Mercedes Cla Class

It's a bit more than just a more stylish A-Class

No reason to import it when the GLA-Class exists.

Better interior materials and a 400-hp CLA45 model said to be on the way.

Our best look yet at the compact coupe-like sedan.

Could it hit 400 horsepower?

It looks like a cross between the current CLA and the new CLS.

And yeah, it's probably true.

The littlest Mercedes in America gets a major makeover.

Mercedes-Benz updates the 2017 CLA250 and CLA45 AMG with a fresher look and new equipment for the 2016 New York Auto Show. The latest AMG looks even more aggressive with an optional aerodynamics package.

Mercedes-Benz is recalling about 3,800 vehicles in the US in two new campaigns for certain S63 AMG, CLA250, GLA250, and SLK300 models.

Mercedes-Benz is preparing a facelift for the CLA-Class four-door coupe, as seen in these latest spy shots at the company's R&D center in Sindelfingen, Germany.

For the 2016 model year, the US is getting Mercedes' recent European updates to the CLA45 and GLA45 AMG. Engine output jumps to 375 hp and 350 pound-feet of torque, and most gears have shorter ratios. The result is much quicker acceleration.

Mercedes is reportedly considering a two-door coupe with a liftback roof for its next-gen, front-wheel-drive, compact platform. The new model would be aimed against the Audi TT and BMW 2 Series.

To be honest, the sub-$30,000 Mercedes-Benz CLA was more a theoretical than a real thing. Squeaking in at $100 below that magical threshold, not counting a $925 destination charge, snagging a CLA anywhere near $30k meant exercising extreme self-control with the options catalog.

UPDATE: As we feared, the CLA Shooting Brake is not currently slated for US availability. The text below has been adjusted accordingly.

Given its months of testing, the eventual launch of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Shooting Brake is a bit of a foregone conclusion at this point. Until now we haven't actually seen its hatchback rear undisguised, but the latest spy shots have given us a pretty certain idea of the design back there (right).

It's been a few months since we talked about the Mercedes-Benz CLA's status as an unmitigated hit, but a new story from Automotive News will allow us to revisit the sleek, fast-selling, four-door home run. Production has been increased again, with some of the extra capacity destined for US showrooms.

Volkswagen may have paved the way for American customers to get used to the idea of German cars produced in Mexico, but it won't be the only one for long. BMW is said to be considering production of the 1 Series, 3 Series and Mini south of the border, Audi is working on its own factory in San Jose Chiapa, and now Mercedes-Benz is reported to be following suit as well. Only instead of building its own plant, Daimler is tipped to use a Nissan factory in Aguascalientes.

Mercedes-Benz has been profiting mightily from compact cars recently. Its Kecskemét, Hungary, factory added a third shift to keep up with demand, and company's US arm called the CLA-Class, its "best launch in 20 years." However, Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche says the Mercedes brand won't be getting any smaller, subcompact models; they will be reserved for the Smart brand.

The Mercedes-Benz factory in Kecskemét, Hungary, has been shut down because a bomb threat was called into the plant at about 1:30 PM CET (7:30 AM EDT) on Wednesday. The factory has been evacuated and production has been suspended.