The Ford Fusion is dead and its overseas twin, the Mondeo, isn't too far behind. But there is one exception to the latter. Introducing the all-new, China-only Ford Mondeo. Revealed today for the first time at the Blue Oval's new China Design Center in Shanghai, this four-door coupe boasts a design language tailored specifically to Chinese tastes, though we could easily see it finding its place in the US, too.

The new design language is dubbed "Progressive Energy in Strength," which blends Ford's styling heritage with Chinese customers' design preferences. Ford describes the Mondeo as "commanding," "agile," and "responsive." The long hood and short rear deck combination give the midsize sedan a sporty and elegant look.

The hood line flows to the rear, where the shoulder line joins the departure of the roofline, which then blends towards the integrated rear spoiler. The sculpted lower doors, bold and sporty stance, muscular surface language, and sculpted hood graphics all combine to give the Mondeo a fresh appearance that doesn't look like any other Ford model to date. Designers paid tribute to Ford's performance history past and present with unique-looking taillights framed by gloss black elements. Compared to the old Mondeo/Fusion, the new sedan is 23 mm wider and 63 mm longer. This allows for increased rear passenger space.

Ford's research into Chinese design preferences led to features like flush-fitting door handles, a touch-sensitive rear Ford badge that activates the liftgate opening, full-width lighting, and individual parametric cells on the front grille to help further emphasize the wider stance.

"Our goal was to create an aerodynamic, forward-moving form that expresses energy and strength while providing space and comfort," said Max Wolff, Design Director of Ford China. "The strong, width-emphasizing form, signature frontal graphics and powerful stance work together to give our vehicles a confident presence. This is the 'Daqi-ness' that Chinese customers appreciate."

No interior images have been provided at this time. Oddly, Ford made no mention of what lies under the hood but it's widely expected to come powered by the familiar 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four that's good for 235 horsepower. Power goes to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic. This is the same powertrain found in the also new and China-only Lincoln Zephyr. Both the Zephyr and new Mondeo ride on Ford's C2 platform, which also underpins the Bronco Sport, Maverick, and Escape.