Mercedes-Benz and Gorden Wagener end and end.
In 1997, Gorden Wagener joined Mercedes-Benz, becoming the manufacturer’s youngest head of design in the industry at the age of 39 and immediately assuming responsibility for some of the greatest design icons in recent automotive history, such as the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Later in his career, he took on the newly created position of Chief Design Officer and shaped the future of Mercedes-Benz along with the other brands under the manufacturer’s umbrella: Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, the G-Class range and smart.
Gorden Wagener and Mercedes-Benz have established the iconic “Sensual Purity” design philosophy at Mercedes-Benz and officially announced that he is leaving the company on January 31, 2026 at his own request and by mutual consent. His other iconic works include the development of the Mercedes-AMG GT, the reinterpretation of the SL, the S-Class W/V222 and the A-Class of the 176 series.
As its esteemed nearly 30-year tenure at Mercedes-Benz comes to an end, the historic brand stands on the threshold of another exciting new chapter: the new CLA showcases groundbreaking technology, the all-new electric GLC is launched, and new concepts and exclusive vehicles showcase the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz design excellence. Even though his time as Chief Design Officer of Mercedes-Benz has come to an end, Gorden Wagener’s legacy and influence at Mercedes-Benz will live on for many years to come, through the vehicles that bear the Mercedes-Benz star and the team that was created under his leadership.
