# Mercedes-Benz Chief Designer Gorden Wagener: Large Screens Do Not Represent Luxury
In the constantly changing realm of automotive design, luxury brands are always striving to redefine elegance and innovation. While numerous car manufacturers have adopted the trend of large in-car displays, Mercedes-Benz’s Chief Design Officer, Gorden Wagener, has taken a different viewpoint. As per Wagener, large screens do not genuinely symbolize luxury. Rather, he asserts that sophistication, simplicity, and seamless integration characterize the future of high-end automotive interiors.
## **The Increase of Large Screens in the Auto Sector**
In recent times, the automotive sector has witnessed a rise in the incorporation of sizable digital displays. Tesla, for example, pioneered this movement with its extensive central touchscreen, prompting other manufacturers to join in. Brands such as BMW, Cadillac, and even Mercedes-Benz have launched vast digital dashboards that extend from the driver’s area to the passenger side.
These displays fulfill several functions, including entertainment, navigation, and vehicle controls. However, their growing dimensions have ignited discussions surrounding functionality, aesthetics, and safety. While some consumers find the modern appeal attractive, others contend that excessive screen space can be distracting and undermine the essence of luxury.
## **Gorden Wagener’s Concept of Luxury**
As the design chief at Mercedes-Benz, Gorden Wagener has significantly influenced the brand’s contemporary look. He has championed the principle of “Sensual Purity,” which highlights clean lines, minimalism, and a smooth integration of technology and artistry.
Wagener maintains that genuine luxury does not involve overwhelming occupants with large screens but instead focuses on fostering an immersive and harmonious environment. He believes that oversized displays can occasionally feel intrusive and detract from the sophistication of a well-crafted interior. Instead, he promotes a more nuanced approach, where technology is seamlessly woven into the vehicle without overshadowing the space.
## **The Transition Toward Covert Technology**
Mercedes-Benz has already started to implement Wagener’s vision through innovations such as the MBUX Hyperscreen. Although the Hyperscreen is sizable, it is crafted to integrate smoothly into the dashboard, resulting in a fluid and elegant appearance. Furthermore, the brand is investigating methods to make technology more intuitive and less invasive.
One significant trend in luxury automotive design is the idea of “covert technology.” This entails embedding digital interfaces in such a manner that they stay hidden until activated. For instance, touch-sensitive surfaces, augmented reality head-up displays, and voice-activated systems provide a cleaner, more elegant interior without depending on large screens.
## **Equilibrating Digital Innovation and Enduring Design**
Though technology is a crucial element of contemporary vehicles, Wagener stresses that it should not eclipse the fundamental principles of luxury design. Instead of vying for the largest screen, Mercedes-Benz aims to create a more immersive and intuitive user experience.
This methodology aligns with the broader trend of digital minimalism, where less is deemed more. By emphasizing top-quality materials, ambient lighting, and intuitive controls, Mercedes-Benz aims to deliver a driving experience that feels both avant-garde and timeless.
## **Conclusion**
Gorden Wagener’s viewpoint questions the common belief that larger screens signify greater luxury. Rather, he endorses a more sophisticated and integrated method to automotive design. As technology continues to progress, Mercedes-Benz is likely to be at the forefront of redefining luxury by prioritizing elegance, usability, and seamless digital experiences over mere screen size.
Ultimately, true luxury revolves around balance—where technology enriches the driving experience without dominating it.
