[preston]

I've just got hold of the latest quotes for company cars (in the UK) that my company uses. The system we use (and popular in the UK) is that I have to pay a monthly lease price set by the lease company and then pay tax (to the government) based upon CO2 emissions. In effect you get a car allowance added to your salary and how much of that amount (more or less) you spend is down to you.

Anyway, here are some interesting observations.

Taking the cheapest variant available on the list (CLA180 4DR COUPE 1.6 SPORT)
CO2 is set at 130g/km
I could get a BMW 320d 5DR TOURING 2.0 EFFICIENTDYNAMICS for similar money.
I could get a BMW 320i 4DR SALOON 1.6 EFFICIENTDYNAMICS for around £70 per month less.

Taking the most expensive variant available on the list (CLA220 4DR COUPE 2.2 CDI AMG SPORT 7G TRONIC)
CO2 is set at 117g/km
It will cost £100 per month more than the CLA180.
I could get an Audi A5 Diesel 5DR SPORTBACK 2.0 TDI 177 SE MULTITRONIC or a MB E220 4DR SALOON 2.1 CDI 170 SE 7GT+ for similar money.
I could get a BMW 520d 4DR SALOON 2.0 EFFICIENTDYNAMICS for around £70 per month less.

I was waiting for the quotes before making a decision on the next car and I have concluded that the CLA is not for me. There are better cars (for me) available at the same or less cost. I guess there is a premium on the CLA, at least for the time being. It should help maintain exclusivity on the UK roads which is a good thing for private buyers.

All the best.

 

[Psychosix]

Hi,

Interesting post and analysis. I am also coming to the CLA from the company car perspective.
I am almost 100% set on the CLA, but other cars are still tempting me.. I've not crunched the numbers on my choice of CLA spec, as the stupid Merc UK site's configurator has been dead since God know's when.

I'm not even sure that being stung on a possible contribution to the company car allowance AND tax will deter me from going down the CLA route. As you surmise, the exclusivity is a factor - at least for me.

 

[Gary]

Hi guys,
I too have been analysing the numbers as a replacement company car. I currently drive a 320d - awesome car, bloody awful BMW Customer Service - but that's another story!!
My car is due to be replaced 1st July but my Company agreed an extension so I could wait to see and drive the CLA.

MB UK are hesitant to mass market the car to fleet users due mainly to the volume coming over, this basically means you can get a much higher discount on the C and E Class.
I really had to fight to get an improved deal - but it's there if you push MB.

We have a sum of money per month which we can add to if necessary. I could have another 320d Luxury, a 320d Touring or a 330d with minimal spec.
If BMW UK had been less arrogant and more willing to fix a fault there from delivery then I probabably would have another!!

MB are doing a 'Roadshow' and they were in my town recently, so I have seen, touched and sat in the car, and yes, it's as good as every video portrays it!!

Dealers will receive their demo's shortly; in my town the car is due to land Wednesday, I do business with them so I will drive on Friday - and hopefully order pm same-day!!

 

[preston]

Good for you guys. I almost wish I could persuade myself to part with the money. This is a seriously good looking car.

Something else to consider. There is a new C-class out in 2014 which will be pitched to compete with the BMW 3-series. If MB want to challenge in this segment then they will have to price accordingly (remember the 320i is approx £70 cheaper a month through my car scheme) but the C-class is supposed to be half a class higher than the CLA and therefore more expensive. I can see 3 options for MB:
1. Price match the C-class with the 3-series and reduce the price of the CLA.
2. Price the C-class above the 3-series and maintain the current price of the CLA.
3. Price the C-class at similar money to the CLA, in effect placing the CLA and C-class at the same price point and making the the C-class only slightly more expensive that the 3-series.

I don't know which way they will go but I do know that shifting the C class in volume will be a priority for them. Food for thought?

 

[Gary]

Hi Preston,

unlikely that MB would reduce the price, rather expect them to parallel the C and CLA as theyre aimed at two different markets, the 2014 C Class will be larger in length and width so I would expect an increase in sell-out price.

Incidently, after twelve months of my dear wife listening to me, watching the vids sharing the pics etc we finally saw the vision of beauty; she said she prefers the E class...........

 

[omonline]

Quote : my dear wife listening to me, watching the vids sharing the pics etc we finally saw the vision of beauty; she said she prefers the E class)

If you compare the 2014 E300 (available in Canada) with full options and the 2013 C full options---- the new E is much better buy (in Canada).

 

[Mike T]

Now that the E Class has proper rear doors instead of the thunder thighs/Jodhpurs , it is a decent looking car with some room inside, unlike the CLA. However it's 25 grand more to start with, so calling it a better buy is a stretch.

 

[Gary]

The final 'improved' price of my 4 year lease.......

Hi Gary

Finally I have some costs for you …..

CLA 220 CDI AMG SPORT coupe (map pilot) (Auto Std.)
Metallic paint
Storage packl
Elextric panoramic sliding sunroof
4way adjustable lumbar support
AMG exclusive pack
Heated front seats
Memory pack (in conjunction with AMG excl pack)
Heated windscreen wash system


The costs for the above come out at £660 p/m

If we remove all the cost extras, (metallic paint, storage pack, sliding sunroof, heated windscreen wash, AMG exclusive pack and memory pack the costs would be £577 p/m

Let me know what you would like to do

I would like to buy an E Class.........

 

[Gary]

So....
this weekend is decision time - need to order Monday.
I have seen touched and even licked the CLA220AMG - and yes it's rather awesome!!
A) CLA220AMG Red/White/Mountain Grey
B) 330d auto
C) E220

wtf do I do!!!!!

 

[preston]

Hi Gary,

My "quote" without extras was about the same money.

£660 is a serious chunk out of the pay packet. Not sure I could persuade myself to part with that much when, at, £660 through my scheme, you could easily get a Jaguar XF, 530d or an E220. Granted the 530d and the E220 don't compare in style but the XF is (IMO) a good looking car.

Just to throw you a curve ball. The 320 Efficient Dynamics on a two year lease is only £20 more a month that on a four year lease on my scheme. I'm thinking I might do that and look again in two years.

Good luck.