Mercedes-Benz and Gorden Wagener end an era.
In 1997, Gorden Wagener joined Mercedes-Benz, becoming the industry’s youngest design chief at the age of 39 with the manufacturer, and immediately becoming responsible for some of the greatest design icons in recent automotive history, like the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Later on in his career, he took on a newly created Chief Design Officer role and helped shape the future of Mercedes-Benz along with the other brands within the manufacturer’s umbrella: Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, the G-Class lineup, and smart.
Establishing the iconic ‘Sensual Purity’ design philosophy at Mercedes-Benz, Gorden Wagener and Mercedes-Benz have officially announced that he is leaving the company on January 31, 2026, at his own request and through a mutual agreement. His other iconic work includes the creation of the Mercedes-AMG GT, reimagining the SL, the W/V222 S-Class, and the 176-series A-Class.
As his cherished tenure of nearly 30 years at Mercedes-Benz comes to an end, the historic brand is on the cusp of yet another exciting new chapter, with the new CLA showcasing groundbreaking technology, the all-new electric GLC launching, and new concepts and exclusive vehicles showcasing the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz design excellence. While his time as the Chief Design Officer of Mercedes-Benz has ended, the legacy and influence of Gorden Wagener will live on at Mercedes-Benz for years into the future, through the vehicles that wear the Mercedes-Benz star and the team brought up under his leadership.
