By LAWRENCE TAN

Mercedes-Benz gave a glimpse of the styling approach to its new 2009 E-Class Coupe with a sporty shooting brake concept dubbed ConceptFASCINATION, set to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October.

This does not mean the German automotive giant is lining up a shooting brake as an addition in the upcoming E-Class. The design study is a mere platform to showcase the new design features which Mercedes says could provide the design DNA for its next generation of E-Class saloons, estates and coupes.

The new features include rhomboid headlights with C-shaped fiber optic inserts to replace the round ones.

The front grille has been simplified with a single-louvre and three-point star combo. The sweeping roofline (with a panoramic glass roof), with the conspicuous absence of a B-pillar, frames a continuous arc from front to rear, with frameless side windows that can be completely lowered.

The rear continues the same flowing V-shape as seen on the front end, with beefed-up rear wheel arches and LED taillights that extend to the sides, giving it a sense of width.

Inside, it’s all luxurious nubuck leather seats, American walnut and aluminium trim, said to be inspired by the world of equestrianism. Mercedes found more than enough room to fit in an automated folding smoked glass table with a built-in humidor, a chilled compartment and storage cases for a pair of binos and a camera.

The concept car will house the new 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine – the engine of choice for future E-Class models, and comes with BlueTEC and AdBlue technology for cleaner emissions, and a 204hp output.

www3.mercedes-benz.com

via Autoblog