STIHL MS 500i Centennial Edition Chainsaw Releasing in 2026

In 2026, STIHL is releasing another special edition of the MS 500i (the Launch Edition being another special edition).

This is the 500i Centennial Edition, commemorating and celebrating 100 years of STIHL Chainsaws.

STIHL MS 500i Centennial Edition

Stihl has confirmed that the MS 500i Centennial Edition  is a limited‑edition model, but no official production volume has been published. In press coverage and on Stihl’s own sites, the saw is repeatedly described as a very small, collectible run.

For example, an official Stihl Netherlands web page announces the MS 500i Centennial as “beschikbaar in een zeer beperkte oplage” (available in a very limited edition). Likewise, media reports from Stihl’s 2025 international media day note that “anlässlich des 100‑Jahre‑Firmenjubiläums 2026” (“on the occasion of the company’s 100th anniversary in 2026”) the MS 500i will be offered in a “limitierten Jubiläumsedition” (“limited-edition anniversary model”).

Dealers are requiring prospective buyers to register for early access, underscoring that “beperkte beschikbaarheid: op = op” (limited availability – once they’re gone, they’re gone).

Here’s what the translated page says:

To mark 100 years of STIHL, we are releasing the MS 500i Centennial Edition, available in a very limited edition.

Do you want to get your hands on this iconic chainsaw before its official release? Then register in advance and receive exclusive access to the sale.

Why you don’t want to miss it:

• Limited availability: gone = gone
• Special anniversary edition for 100 years of STIHL
• Bold black design for a powerful look
• Early access for registered STIHL fans

Promo images

Maximum power. Minimal emissions

As the world’s first chainsaw with electronic fuel injection, the STIHL MS 500i sets new standards in terms of performance and innovation. The intelligent injection system ensures effortless starting and constant power in all conditions, while the advanced STIHL 2-MIX engine combines raw power with lower fuel consumption and emissions. The perfect balance between advanced technology and sustainability.

Full speed in the blink of an eye

The STIHL MS 500i achieves the highest chain speed in just 0.25 seconds, providing the acceleration power that professionals need for the toughest jobs. Thanks to the integrated sensors that continuously adjust the fuel supply and the easy-start system, this powerhouse guarantees smooth operation, reliable performance and lightning-fast cuts – every time.

Included in the package: the lightweight STIHL Light X, 25″ bar and the innovative STIHL RAPID™ HEXA™ chain, designed for faster cutting, easier sharpening and longer life.

Light, agile and built for professionals.

With an excellent power-to-weight ratio, the MS 500i offers unparalleled maneuverability and control, even during long working days. The professional features – from tool-free fuel caps for effortless refueling to lock nuts on the gear cover for maximum convenience – make it faster, safer and more efficient to use.

Features

Limited edition

All sources agree the Centennial saw is a short-run special model. Stihl’s Netherlands site calls it a “zeer beperkte oplage” (very limited production run), and industry press similarly describes it as a “limitierten Jubiläumsedition”. No press release or official statement specifies an exact count.

No official unit count

We found no published figure for how many Centennial saws will be made. Stihl has not announced any production volume or regional quotas. All available information emphasizes exclusivity (“very limited”) but gives no numbers. (For context, Stihl’s previous MS 500i Launch Edition in 2019 was 500 units, but no analogous figure is given for the Centennial edition.)

Regional breakdown

There is likewise no indication of a regional distribution. The Dutch site notes it “zal dan ook niet beschikbaar zijn bij alle STIHL-dealers” (will not be available at all dealers), implying only a subset of markets or stores will carry it. Beyond that, no global vs. regional unit totals are public.

Price

There price is set at 2,499,00 € or about $2,930 – $2,945 USD.

The NL page says lists the following product details.

PRODUCT DETAILS

• Electronic fuel injection for instant acceleration and optimal engine response
• Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 0.25 seconds
• Best-in-class power-to-weight ratio: only 1..24 kg/kW
• Lightweight design and dynamic handling for efficient heavy woodwork

FAQs

These are the FAQs that STIHL has included on the page.

Why should I register in advance?

Pre-registration gives you the best chance of getting your hands on a copy of this limited edition. It’s free, easy, and will get you in line first when the product is available!

What does preregistration mean?

By registering in advance, you will receive an email to a special order page when the chainsaw is available. It’s your chance to be one of the first to access the order page, but it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to get your hands on a copy. Be quick.

Is pre-registration a guarantee that I can buy the product?

No, it is not. Pre-registering does not guarantee that you will be able to buy a copy. Availability is limited and not guaranteed. Orders are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration ensures that you receive an e-mail as soon as the chainsaw can be ordered.

How many STIHL MS 500i Centennial chainsaws can I order?

Due to limited availability, only one STIHL MS 500i Centennial chainsaw can be purchased per customer.

Do I have to pay?

Registration is completely free and non-binding. Once the chainsaw is available, you will receive a link to the order page via e-mail. Here you choose a STIHL dealer where you can pick up the machine. If your order is accepted, we will send the chainsaw to the chosen dealer. You pay for the chainsaw at your STIHL dealer.

Can I reserve a machine?

No, unfortunately that is not possible. You cannot reserve a machine with pre-registration. It simply gives you early access to purchase when stock becomes available.

How will I be informed about the start of the sale?

You will receive an email as soon as the product is available for purchase. Respond quickly because there is only limited stock! Gone = gone.

What should I do on launch day?

Keep an eye on your e-mail to make sure you don’t miss our communication. Then follow the link to complete your purchase as soon as possible. Supplies are limited, so the sooner you respond, the better your chances are!

Can I cancel my pre-registration?

Yes, you can unsubscribe at any time via the link in your confirmation email.

What is included in the scope of delivery?

The MS 500i Centennial Edition package includes

• STIHL MS 500i
• STIHL Light X, 25″ saw blade
• STIHL RAPID™ HEXA™ saw chain
• Chain guard
• Hexa file with handle
• Display Stand

Content may vary depending on regional availability and dealer offers.

Is the MS 500i Centennial Edition available both online and at STIHL dealers?

The MS 500i Centennial Edition is only available in a very limited edition. The chainsaw will therefore not be available at all STIHL dealers. If you want a chance to get your hands on a copy, please register on this page to try and buy them online via our order page.

Will the MS 500i Centennial Edition be sent to my home address?

No. On the order page, you must choose an authorized STIHL dealer where you can pick up the chainsaw. If your order is approved, the chainsaw will be sent to the selected STIHL dealer. You can then pick up the chainsaw there and pay for it.

100 years of STIHL

STIHL’s first chainsaw was released in 1926 — the electric STG1.

This was a two-man saw for horizontal use, not for felling trees. Not to mention, running electricity out to the forests would have been a right task.

STIHL’s first gas chainsaw, the Model A, came out not longer after, in 1929.

On X, STIHL shared “The STIHL type A tree felling machine is a two-person saw with 6 hp and a weight of 46 kg.”

And so it’s fitting to make a special edition for the 100-year anniversary. And the MS 500i is a great model to dress up for the occasion. It’s arguably STIHL’s most up to date or “modern” chainsaw, contrasting perfectly with the earliest saws from 100 years ago.

So by all accounts, this is going to be a very rare chainsaw!