Date: April 27, 2026
Location: China Beijing Auto International Exhibition Center (E4 Hall)
If you are walking through the halls of the 19th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition this week, there is one address you cannot miss. Amidst the sea of neon lights and futuristic concepts, Mercedes-Benz has pulled off a masterclass in brand heritage.
Celebrating the 140th anniversary of the automobile, the German marque has transformed its double-decker E4 stand into a “Three-dimensional history book of automobiles”. But this isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a declaration of intent. From the ultra-rare McLaren SLR Stirling Moss to the tech-heavy new S-Class, here is your expert guide to the hottest stand at Auto China 2026.
🏛️ A Walk Through History: The “God Tier” Classics
While other brands are busy hiding their combustion engines, Mercedes-Benz is putting its heritage front and center. The lower level of the stand is a treasure trove for petrolheads, featuring 12 legendary models that define the industry.
👑 The Real Maybach 62
Forget the modern Maybach S-Class for a moment. Standing tall is the Maybach 62, the genuine article that once battled the Rolls-Royce Phantom.
- Why it matters: It’s nearly 6.2 meters long with that iconic independent triangular rear window.
- The Vibe: This is the car that defined “ultra-luxury” in the early 2000s. Seeing the double-M logos in the metal is a reminder of the brand’s absolute peak in engineering excess.
🐯 The “Tiger Head” W140
Nostalgia hits hard next to the Maybach. Parked nearby is the W140 S-Class, known affectionately in China as the “Tiger Head Ben”.
- The Legend: This 90s icon represents the era of “over-engineering.” It was developed with such intensity (reportedly costing billions and going over budget) to ensure it remained the technological benchmark.
- Spec: The model on display is a V12 variant, showcasing that massive, imposing presence that still commands respect on the road today.
🛡️ The Originator: W116 S-Class
Further down the line sits the W116, the very first generation to officially bear the “S-Class” name.
- Tech First: This is the car that introduced the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to the world in 1978. It’s a crucial piece of automotive archaeology.
🚀 The Crown Jewel: SLR McLaren Stirling Moss
Hidden away, almost like a secret, is the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss Edition.
- Rarity: Only 75 units were ever made (in 2009).
- Design: No roof, no windshield. Just a 5.4L supercharged V8 pushing 650 HP.
- The Detail: It features a unique “arrow” design language paying homage to the racing legend Sir Stirling Moss. If you see this on the stand, consider yourself lucky—it’s one of the most collectible modern classics in existence.
⚡ The New Guard: Electric & Luxury Flagships
Moving from the past to the future, Mercedes is showcasing its “Electric First” strategy without abandoning the luxury DNA.
✨ The New S-Class (China Premiere)
The mid-life facelift of the S-Class (W223 successor) is here, and it addresses the critics.
- Design: The grille is larger (up 20%) and now features an illuminated “Star” pattern, matching the retro-futuristic vibe.
- Interior: A massive glass panel now integrates the central and passenger displays. Crucially, physical buttons have returned to the steering wheel for volume and speed—listening to user feedback.
- Tech: It features a new “Comfort Heating Package” with heated seatbelts (up to 44°C), a game-changer for northern Chinese winters. The rear entertainment system now uses a VLM (Vision Language Model) to actively read passenger mood and adjust lighting.
🔋 All-Electric GLC SUV (World Premiere)
This is the headline act. The GLC goes electric, and it’s huge.
- Size: It’s the largest GLC ever, with a wheelbase stretching to 3,027 mm.
- Range: Over 700 km (CLTC).
- Tech: It rides on the MB.OS architecture with a massive 39.1-inch hyperscreen. It’s designed specifically with Chinese preferences in mind, offering a “soft” ride quality that competes directly with domestic EV giants.
💎 All-Electric CLA 260 L
Already launched at the show with a starting price of 229,000 RMB, this sedan is the entry point to the EQ family. It boasts an incredibly low consumption of 11 kWh/100km thanks to its 2-speed transmission.
📊 Quick Specs: The Stars of the Show
表格
| Model | Key Feature | Powertrain / Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Maybach 62 | 6.2m Length, V12 | The ultimate status symbol of the 2000s. |
| SLR Stirling Moss | Windshield-free | 5.4L V8 Supercharged, 650 HP, 0-100 in 3.0s. |
| New S-Class | Illuminated Grille | MB.OS, Heated Seatbelts, VLM Rear Interaction. |
| Electric GLC | 3,027mm Wheelbase | Dual Motor AWD, 700km+ Range, Hyperscreen. |
| W140 “Tiger Head” | V12 Engine | The 90s icon of “over-engineering.” |
🧠 Expert Analysis: Why This Stand Wins
What makes the Mercedes-Benz stand the “hottest” isn’t just the metal; it’s the strategy.
- Emotional Connection: By placing the 1886 Patent Motor Car next to the 2026 Electric GLC, they are telling a story of continuity. They aren’t just selling cars; they are selling 140 years of mobility.
- Listening to the Market: The return of physical buttons on the new S-Class steering wheel and the specific “China-only” long-wheelbase adjustments on the GLC show a brand that is listening to its customers, not just dictating to them.
- The “Wow” Factor: Most brands bring concepts. Mercedes brought the SLR Stirling Moss and the Maybach 62. For the enthusiasts, seeing these rare beasts in the flesh is worth the price of admission alone.
Whether you are there for the “Tiger Head” nostalgia or the new AI-driven electric future, the Mercedes-Benz stand at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show is the place to be.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When is the best time to visit the Mercedes-Benz stand?
The stand is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily during the Auto China 2026 exhibition (April 24 – May 3). Early mornings are best to see the classics before the crowds get too dense.
2. Can I buy the SLR McLaren Stirling Moss on display?
No. This is a limited edition collector’s item (only 75 made) and is strictly for display purposes at the show.
3. What is the price of the new Electric CLA 260 L?
The all-new Electric CLA 260 L was launched at the show with a starting price of 229,000 RMB.
4. Is the new S-Class available with a V12 engine?
While the new Maybach S-Class (also on display) offers 8 and 12-cylinder options, the standard new S-Class focuses on inline-6 engines with 48V mild-hybrid systems, prioritizing efficiency and electrification.
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