"Visionary" designer leaves Mercedes-Benz after 29 years

For nearly three decades, Gorden Wagener shaped the design language and the "house style" of Mercedes-Benz like almost no other design chief in the company's nearly 140-year history.

And by announcing his departure from the marque on 31 January 2026 (at his own request and by mutual agreement), he leaves behind an internationally positioned design team and a portfolio that has had a lasting impact on the global automotive industry.

After joining Mercedes-Benz in 1997, one of his first and still most significant works was the design of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. He also became the youngest design chief in the industry at 39 years of age, where he systematically developed the design of the Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, and G-Class brands, as well as Smart (from 2016 onwards).

Under his creative, visionary leadership, the design process was rethought and refocused on physical creation using clay models as a key tool for achieving perfect proportions, presence, and a sculptural design language. Wagener also set about defining design trends in the performance and sports car segment as Chief Designer.

Thus, Wagener leaves behind a legacy that will be evident for many years to come in future products, but more so in the outstanding team he leaves behind.