Click the image above for a high-res gallery of the Mercedes ConceptFASCINATION
When Jaguar launched its latest XK coupe, the ad campaign that accompanied it was called "Gorgeous". When the Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION eventually becomes the next E-Class, the first thing Mercedes should do is call Jag to see if Gorgeous needs a friend. The shooting brake is absolutely stunning in person, the ultimate rendition of MB's current design language. Whereas a few of the 3-pointed-star's current cars have signature elements that ring true, this E-Class-Coupe-Wagon is the first time the entire theme sings in sweet harmony. The interior is the kind of thing that bespoke dreams are made of, with richly stained wood alternating between low-gloss metal and buttery suede. It is as if Mercedes discovered its inner passion, and if the next E-Class shares these qualities with the ConceptFASCINATION, then BMW and Audi better start worrying. You can discover more about the concept in the press release after the jump, as well as view it live in the gallery of high-res images below.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Alex @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:02PM
OOO!!! I love it! That interior is absolutely stunning!
gearhead18 @ Oct 4th 2008 6:52PM
That is one slick looking interior, bit it seems it would be a little more practical with rear suicide-style access doors a la RX-8.
BTW whats with that Smart Car on the roof in the top left corner?
TKE @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:03PM
Hate it. Mostly because it looks like it's 1,500 pounds overweight. Which it probably is.
Quan @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:09PM
I love the interior, but the some of the exterior elements are still iffy to me, such as the tail-lights. It looks great overall though.
akboss @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:09PM
Yes, it does look fat, but I like the angled wedge look in the front. It looks like the square front of the car is getting pulled and stretched from the back - good to see some creative new design elements coming from Merc. But what are the stupid square rear wheel arches doing there? Fundamentally the car doesn't have a clear purpose, but it is pretty, if not more feminine that most of the new Merc's coming out lately (i.e. the Black cars and AMG models).
Isuzu32 @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:10PM
Who wouldn't want a two door R CLass?
I know I don't.
Red @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:20PM
Mercedes found it's passion? All of their concept cars look like this. It's their road vehicles that lack any real passion. Well, except perhaps the CLS-Class.
Jake @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:28PM
Color me unfascinated! Another ugly design from MB. This time it looks like they are trying to steal from Mazda a bit.
Kitko @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:55PM
A bit? A great deal. There are Mazda cues all over the place, a design concept called SportsTourer, the front is a 6 rip-off - with a usual Mercedes dose of vulgar tones.
you could play a "spot the difference" game
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/x-mercedes-benz-conceptfascination-x/1030920/
http://www.greencarsite.co.uk/GREENNEWS/NewsPhotos/mazda6-new.jpg
coolremo @ Oct 3rd 2008 2:19PM
i was gonna say it looks like a mazda from behind. so i guess they stole from mazda all around.
Josh @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:31PM
This car looks masculine to me, the front looks extremely aggressive and the angles throughout help build on that. I am still not sure about the back end, but that might just be me.
I would really like to see this design theme implemented on a sedan form.
BoneHeadOtto @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:31PM
im fascinated by the lack of rear doors. How do you get back there??
maor @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:32PM
Great Design. Beautiful exterior, interior. If Mercedes is capable of such superb conceptual design, then how do they eventually sign off on crap for production. Yes Im talking about the current S-class, R model, new E Class, etc etc (except for the new C which is rather well done and anything Black) THIS, exactly as depicted here, should be the face of the new E-class!!
dea911 @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:38PM
i like the front end. but that tail is so hideous. they put so much time, energy, and thought into the front that they got tired and said 'f*ck it' when they got to the back
that car gets a thumbs down from me
dea911 @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:39PM
what new e class? the current e class has been around for years.
Eek @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:44PM
This is the first time in a VERY long time I've seen a Mercedes that I would consider actually owning. 99% of them are ugly as sin now.
Erik @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:49PM
WowTHATS aPRETTY goodLOOKING stationWAGON
bill jackman @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:52PM
MB ConceptNOMAD! Very cool. I just hope it doesn't get hit with the ugly stick on its way to production a la the GLK.
bill jackman @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:59PM
I just have to point out that in the second gallery (not the live reveal), in pic #2, the driver looks like he's about 12 years old. Pretty funny.
RPM @ Oct 3rd 2008 2:20PM
Haha, I can't believe nobody else noticed that.