Merc provides first clues to next-gen E-Class

Mercedes-Benz will provide the first tangible clues to how its next-gen E-Class mid-size sedan (due next year) will shape up via the somewhat offbeat ConceptFASCINATION design study, which makes its world debut at next month's Paris motor show.

And although Mercedes isn't saying as much, the concept could also be a precursor to the next-gen CLK and, possibly, a BMW X6-style crossover that the three-pointed star may be plotting to bolster its SUV line-up.

For now, all Merc is revealing is that the "innovative and unconventional proportions" of the design study embody the "emotional appeal of a coupe in a new way".

The ConceptFASCINATION is also conceived to "provide a high level of practical usability and to create a coupe which appeals to the heart with fast, thrilling lines."

We're not entirely convinced the wagon-cum-coupe lines are all that thrilling, but more significant is the new interpretation of the four-eyed face Merc has favoured for the past two generations of the E-Class.

While the existing and previous E-Class models are distinguished by round eyes, the next-gen car will feature the same trapezoidal-shaped lights that adorn the face of the concept.

The concept debuts the latest LED lighting technology, says Merc, as well as C-shaped fibre-optic inserts, which serve as "discreet running lights".

As per the current-generation (W204) C-Class, it's possible the new E-Class may be offered with a choice of faces -- a sporty version with the three-pointed star emblazoned across the grille, and a more traditional one with the star residing atop its familiar resting place atop the grille.

The so-called 'shooting brake' styling of the concept is meant to endow the car with a "dynamically charged look, evoking movement even when the vehicle is stationary".

We might argue that its proportions appear a bit ill-resolved, but we'll reserve final judgement until we see it in the metal in just over two weeks.

Mercedes claims the large load space in the rear is integrated "cohesively and harmoniously while also creating the impression of length and a remarkable sense of light".
 
The concept's pronounced rear wheelarch flares are a design element that Merc reintroduced a couple of years ago on the current S-Class, and it's likely the new E will extend this theme.

The ConceptFASCINATION's hindquarters are more than a little reminiscent of the R-Class, and Merc says the large panoramic glass roof and the arc described by the uninterrupted side-window line bring a sense of light to the interior.

The interior is said to be trimmed in high-quality leather, wood and aluminium, and folding up the floor at the left and right sides reveals two compartments containing two sets of binoculars as well as a high-quality digital camera with interchangeable Leica lenses -- just the thing for a day at Flemington.

Its powertrain line-up will include Merc's new four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which features BlueTEC and AdBlue technology and develops a robust 150kW from a displacement of 2.2 litres.

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