EyesOn Design 2026 honours Cadillac, Ferrari and Bentley for automotive design excellence
EyesOn Design 2026 crowned Cadillac, Ferrari and Bentley as design leaders in Detroit, recognising standout production and concept vehicles alongside a lifetime achievement award for outgoing Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener
To a decent and appreciative crowd at the Detroit Auto Show, the winners of the EyesOn Design Awards 2026 were unveiled recognising leading vehicles from Cadillac, Ferrari and Bentley for outstanding achievement in automotive design. Now in its 39th year, the annual programme remains one of the industry’s most respected design honours, judged by an international jury of senior designers from global carmakers.
The ceremony formed part of Detroit auto week and brought together design leaders, studio heads and emerging talents to celebrate excellence across production vehicles, concept cars and transportation design. As in previous years, all proceeds from the awards benefit the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, reinforcing the event’s long-standing philanthropic mission.
In the headline category of Best Concept Vehicle, the Cadillac Elevated Velocity took top honours. The futuristic Cadillac study impressed judges with its bold form language, dynamic proportions and clear vision for a future electric performance vehicle, marking it out as a standout among this year’s competition of production and concept debuts. Nesbitt, not long in his new role as GM’s design VP, led his team out to accept the award in person. The win marks another strong showing for the American luxury marque, which claimed two EyesOn Design awards in 2025.
British luxury marque Bentley enjoyed a double win at this year’s awards. The EXP 15 Concept, Bentley’s forward-looking electric grand tourer study, earned the Innovative Use of Color, Graphics and Materials award for its rich materiality and layered graphical elements. It also took home Best Designed Interior, recognising the thoughtful integration of luxury materials and spatial sophistication that Bentley is renowned for. Bentley's design director appeared via video to deliver typically gracious acceptance speeches for both awards.
The Best Production Vehicle award was claimed by the Ferrari Amalfi, the Italian marque’s latest addition to its line-up. Celebrating Ferrari’s language of refined sportiness and sculptural surfacing, the Amalfi was singled out for its confident execution and distinctive road presence, combining performance cues with elegant design in a way that resonated strongly with the judging panel.
In addition to vehicle awards, the programme also recognises individual achievement in automotive design. The 2026 Lifetime Design Achievement Award was presented to Gorden Wagener, chief design officer of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, celebrating his transformative influence on modern automotive aesthetics and brand language over decades in leadership roles. Wagener’s body of work has helped define Mercedes-Benz’s visual identity on a global stage through successive generations of vehicles. The evening also marked the unveiling of the official EyesOn Design 2026 poster created by renowned automotive designer Wayne Kady, the poster reflects the theme of the June 21, 2026 show: Power and Elegance. Roll on summer.
