We’ve reported about Mercedes Benz planning to launch a new shooting brake version of its next-generation CLS but latest reports indicate that a smaller version based on the 2010 E-Class Coupe is also in the pipeline and could be on the market by 2011.

The shooting brake is essentially a two-door wagon that dates back to the first half of the century. Mercedes designers hinted at the possibility of a modern version with the unveiling of the ConceptFASCINATION study at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and now AutoExpress is reporting that the car is in the works.

At the original unveiling of the ConceptFASCINATION, most thought the concept was merely a preview of the E-Class Coupe but the fact that it featured a shooting brake bodystyle strongly suggests Mercedes already had big plans for the new E-Class range. The addition of a shooting brake will stretch the E-Class family to a total of five derivatives, where it will join the Sedan, Coupe, Cabrio and Estate wagon.

Mercedes is apparently hoping that the originality of a sporty shooting brake will match the success currently enjoyed by the CLS.

Since it will be based on the E-Class Coupe, the vehicle’s platform would be closely linked with the C-Class but its powertrain will be shared with the E-Class range. This means a family of four, six and eight-cylinder units with outputs from 200hp (147kW) up to 382hp (285kW). An AMG version is unlikely to make the cut.