► Gorden Wagener to leave Mercedes
► Departs design head post on 31 January 2026
► AMG design boss to replace him
Gorden Wagener, head of Mercedes Group design, is leaving his post on 31 January 2026 ‘at his own request.’ Mercedes has confirmed that Wagener will be replaced by Bastian Baudy, the man who is currently head of AMG design.
Wagener’s announcement comes at the same time as Torsten Eder, head of electrified powertrains, and Thomas Hellmuth, head of safety, who are also stepping down. In the statement confirming the management reshuffle, Mercedes says that those leaving are ‘entering a new chapter in their lives or continuing their careers along new paths.’
Ola Kallenius, Mercedes-Benz Group AG chairman, adds that ‘strong personalities at Mercedes-Benz are taking new paths – leaders who have shaped the company and its products over many years.’
Wagener has been a part of Mercedes design for decades. He himself has had his hand in design classics like the original CLS and the W221 S-Class as well as the AMG One and the Vision Maybach models, while his later group design role (that he started in 2016) has meant overseeing entire teams of people working across Mercedes passenger cars, AMG models and even the revitalised Smart brand.
His work with the Mercedes ‘Sensual Purity’ design language has gleaned a mixed reception. The range of EQ models – despite their aerodynamic efficiency – have been ridiculed as bars of soap on wheels. More recently, the controversial designs have included the application of the new ‘Iconic Grille’ that’s on the new GLC as well as the Vision Iconic concept car (pictured below).
Wagener is a man that’s certainly been sure of himself and his position. As well as reportedly criticising the Audi Concept C for its small screen, he has on record said that Mercedes is ‘already creating the world’s most desirable cars.’
Baudy, Wagener’s replacement, has largely been working on AMG models but has had a hand in the current E-Class, as well as the EQE.
Jake has been an automotive journalist since 2015, joining CAR as Staff Writer in 2017. With a decade of car news and reviews writing under his belt, he became CAR's Deputy News Editor in 2020 and then News Editor in 2025. Jake's day-to-day role includes co-ordinating CAR's news content across its print, digital and social media channels. When he's not out interviewing an executive, driving a new car for review or on a photoshoot for a CAR feature, he's usually found geeking out on the latest video game, buying yet another pair of wildly-coloured trainers or figuring out where he can put another car-shaped Lego set in his already-full house.
By Jake Groves
CAR's news editor; gamer, trainer freak and serial Lego-ist
