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The Mercedes-Benz Designer Behind the Gorgeous AMG GT and Polarizing EQ EVs Is Stepping Down
Gorden Wagener ends 31-year tenure as Mercedes-Benz Chief Design Officer amid design criticism; Bastian Baudy from Mercedes-AMG will lead starting February 2026.
- On January 31, 2026, Mercedes-Benz Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener will leave the company at his request, Mercedes-Benz said in a mutual agreement.
- After recent criticism of its styling, Mercedes-Benz announced the leadership change following critiques of the EQ lineup and recent management shakeups, with Wagener's tenure dating back long ago.
- Wagener described his approach as 'sensual purity', shifting Mercedes toward a bolder look with designs like the AMG GT, Vision One‑Eleven, Vision Iconic, and SLR McLaren.
- On February 1, Mercedes‑Benz will install Bastian Baudy, who leads AMG design, as its new head of design, succeeding Wagener.
- The company is shifting design strategy while Wagener leaves behind non-car projects, as Mercedes moves to unify styling across electric EQ models and combustion vehicles.
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21 Articles
21 Articles
Gorden Wagener will no longer be part of Mercedes as of January and will be replaced by Bastian Baudy. The design of some creations would have cost him his job.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources21
Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 20%
C 60%
R 20%
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