Concept Fascination stars on Merc stand

Mercedes-Benz is no respecter of conventional model boundaries. Indeed, the German firm is highly adept at bursting genres. In Paris it's doing so again with the Concept Fascination, a coupé-cum-estate design study that is among the coolest cars at the Paris show.

What's all the fuss about?

Aside from a few hybrid models and the new 722 S Roadster version of the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR, Mercedes doesn't have much new metal on its stand in France. So it's just as well it brought the Concept Fascination to Paris, the smart four-seat two-door estate mix-up one of the finest looking concepts in the exhibition centre. As with all concepts there's some rather out-there touches, such as the interior designed with equestrianism in mind. That explains the saddle leather centre console then...

Any new technology?

Nothing outstanding on the technical front with this concept, unless you call a glass fold out picnic table, humidor and fridge in the boot area - along with a digital camera and binoculars. Mercedes clearly sees its concept as the ideal shooting-brake for those who like their horse racing. The only real technical highlight is the engine, Mercedes using the Concept Fascination as a showcase for a 204bhp 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with BlueTec and AdBlue emissions and economy improving technology.

Will it ever see the light of day?

Elements of the Concept Fascination will certainly reach Mercedes-Benz showrooms. The frontal styling is basically that of the forthcoming E and E-Class coupé models, the latter being the German firm's replacement for the current CLK. The Concept Fascination's efficient and clean turbodiesel engine will make it into production in the near future, too. We rather like it here as an entire car: if you do too, start pestering your dealer to persuade Mercedes there's enough demand from customers to make it.

Kyle Fortune