in Nairobi as CFAO Mobility Kenya hosted an exclusive evening at Muthaiga Golf & Country Club, bringing together Mercedes-Benz customers, business leaders, partners and automotive enthusiasts for the unveiling of the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The event was also attended by Germany’s Ambassador to Kenya, His Excellency Sebastian Groth.
The celebration is part of Mercedes-Benz’s global “140 Years. 140 Places” expedition, an ambitious journey taking three S-Class saloons across six continents.
The vehicles are travelling more than 60,000 kilometres and visiting 140 destinations connected to the brand’s heritage, innovation and global presence.
The expedition has already made stops in cities and destinations including Stuttgart, Paris, Brussels, New York, Miami, Buenos Aires, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo, New Delhi and Mumbai.
Kenya’s inclusion puts the country on the map of a global journey celebrating the evolution of mobility and highlights its growing role as a centre for business, innovation and entrepreneurship in East Africa.
From 1886 to the Future
Mercedes-Benz traces its story back to 1886, when Carl Benz patented the Motorwagen, widely recognized as the world’s first automobile powered by an internal combustion engine.
For CFAO Mobility Kenya Managing Director Arvinder Reel, the 140th anniversary is therefore about more than marking a number.
“Tonight is not simply about celebrating a number, it is about celebrating legacy,” Reel said, reflecting on the journey that began with the Motorwagen.
He noted that the brand’s history has been shaped by its willingness to challenge what is possible in mobility.
The Mercedes-Benz global expedition began in Stuttgart and will eventually return to the German city in October 2026.
Kenya’s Place in the Journey
Kenya has a long-standing connection with the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Through its predecessor, DT Dobie, Mercedes-Benz has been represented in Kenya since 1949. Following the integration of CFAO Motors and DT Dobie in 2023, the businesses now operate under CFAO Mobility Kenya.
For the company, the anniversary also provides an opportunity to showcase how Mercedes-Benz continues to evolve while maintaining its reputation for engineering and luxury.
Idrissa Diagne, General Manager Mercedes-Benz, said the company remains focused on bringing the latest developments in safety, performance, connectivity and luxury to Kenyan customers.
Meet the New S-Class
The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the brand’s flagship luxury saloon.
Known for being a showcase for Mercedes-Benz technology, the S-Class brings together advanced features, craftsmanship, comfort and intelligent systems designed around the occupants.
The model has historically served as a testing ground for innovations that later make their way into other Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Its latest iteration continues that tradition, combining luxury with technology aimed at making the driving and passenger experience more seamless and personalised.
More Than a Car
For CFAO Mobility Kenya, the relationship with customers does not end when a vehicle leaves the showroom.
The company says its focus is on delivering an ownership experience that matches the standards associated with Mercedes-Benz.
Its current portfolio in Kenya includes the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class saloons, alongside the GLC, GLE, GLS and G-Class SUVs. The range also includes the Vito, V-Class and Sprinter vans.
“Our responsibility is not merely to sell you a Mercedes-Benz. Our responsibility is to earn the privilege of serving you,” Reel told guests.
As the “140 Years. 140 Places” expedition continues around the world, Kenya has taken its place in a story that began 140 years ago — one that continues to be defined by luxury, engineering, technology and the pursuit of what comes next.
