E-Class shoots to thrill

It’s a fascinating discovery! Our sources have revealed that Mercedes is readying a production version of the Fascination Concept, first seen at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

The three-door estate, or shooting brake as the body style is known, will expand Mercedes’ range even further. It stretches the E-Class family to a total of five derivatives, joining the saloon, coupé, convertible and estate when it arrives in showrooms in 2011.

With its distinctive wheelarches and angular front end, the Paris concept was originally a preview of the E-Class Coupé. But latest reports suggest that it could become a standalone model. Mercedes is crossing its fingers that the originality of a sports estate will match the success currently enjoyed by the CLS four-door coupé.

The engine line-up will be shared with the E-Class Coupé, which means a choice of frugal four-cylinder and V6 diesels. Mercedes’ BlueEFFICIENCY technology will be available, while four-cylinder petrol engines will be fitted with stop-start. At the top end of the range, an E500 complete with a 5.5-litre V8 will be offered, as well as a storming AMG variant.

While this sporty E-Class wagon is a few years away, the standard estate is set to appear at the Frankfurt show in September. The convertible version will follow soon after.