On April 26, 2026, the Mercedes-Benz stand at the Beijing Auto Show had the honor of featuring the world's inaugural automobile, the "Benz Patent-Motorwagen"—an officially licensed replica crafted by Benz. This historic three-wheeled vehicle, which first rolled out 140 years prior, was not merely a static exhibit; it was brought to life with a live startup and driving demonstration.

On January 29, 1886, German engineer Karl Benz secured a patent for this groundbreaking invention, widely acknowledged as the world's first automobile powered by an internal combustion engine. The "Benz Patent-Motorwagen" showcased at the event is outfitted with a single-cylinder, four-stroke engine boasting a displacement of 0.954 liters, delivering a power output of 0.75 horsepower and achieving a top speed of roughly 16 kilometers per hour. Its design features a three-wheeled configuration with front-wheel steering and a rear-wheel chain drive. The vehicle's body is ingeniously constructed from a metal frame complemented by a wooden structure, showcasing a blend of innovation and craftsmanship.