Mercedes-Benz’s design chief, Gordon Wagener, envisions artificial intelligence revolutionizing the automotive design process within the next ten years, potentially to the point where AI takes the lead role.
In a February 23 interview with ABC News, Wagener revealed that Mercedes-Benz is already integrating AI into its design workflows, albeit in the early stages. He predicted that AI’s impact will be transformative, forecasting a future where the technology could surpass human designers in the creation of vehicles. Wagener admitted that the vast majority of AI-generated designs are presently “crap,” but the remaining 1% is “good stuff” and continually improving. “My successor will be a machine and will be much cheaper than my salary,” he joked.
Beyond automotive design, Wagener’s influence has expanded to encompass Mercedes-Benz-branded luxury residential towers in locations like Dubai and Miami. However, he emphasized that his primary focus remains the evolution of car design, with AI poised to become an essential tool.
Wagener also discussed the criticism surrounding Mercedes-Benz’s recent electric vehicle designs, specifically the EQS sedan, which has experienced slower-than-expected sales. The EQS’s distinctive, aerodynamic shape, somewhat resembling a “jelly bean,” was labeled as “progressive” by Wagener, suggesting it may be ahead of its time. However, Mercedes seems to be shifting its design strategy, with future EVs expected to bear a closer resemblance to their gasoline-powered counterparts.
Furthermore, Wagener voiced his skepticism regarding the increasing prevalence of digital screens in modern car interiors. Despite Mercedes-Benz offering a prominent 56-inch Hyperscreen, one of the largest automotive displays, he questioned their value in terms of luxury. “Screens are not luxury,” he stated, asserting that future Mercedes-Benz models will prioritize craftsmanship and sophistication. He also noted that customers often perceive EVs as electronic devices, while traditional gas-powered cars are seen as timeless objects, similar to Chrono watches. Wagener suggested that Mercedes-Benz will differentiate its EVs by making them feel more like a smart home than a mobile phone, particularly as self-driving technology becomes more developed. However, he acknowledged that fully autonomous driving still presents a challenge far in the future.
