As previously announced, Mercedes-Benz will bring a production version of the A-Class Concept to market in North America in the near future, but it won’t be alone. Joining the premium hatchback will be three more models, all of which will be priced at or below the $30,000 mark. Currently the cheapest model offered in the Mercedes lineup is the C300 Sport Sedan at $33,900.

Specific details aren’t yet available, but the three additional models are believed to be the CLC sedan, the GLC crossover and a small van or MPV that will be offered with an electric powertrain.

Mercedes-Benz USA had originally decided not to bring the A-Class to America but when product planners saw the new concept they did an about-face. Their decision was confirmed last week at the New York Auto Show by the reaction of media and show-goers to the A-Class concept.

In an interview with Automotive News, MBUSA boss Ernst Lieb emphasized how important it is for Mercedes to dominate in the premium small car segment, even commenting that he believes luxury buyers will switch to small cars in the future.

GALLERY: Mercedes A-Class Concept

See after the jump for video of the A-Class Concept from the New york Auto Show:

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In the past, if you wanted a hopped-up version of an A-Class Mercedes you’d have to talk to one of the many German tuners, like Brabus. But according to a new report Mercedes will develop its own high-performance version of the upcoming A-Class under the AMG brand. Targeting the Volkswagen Golf R, this new model is part of a larger plan by Mercedes to challenge VW’s dominance in the lower end of the segment, with several new A and B-Class models including hatchbacks, sedans and even a possible compact or sub-compact crossover.

According to AutoCar, the A-Class AMG model will use all-wheel drive (a new system being developed for the GLC crossover) as well as a supercharged 4-cylinder to make as much as 270-hp and even feature a dual-clutch transmission. That AWD system will reportedly have a rear-bias to deliver a more sporting feel to the small performance car.

AMG’s new boss, Ola Källenius, says the car will mark, “the beginning of a new direction for the company and will expose AMG to a whole new, younger and more dynamic customer base.”

Due out around 2012, Mercedes is expected to deliver the AMG version of its new A-Class first as a 5-door hatchback and later as a four-door coupe, possibly called the CLC and designed to mimic the style of the larger CLS. This mode would then be brought to North America to slot in underneath the C-Class in Mercedes’ lineup.

[Source: AutoCar]

It seems as though BMW’s X6 has developed a following in certain parts of the world and may just have created a whole new segment after all. Already we’ve seen Acura jump into the mix, with the ZDX. Now, it appears as though Mercedes will follow with a new model, that Auto Zeitung reports, will be called the Geländecoupé – or GLC for short.

Smaller than the X6 this new model will actually not compete in the same segment, but will mimic the style of the larger Sport Activity Vehicle. Instead it will bring the coupe-styled crossover slightly down-market, competing with a rumored BMW X4 in the future. Both rear-drive and AWD versions will be available, using powerplants from both the C and E-Class models.

If in fact the reports are true, don’t look for the GLC until at least 2014.

[Source: AutoZeitung via eMercedesBenz]