The Mercedes-Benz B-Class, a four-door hatchback currently being sold in Europe, is expected to arrive in the U.S. sometime in 2011 as a 2012 model.? The premium compact is designed to compete with cars like the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series, but Mercedes has even more exciting plans in the works.? Watch for a AMG version within a year of the initial launch.

Presently all AMG models are powered by big, powerful V-8 engines, but the B-Class will likely get a modified four-cylinder along with upgraded suspension, brakes and some sporty body work.? The B-Class AMG should be a strong competitor for cars like the Volkswagen Golf R32 and Audi S3, which are not presently imported into the U.S.