For over a century, we have pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering, creating a succession of truly iconic vehicles.

Today, the brand’s evolution continues under the guidance of Gorden Wagener, Mercedes-Benz Head of Advanced Design Studio, who relishes the challenge: “a Mercedes needs to have surfaces that reflect emotion, intellect, and execution. A Mercedes should be premium, in every segment.”

With this in mind, Wagener actively encourages creativity and free thinking at our Advanced Design Centres in Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.S. Yet the guiding principles are clear. A Mercedes must always look like a Mercedes. And it must capture people’s imagination, not just at launch but in 10, 20, 30 – even a hundred - years time.

Crucially, as vehicle segments become less clearly defined, opportunities arise to develop entirely new vehicle types, such as the highly acclaimed CLS – our first ever four-door coupé. In addition, alternative fuels and environmental issues raise a new set of design questions.

This is where concept cars play a key role, helping Wagener and his colleagues explore new technologies and visual languages. Research vehicles such as the
F 700 – a radical new take on the luxury sedan - offer clues as to where the
Mercedes-Benz journey may lead in the near future.

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