I owned a 2008 CLS63 AMG with the performance package. It was a bad Azz ride and when I would get on it (well) it sounded like a NASCAR. Now I get performance car and I get economy car. I don't think MB gets it. The ILX and the CLA are luxury economy cars. Even with the AMG CLA sporting a whacky 4 wheel drive system. It also sports a stressed to the MAX 4 cylinder. I've owned several MB products and they are all over priced, expensive to maintain and if they are not covered by the factory warranty then you don't want to own one. If someone bought the base CLA it would be around 30% more expensive to buy and way more to maintain, for what? .

 

It's faster, even the base model maybe faster than the 2.4 ILX. It's got a German suspension. It looks more unique and luxurious (exterior). It is a Benz.

I wouldn't buy a German car for my own reasons but I can't knock the CLA. It will likely sell very well.

 

If it's TSX sized, I'm interested.

 

It's a Benz? In this size and category being a Benz is not a benefit, being an Acura would be. German suspension (it's front wheel drive) that is Acura territory not Benz. Faster, that's funny!! You mean it's less SLOW you are right the will sell for at least 50% more on a lease, because some people want to "look" like they have money. If I was a young guy, I would get the CLA if that would be the cheapest way to get into a Benz and look good to the women. But that does not make it a good value decision

 

It is almost the exact size of the ILX. The ILX is a little wider and about 1 inch shorter in height.

 

So, by your response.. Mercedez does not have a well recognized reputation (surely not one good enough to engineer a FWD system or AWD**AWD COMMENT SEE OP**), anything around 15 in the 1/4 is too slow to use the word "fast", the price/value of the vehicle is not determined by the owner/purchaser but by you and only you, and the CLA only appeals to young men who want women.



That was probably the biggest judgement I have seen on this site to date.

I agree that the cost of maintenance and purchase price is higher but other than that.. whatever, bro.

 

It's all about making judgements based on knowledge and experience.

 

My statement/judgement i just stated was personal based on my baby boomer perspective. I think the kids buying cars now a day just look at technology. Most value their iPhone more then their car.

 

I am not trying to attack you either and I am sorry if it came out that way. BUT, I think buying a luxury vehicle to begin with comes with social status (fight it as much as anyone wants, I don't buy it) and Mercedes is a good name to want. I do think they're a bit expensive, personally.

Like I said I wouldn't buy German for my own reasons:
1) Unless you spend 80+ grand your interior will still just be okay compared to other luxury brands.
2) Maintenance and having to use specific shops
3) Reliability
4) Cost in general

Why would I if I could of gotten over those ideas?
1) Driver's experience is always top notch, even in low end models
2) Optional packages are usually not in short demand
3) The name

Regardless of all that.. the CLA will be a very inexpensive (in comparison) way to obtain the Mercedes name AND on paper it looks like a good car.. I personally think it looks better on the outside than the entirety of the 30-40K luxury segment.

 

I'm going to approach this conversation in a positive way because I think there are a lot of good points. The CLA IS a benz at the end of the day and that speaks more than Acura in terms of exuding luxury -- so that's one advantage the benz has over it. When similarly optioned, I think the Acura will have the advantage in price; though Mercedes may have more available options which will give it that advantage. Assuming the 2.4 hits the a/t version of the ilx, performance should be about equal. Finally, on maintenance, Acura will win. So there you have it, but that means nothing because I think this car will ultimately appeal to older people who want a smaller car, or older people who can't afford a full on AMG vehicle. If Acura's research is correct, a car like the CLA wouldn't appeal to a 30 and under demographic anyway.

 

I think you said it better then I did. Great analysis!

 

Agree, I bought the Acura for road trips since my Lexus LX470 gets 14 mpg the savings in gas about pays for the ILX over the life of the lease. Also Acura reliability and low cost to maintain. Plus it looks good, has good room and 5 star safety. Would not want the attention the CLA would bring or the lack of reliability and added cost to maintain. I know Mercedes will sell a ton of the new CLA's, just because they are good looking and cheap for a MB.