Mercedes-Benz’s long-serving chief design officer Gordon Wagener is set to leave the company after 28 years, marking the end of an era for one of the world’s most influential automotive design leaders. Wagener oversaw the design of passenger cars and commercial vehicles, as well as the AMG and Maybach brands.
During his tenure, Wagener played a central role in shaping modern Mercedes-Benz identity, contributing to iconic models including the SLR McLaren, AMG One hypercar, AMG GT, and the S-Class W222. His work helped define the brand’s shift toward luxury minimalism and performance-focused aesthetics.
Mercedes-Benz has not yet named a successor, and Wagener has not disclosed his next move. Industry observers note that several senior European automotive designers have recently relocated to China, amid growing investment and influence in the global EV market.