Mercury fans were encouraged to hear that the Cougar brand was retuming as a 1999 model, after an absence of two years. What was starting was that the car would be front-wheel drive. The MC2 concept gave a clear indication of the design vision customers would see in the new car. It was created by using computer-aided design technology at the Ford Small and Medium Car Vehicle Center in Germany as part of a global development project involving American and European designers.

Sheer surfaces and defined curves gave the overall impression of strength, which was emphasized by the satin-finish titanium paint and polished nickel-chrome trim details. Five louvered glass panels were fixed to the windshield and the rear window to form what appeared to be a one-piece roof. The glass panels pivoted upward to let the fresh air in. At the rear were stylish neon-tube tail lamps, and up front were halogen headlights with large auxiliary fog lamps. Unique 18-inch six-spoke alloy wheels fitted with low-profile 255x35x18 tires gave the MC2 a sporty stance. The two front bucket seats were wrapped in light-blue leather and accented with a darker shade of blue leather.