Just the other day we brought you the first images and initial details of the A45 AMG, a new hot hatch packing a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo four with around 350 horsepower and over 330 lb-ft of torque. The A45 targets the BMW 135iM and Audi RS3, but is only the first in a series of performance-oriented small cars coming from Mercedes-Benz. We already know a CLA45 AMG is on its way too, bringing the same engine to the American market in four-door coupe guise. But now reports are indicating that AMG could slot the same engine into the slightly larger B-Class as well.

Since the A-Class wasn't ready in time for AMG to test the new powertrain, it instead used the B-Class (which is sold in Canada, but not in the United States) as its test mule, so we already know the powertrain can fit. In speaking with Auto Express, AMG chief Tobias Moers reportedly indicated that if there were enough demand for a hot B-Class, they'd build it. Mated to a seven-speed DSG, the B45 AMG could run a 4.5-second 0-62 time. Other models to be based off the same platform are expected to include a small roadster and GLA crossover, which could (like the CLA, A-Class and B-Class) also get AMG versions with the same engine.