Mercedes-Benz: CLA-Class News
#121
Racer
Mercedes CLA?
What do you guys think of the Mercedes CLA Sedan as a replacement for our aging TL's? Looks like a decent value!
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicl...models-compare
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicl...models-compare
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usdmJON (10-04-2013)
#125
Burning Brakes
Agree the base CLA is a step down but the CLA AMG 45 looks darn good for 45-50K. I am generally not a fan of MB but this one is an exception. We all know about German reliability so for me, it would be a 2nd/weekend car.
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justnspace (10-04-2013)
#127
Never been a fan. Additionally, neighbor owns a Merc and I've seen it towed from their driveway 3 times in the last year.
#128
Pro
I was actually at the MB dealer yesterday taking photos of the new w222 S-Class for work. Went to lunch with a friend that is in service, he explained to me they have sold 4 CLA's and 1 has come back to have the tranny replaced at 150 miles and one has a rear seal leak. I would never own a Mercedes, but that me. The CLA to me seems cheap compared to others in the line up. What would you expect at this price point. Actually MB corporate was training the sales guys on the new CLA and S-Class and they had a decked out Honda Accord to compare to the CLA for training.
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Mr Marco (10-04-2013)
#129
Moderator
my dad had a ml450, never again would he lease.. within the 3 year lease, his car died roughly about 10 times.. 6 of which the dealer replaced the battery.. error notification that pop up when there is really nothing wrong with the car..
#130
I would never get a CLA, it doesn't look that good IMO. The base is overpriced and small. I've been in a friends C 300, there's no legroom or headroom in the back, my other friends Challenger has more headroom and legroom than the C. The CLA will be even smaller. Theres a reason they put it in the coupe section of their website.
The CLA AMG is a different story. It's a quick car, but its still small.
I would put the reliability slightly below that of an Acura. (IK IK, its a honda, but for a honda, it isnt that reliable (at least mine wasnt, but i might have gotten a lemon)
The CLA AMG is a different story. It's a quick car, but its still small.
I would put the reliability slightly below that of an Acura. (IK IK, its a honda, but for a honda, it isnt that reliable (at least mine wasnt, but i might have gotten a lemon)
#131
It's decent looking, but man, look at the navigation system. For that kind of of money I expect more than a TomTom clone screwed to the dashboard.
My wife is looking to upgrade her Civic; she was interested in the CLA until she saw that janky crap. Still looking at ILX, G37x, IS250... full day of negotiating tomorrow.
My wife is looking to upgrade her Civic; she was interested in the CLA until she saw that janky crap. Still looking at ILX, G37x, IS250... full day of negotiating tomorrow.
#132
Drifting
We were just talking to friends who are on their 2nd MB. They now acknowledge they should have learned their lesson with the first one, which was an utter POS. Now she's been driving a loaner for weeks while the second POS is in the shop for some sort of major work. It's about 18 months old. German engineering!
Once it's fixed they are going to dump it and buy a Lexus/Infiniti/Acura.
Once it's fixed they are going to dump it and buy a Lexus/Infiniti/Acura.
#133
I don't trust German reliability yet and can't stand that cheesy interior. If I recall correctly, I think the non-AMG one is woefully underpowered, too. By the time you get to the one that has a good engine, you're talking about a not-so-cheap vehicle again.
That being said, these things are selling like crazy. In their first week they sold about as many as they thought would sell per month.
That being said, these things are selling like crazy. In their first week they sold about as many as they thought would sell per month.
#134
6G TLX-S
^^^^^
Most don't care about the car, as long as it has the "3-point star" badge.
The CLA's low entry cost in owning a Mercedes, offsets all the issues with German reliability, low quality, and underpowered engine.
However, no such luck for the lackluster brand name "Acura", with it's low cost ILX.
That's why Acura MUST do everything to build up it's premium image, but which so far has still failed.
Most don't care about the car, as long as it has the "3-point star" badge.
The CLA's low entry cost in owning a Mercedes, offsets all the issues with German reliability, low quality, and underpowered engine.
However, no such luck for the lackluster brand name "Acura", with it's low cost ILX.
That's why Acura MUST do everything to build up it's premium image, but which so far has still failed.
#135
Pro
It's mind blowing-ly beautiful and would be extreme temptation if it weren't for the fact that I googled MB and it seems they are owned by DaimlerChrysler. I don't by anti-capitalist bail-out brands. Any company that got a special privilege / special government handout that wasn't extended to me, a citizen of the same nation forced to pay taxes, has no right to exist on the face of this planet as far as I'm concerned and is dead to me.
#136
Instructor
It's mind blowing-ly beautiful and would be extreme temptation if it weren't for the fact that I googled MB and it seems they are owned by DaimlerChrysler. I don't by anti-capitalist bail-out brands. Any company that got a special privilege / special government handout that wasn't extended to me, a citizen of the same nation forced to pay taxes, has no right to exist on the face of this planet as far as I'm concerned and is dead to me.
Cheers,
Nick
#137
Suzuka Master
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I like the CL 63 AMG 507 Coupe. About $76K MSRP. Nice alternative to the BMW M4 Coupe.
#138
Suzuka Master
It's mind blowing-ly beautiful and would be extreme temptation if it weren't for the fact that I googled MB and it seems they are owned by DaimlerChrysler. I don't by anti-capitalist bail-out brands. Any company that got a special privilege / special government handout that wasn't extended to me, a citizen of the same nation forced to pay taxes, has no right to exist on the face of this planet as far as I'm concerned and is dead to me.
#139
German cars are soooo different from Acura cars! Good to see most prefer their Acuras here as would be expected. My experience has been that the German cars are much stiffer riding, having boring interiors & isolate the driver. Whereas my Acuras involve me in the drive, have a more comfortable ride, and are just plain generally fun to drive! And all my Acuras have been extremely reliable. I have ventured into other brands over time, but always came back to Acura. Stick with another Acura is my answer from my experience!!
#140
Pro
Thanks for the info.
#141
Burning Brakes
Funny, someone makes a good looking car and they become prevalent. I don't care if my car is prevalent or not - as long as it is really well made AND good looking. Acuras are well made but IMHO the "controversial" design has got to go. People can say the beak is gone all they like but it is a silly grin or beak or bucktooth - it's just a rose by another name.
#142
So Wikipedia only said "DaimlerChrysler" has been renamed to just "Daimler" etc. so maybe it gave me the wrong idea. So now Daimler owns MB and they are just some German company totally unrelated to USA and bailout? And so USA now has a company called Chrysler still? And that's who makes my dad's Chrysler 200 etc.?
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the info.
#143
Instructor
So Wikipedia only said "DaimlerChrysler" has been renamed to just "Daimler" etc. so maybe it gave me the wrong idea. So now Daimler owns MB and they are just some German company totally unrelated to USA and bailout? And so USA now has a company called Chrysler still? And that's who makes my dad's Chrysler 200 etc.?
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the info.
Cheers,
Nick
#144
2010 TL AWD 6MT: New King
I took a peek at the online brochure for the CLA because I was curious.
I noticed that it has front leg room of 40.2" and its rear leg room 27.1". This thing sounds tiny and CRAMPED. Add in the panoramic roof and front headroom decreases 2.2". Factor in the AWD system, there may be additional humps and cabin intrusions.
As someone mentioned above, what the CLA has going for it is the MB badge (and style and good marketing). Most buyers out there are probably going to snatch the CLA like hotcakes b/c of the entry price point and the MB badge. The AMG version helps give it the wow factor.
But no way I would consider the CLA over the TL. It's just too small and cramped considering its a sedan. MB advertises it with a $29.9k starting price point, but by the time I put in a few options comparable to what we have on the TL, it came out to $47k and that's without AWD and AMG. Plus there's no MT on the CLA.
The E class would be a better comp size wise compared to the TL.
Objectively speaking, I would not consider the CLA over the TL unless I was a very small frame and short person with no kids and care about the MB badge.
I noticed that it has front leg room of 40.2" and its rear leg room 27.1". This thing sounds tiny and CRAMPED. Add in the panoramic roof and front headroom decreases 2.2". Factor in the AWD system, there may be additional humps and cabin intrusions.
As someone mentioned above, what the CLA has going for it is the MB badge (and style and good marketing). Most buyers out there are probably going to snatch the CLA like hotcakes b/c of the entry price point and the MB badge. The AMG version helps give it the wow factor.
But no way I would consider the CLA over the TL. It's just too small and cramped considering its a sedan. MB advertises it with a $29.9k starting price point, but by the time I put in a few options comparable to what we have on the TL, it came out to $47k and that's without AWD and AMG. Plus there's no MT on the CLA.
The E class would be a better comp size wise compared to the TL.
Objectively speaking, I would not consider the CLA over the TL unless I was a very small frame and short person with no kids and care about the MB badge.
#145
Suzuka Master
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German cars are soooo different from Acura cars! Good to see most prefer their Acuras here as would be expected. My experience has been that the German cars are much stiffer riding, having boring interiors & isolate the driver. Whereas my Acuras involve me in the drive, have a more comfortable ride, and are just plain generally fun to drive! And all my Acuras have been extremely reliable. I have ventured into other brands over time, but always came back to Acura. Stick with another Acura is my answer from my experience!!
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justnspace (10-06-2013)
#146
Instructor
It's mind blowing-ly beautiful and would be extreme temptation if it weren't for the fact that I googled MB and it seems they are owned by DaimlerChrysler. I don't by anti-capitalist bail-out brands. Any company that got a special privilege / special government handout that wasn't extended to me, a citizen of the same nation forced to pay taxes, has no right to exist on the face of this planet as far as I'm concerned and is dead to me.
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parasitius (10-05-2013)
#147
I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
Eh. Considered leasing a CLA before getting my Fusion Titanium, but there just is absolutely no value there. The Benz badge commands money, and to me, its just not that big of a priority. The thing would sell like moldy dog shit if it didn't have a German luxury badge on it.
#148
Suzuka Master
So Wikipedia only said "DaimlerChrysler" has been renamed to just "Daimler" etc. so maybe it gave me the wrong idea. So now Daimler owns MB and they are just some German company totally unrelated to USA and bailout? And so USA now has a company called Chrysler still? And that's who makes my dad's Chrysler 200 etc.?
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the info.
#149
Race Director
iTrader: (7)
I just got back from driving a CLA250. This one was almost loaded 35k ( navi, blindspot detection, rain sensing wipers, ect)
It drove really nice. Feels like it has a lot more than 200hp. The 7AT was quick to shift and responded well to the paddles. It rode really nice over choppy country roads and had zero torque steer under heavy acceleration.
I think MB has a winner on their hands.
It drove really nice. Feels like it has a lot more than 200hp. The 7AT was quick to shift and responded well to the paddles. It rode really nice over choppy country roads and had zero torque steer under heavy acceleration.
I think MB has a winner on their hands.
#151
Senior Moderator
Join Date: May 2000
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I just got back from driving a CLA250. This one was almost loaded 35k ( navi, blindspot detection, rain sensing wipers, ect)
It drove really nice. Feels like it has a lot more than 200hp. The 7AT was quick to shift and responded well to the paddles. It rode really nice over choppy country roads and had zero torque steer under heavy acceleration.
I think MB has a winner on their hands.
It drove really nice. Feels like it has a lot more than 200hp. The 7AT was quick to shift and responded well to the paddles. It rode really nice over choppy country roads and had zero torque steer under heavy acceleration.
I think MB has a winner on their hands.
#152
Race Director
iTrader: (7)
There was a fully loaded one inside for 41k. The one I drove was one of two that were outside. The salesman told me that they can't keep them on the lot and a lot of people are ordering them to spec.
One guy special ordered one, didn't have the funds, so it sold an hour later.
My fiancée really wants one once she is done with school. She just wants the pano roof, AMG wheels, and lighting package.
One guy special ordered one, didn't have the funds, so it sold an hour later.
My fiancée really wants one once she is done with school. She just wants the pano roof, AMG wheels, and lighting package.
#155
Senior Moderator
Looks like a CC fucked a Sonata. $58k? Ouch.
Sounds like AMG borrowed SH-AWD without the torque vectoring.
Sounds like AMG borrowed SH-AWD without the torque vectoring.
#156
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (5)
Example... a couple of times when bringing the car in for scheduled maintenance they'd have an A4 lined up as a loaner (pretty standard regardless of if it was our A4 or A6). They'd notice she had a small cooler and she'd tell them she was doing an ice cream social for a client (she's in BD). Without saying anything they'd pull the loaner around and suddenly it was a new Q5 or Q7. They would swap it out b/c it was easier for her... and they just did it. They would also swap her stuff into the loaner for her (not all the time, but especially when she had extra items like a cooler or extra bags, etc). That's just one of the small things they would always do. First class all the way around. And as much as she loves her E350 and that dealer has been great too... something tells me she'll be in a new A6 within the next 12 months or so
Last edited by juniorbean; 10-08-2013 at 07:20 AM.
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charliemike (10-08-2013)
#157
Fahrvergnügen'd
The only difference between the two are the number of cylinders. Certainly not performance. I think I'm as guilty of it as anyone but in the future, we aren't going to be able to use cylinders as a differentiator.
#158
Senior Moderator
Going to test drive one soon. One of my best friends is looking to get the CLA...likely AMG.
#159
Senior Moderator
Although, for the price of the AMG, he MUST consider the S4...
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juniorbean (10-08-2013)
#160
Senior Moderator
Starting MSRPs for performance luxury sedans with 300+ HP:
335i: $45.4k
R-Spec: $47.7k
S4: $48.1k
CLA 45: $48.3k
M Hybrid: $54.7k
535i: $55.1k
C 63: $57.2k
IS-F: $63.3k
550i: $63.9k
CTS-V: $64.5k
I just don't see how someone looks at that list and picks out the FWD biased CLA. That AWD drivetrain has the most loss in it too.
335i: $45.4k
R-Spec: $47.7k
S4: $48.1k
CLA 45: $48.3k
M Hybrid: $54.7k
535i: $55.1k
C 63: $57.2k
IS-F: $63.3k
550i: $63.9k
CTS-V: $64.5k
I just don't see how someone looks at that list and picks out the FWD biased CLA. That AWD drivetrain has the most loss in it too.
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Crazy Bimmer (10-08-2013)