From 1886 to 2026: Celebrating 140 Years of Mercedes-Benz Innovation

On January 29, 1886, Carl Benz filed Patent DRP 37435 for his "vehicle with gas-engine drive," a document now recognized as the birth certificate of the automobile and part of UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. That single act of ingenuity launched an era of personal mobility that changed civilization forever. Nearly simultaneously, Gottlieb Daimler installed his high-speed internal combustion engine into a carriage, creating the first four-wheeled automobile. Together, these two inventors established a legacy of engineering leadership that has endured for 140 years.

As Mercedes-Benz marks this milestone anniversary, the spirit that drove Benz and Daimler forward continues to shape every vehicle bearing the three-pointed star. For drivers in Laval and across Quebec, this heritage matters because it means owning a Mercedes-Benz connects you to a lineage of firsts, from the original motorwagen to the AI-powered vehicles being unveiled right now. The brand's CES 2026 announcements prove that the pioneering instincts of 1886 remain very much alive in 2026.

The All-New Electric GLC: A Glimpse Into the Future

At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Mercedes-Benz presented the all-new electric GLC to North American audiences for the first time. This vehicle arrives at a pivotal moment for the brand, as the GLC has been Mercedes-Benz's global bestseller for years. Built on an entirely new electric architecture, the all-new GLC delivers 483 hp and an estimated WLTP range of up to 713 km on a single charge.

The 800-volt charging system allows drivers to add up to 303 km of range in just 10 minutes at compatible DC fast-charging stations. For Quebec drivers who travel between Laval, Montreal, and points beyond, this capability transforms long-distance electric travel into a practical reality. The all-new electric GLC will expand the lineup in the second half of 2026.

MB.OS: The Brain Behind the Experience

At the heart of the all-new electric GLC sits MB.OS, the Mercedes-Benz Operating System. This AI-driven supercomputer integrates infotainment, driver assistance, comfort features, and charging management into a single intelligent platform. Processing up to 254 trillion operations per second, MB.OS learns driver preferences, adapts to conditions in real time, and delivers over-the-air updates that keep the vehicle fresh for years.

Fourth-generation MBUX makes its debut as the world's first in-car infotainment system to integrate artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google. The optional 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen stretches across the dashboard as the largest continuous display ever fitted to a Mercedes-Benz. For passengers, this creates an immersive digital environment that feels more like a modern living space than a traditional cabin.

Spatial Audio and the New Sound of Driving

Mercedes-Benz partnered with Dolby to bring Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos to Apple CarPlay, a feature already available in the all-new CLA and GLB and coming to the all-new electric GLC. Music, podcasts, and audiobooks gain depth and dimension, surrounding occupants with sound that moves naturally through the cabin. This audio experience reinforces what Mercedes-Benz calls the "Welcome Home" feeling, a sense of comfort and belonging that greets drivers every time they step inside.

The All-New Electric CLA: Smart Technology, Long-Range Capability

Alongside the electric GLC, the all-new electric CLA showcases MB.DRIVE technology developed in partnership with NVIDIA. This advanced driver assistance system uses AI and accelerated computing to help navigate city streets with SAE Level 2 assistance. Press a button, and the CLA can guide itself from a parking lot to a destination while the driver remains in control through Mercedes-Benz's cooperative steering approach.

The CLA 250+ produces 268 hp and offers an estimated WLTP range of up to 792 km, while the CLA 350 4MATIC delivers 349 hp with all-wheel drive and up to 771 km of range. Both variants benefit from 800-volt architecture and can add up to 300 km of range in just 10 minutes. For drivers in Quebec who face cold winters and long commutes, these figures offer peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

Explore the Mercedes-Benz Legacy at Mercedes-Benz Laval

When Carl Benz filed his patent 140 years ago, he set in motion an unbroken chain of automotive progress. Today, the all-new electric GLC and CLA carry that legacy forward with intelligent technology, long-distance range, and fast charging speeds that make electric driving practical for everyday life in Quebec. To learn more about these vehicles and what 140 years of engineering leadership means for your next drive, visit the team at Mercedes-Benz Laval.