Somebody's gotta be first.
Why haven’t other manufactures made a CLA type car yet?
The CLA absolutely blows my mind. It is appears to be the perfect car for families with young kids where the parents want a sporty car, with good gas mileage, but they know that they have to have a back seat and 4 doors.
With young kids the head room is irrelevant. I just need something that has a bit more legroom for them than most “True coupes” have. It appears like the CLA has that. The specs don’t list the rear leg room yet. However, I have been told that it is similar to a four door C-class legroom. If so then that is perfect for my needs.
I just can’t believe that other manufactures haven’t tried this style of car yet in this price range. Infiniti tried to hit this price range with their G25 but it failed miserably because you could not buy it with Navigation and the gas mileage really wasn’t that much better than the G37 even with the smaller displacement V6.
Acura has the ILX in the same price range. However, it has a much less powerful 150 Hp engine and its gas mileage is not really that great for that weak of an engine.
BMW has a 320i Sedan that has a decent little turbo 4 like the CLA. However, it is only 180 HP and slightly worse gas mileage. In addition the 320i starts at $34,000 totally stripped. The CLA is nicely equipped for that price.
Lexus has a great looking new IS250 with a good 204 HP engine. However, its gas mileage is bad(21/30) and it starts at $36,860. That is simply way out of the CLA’s price range.
I just don’t see the equivalent car in anyone else’s “Luxury” lineup. Sure there are cars that are similar in Honda, Toyota, Ford, GM, and Nissan’s fleets. However, if I am going to pay entry level Luxury prices I expect a true “Entry Level Luxury” car. None of those cars really offer the same level of Luxury in that price range.
I really think the other manufactures are going to be playing catch up on this one. The CLA might steal a few would be C class buyers. However, I think the majority of CLA customers will be first time MB buyers that switch over from cars like the G37 which is outrageously expensive now that they call it a Q instead.
There will probably also be a lot of customers upgrading from some of the non-luxury brands. It is not a huge jump in price to go from an Accord or Camry to a CLA. If your kids are the only ones that will use the back seat then the CLA seems like a perfect fit.
With young kids the head room is irrelevant. I just need something that has a bit more legroom for them than most “True coupes” have. It appears like the CLA has that. The specs don’t list the rear leg room yet. However, I have been told that it is similar to a four door C-class legroom. If so then that is perfect for my needs.
I just can’t believe that other manufactures haven’t tried this style of car yet in this price range. Infiniti tried to hit this price range with their G25 but it failed miserably because you could not buy it with Navigation and the gas mileage really wasn’t that much better than the G37 even with the smaller displacement V6.
Acura has the ILX in the same price range. However, it has a much less powerful 150 Hp engine and its gas mileage is not really that great for that weak of an engine.
BMW has a 320i Sedan that has a decent little turbo 4 like the CLA. However, it is only 180 HP and slightly worse gas mileage. In addition the 320i starts at $34,000 totally stripped. The CLA is nicely equipped for that price.
Lexus has a great looking new IS250 with a good 204 HP engine. However, its gas mileage is bad(21/30) and it starts at $36,860. That is simply way out of the CLA’s price range.
I just don’t see the equivalent car in anyone else’s “Luxury” lineup. Sure there are cars that are similar in Honda, Toyota, Ford, GM, and Nissan’s fleets. However, if I am going to pay entry level Luxury prices I expect a true “Entry Level Luxury” car. None of those cars really offer the same level of Luxury in that price range.
I really think the other manufactures are going to be playing catch up on this one. The CLA might steal a few would be C class buyers. However, I think the majority of CLA customers will be first time MB buyers that switch over from cars like the G37 which is outrageously expensive now that they call it a Q instead.
There will probably also be a lot of customers upgrading from some of the non-luxury brands. It is not a huge jump in price to go from an Accord or Camry to a CLA. If your kids are the only ones that will use the back seat then the CLA seems like a perfect fit.
1 - 20 of 51 Posts
Subaru should bring back the Brat with its permanent seats in the bed of the truck. Strap the kids to those and still have plenty of room for luggage plus unlimited legroom. Screw the gas mileage.
That's exactly what my wife and I have been dealing with. We have young kids and want something fun but economical. We test drove a BMW 328i, Audi A4, and Infiniti Q50. The A4 and Q50 with our required options were $5K more and a comparable (option wise) 328i is $12K more. Was tempted to wait for the A3/S3 early next year to compare but when we went to the Audi dealer he flat out said they nixed the S3 for the US market (which is the one I wanted) so we decided to go with an Edition 1 instead, and don't regret it at all. I wish I could afford the CLA 45 but a mandatory option is the rear view camera and that is a very expensive option (don't care about nav).
I am seriously considering this car for the reasons you mentioned (quite correctly), the cons I see so far:The CLA absolutely blows my mind. It is appears to be the perfect car for families with young kids where the parents want a sporty car, with good gas mileage, but they know that they have to have a back seat and 4 doors.
With young kids the head room is irrelevant. I just need something that has a bit more legroom for them than most “True coupes” have. It appears like the CLA has that. The specs don’t list the rear leg room yet. However, I have been told that it is similar to a four door C-class legroom. If so then that is perfect for my needs.
I just can’t believe that other manufactures haven’t tried this style of car yet in this price range. Infiniti tried to hit this price range with their G25 but it failed miserably because you could not buy it with Navigation and the gas mileage really wasn’t that much better than the G37 even with the smaller displacement V6.
Acura has the ILX in the same price range. However, it has a much less powerful 150 Hp engine and its gas mileage is not really that great for that weak of an engine.
BMW has a 320i Sedan that has a decent little turbo 4 like the CLA. However, it is only 180 HP and slightly worse gas mileage. In addition the 320i starts at $34,000 totally stripped. The CLA is nicely equipped for that price.
Lexus has a great looking new IS250 with a good 204 HP engine. However, its gas mileage is bad(21/30) and it starts at $36,860. That is simply way out of the CLA’s price range.
I just don’t see the equivalent car in anyone else’s “Luxury” lineup. Sure there are cars that are similar in Honda, Toyota, Ford, GM, and Nissan’s fleets. However, if I am going to pay entry level Luxury prices I expect a true “Entry Level Luxury” car. None of those cars really offer the same level of Luxury in that price range.
I really think the other manufactures are going to be playing catch up on this one. The CLA might steal a few would be C class buyers. However, I think the majority of CLA customers will be first time MB buyers that switch over from cars like the G37 which is outrageously expensive now that they call it a Q instead.
There will probably also be a lot of customers upgrading from some of the non-luxury brands. It is not a huge jump in price to go from an Accord or Camry to a CLA. If your kids are the only ones that will use the back seat then the CLA seems like a perfect fit.
1) RFT -I curently have RFT's in my BMW, and is proving to be more problem than a solution - I need to test the CLA on a bumpy road (with 17" tires) and if it jumps like a go cart, it is a deal breaker for me, no matter how nice the CLA looks, ultimatelly, we drive the car inside not outside....
2) When I tried the C250, I found this to be quite underpowered, I am hopping that the CLA has a better engine and provides more punch when you push the gas pedal, if it behaves the same as the C250, then I will pay a bit more and opt for the Infiniti Q50 ( I could get this car basically at invoice cost +$500).
3) No keyless entry...hard to belive that this is not an option, I really tink is the most useful option on any car.....(hey MB, even Honda Accord has this as an option today!!!)
4) Suspension in US for the Sport and Non Sport I understand is the same (Sports one)...why???, I want a good looking car that drives nicelly without the Sport stiff suspension....the europeans have this ..why not us?????
Said that, I agree with your main point, I think MB has found a nice balance between price, design, and features, better than anybody else today.... I beleive that the CLA will rob customers from his German cousins, not so sure about the Japanese Luxury ones........for some reason, I see a lot of reluctance from those loyals in that segment to consider MB as an option.....
I am waiting eagerly for my chance to try the CLA when it hits the dealerships in US later this month.....I hope I am not going to be disapointed.
Whoa,....The Audi dealer told you they nixed the S3 for the US? This is the first I've heard of this. Anyone else hear this?Audi dealer he flat out said they nixed the S3 for the US market (which is the one I wanted).
The IS250 is a dog. 0-60 in the 8 second range is unacceptable for a sport sedan in the $36k+ range. Throw your family in there with some groceries and have fun trying to merge into traffic.Lexus has a great looking new IS250 with a good 204 HP engine. However, its gas mileage is bad(21/30) and it starts at $36,860. That is simply way out of the CLA’s price range.
It is slow because it lacks torque, right?The IS250 is a dog. 0-60 in the 8 second range is unacceptable for a sport sedan in the $36k+ range. Throw your family in there with some groceries and have fun trying to merge into traffic.
Motortrend just tested the Q50 (along with the IS350). It ran 0-60 in 5.2, almost a full second quicker than a C250. The Q also completed the 1/4 in 14 flat.as the C250, then I will pay a bit more and opt for the Infiniti Q50 ( I could get this car basically at invoice cost +$500).
Have not heard this, the RS3 may not come to NA is the only thing I was told in July by the GM at my Audi dealership.Whoa,....The Audi dealer told you they nixed the S3 for the US? This is the first I've heard of this. Anyone else hear this?
That's right. I just remembered how pathetic the tq number was....don't quote me, but i'm thinking 150 which is laughable. This isn't 1992.It is slow because it lacks torque, right?
Yeah, it sounds to me like the dealer wanted to make a sale asap. I'd call the dealership and talk to the sales mgr. It seems like this guy/gal straight up lied. The S3 is coming, latter half of 2014/early 2015 at the latest.Have not heard this, the RS3 may not come to NA is the only thing I was told in July by the GM at my Audi dealership.
If that's the case they lost a sale because of it. That was the model I specifically went in to talk about so not to smart on his part. I made it be clear I was talking S3 and not RS3 as well. I also heard the RS3 is probably not coming too.
The Q50 was really solid and fun to drive just more than we could afford. The one we drove was the sport model so the non sport would not have been as fun but closer in price point.
We didn't even bother with the IS because one of the main features we want is memory seat (i am 6ft my wife is 5'2") and you had to have the highest package (8K or so option).
The A4 was nice to drive but does not respond well to pedal mashing. Seemed like an eternity to kick in. It was a FWD A4 s-line.
The Q50 was really solid and fun to drive just more than we could afford. The one we drove was the sport model so the non sport would not have been as fun but closer in price point.
We didn't even bother with the IS because one of the main features we want is memory seat (i am 6ft my wife is 5'2") and you had to have the highest package (8K or so option).
The A4 was nice to drive but does not respond well to pedal mashing. Seemed like an eternity to kick in. It was a FWD A4 s-line.
I just watched a Chris Harris video of M135i vs A45 awesome video. But anyways in that video he states the haldex on the S3 was not so good. I didn't check out the S3 video but I will. I try and find the link just give me some time. Correction it's the RS3 he references not the S3. My apologies.If that's the case they lost a sale because of it. That was the model I specifically went in to talk about so not to smart on his part. I made it be clear I was talking S3 and not RS3 as well. I also heard the RS3 is probably not coming too.
The Q50 was really solid and fun to drive just more than we could afford. The one we drove was the sport model so the non sport would not have been as fun but closer in price point.
We didn't even bother with the IS because one of the main features we want is memory seat (i am 6ft my wife is 5'2") and you had to have the highest package (8K or so option).
The A4 was nice to drive but does not respond well to pedal mashing. Seemed like an eternity to kick in. It was a FWD A4 s-line.
That coincides with the info I got from the GM.Yeah, it sounds to me like the dealer wanted to make a sale asap. I'd call the dealership and talk to the sales mgr. It seems like this guy/gal straight up lied. The S3 is coming, latter half of 2014/early 2015 at the latest.
When I originally read this post I thought I had wrote it. I feel the exact same way about the Q50 and there is just a bit more height difference between my wife and I(5’2” to 6’4”) so the IS was out for us for the exact same reason.If that's the case they lost a sale because of it. That was the model I specifically went in to talk about so not to smart on his part. I made it be clear I was talking S3 and not RS3 as well. I also heard the RS3 is probably not coming too.
The Q50 was really solid and fun to drive just more than we could afford. The one we drove was the sport model so the non sport would not have been as fun but closer in price point.
We didn't even bother with the IS because one of the main features we want is memory seat (i am 6ft my wife is 5'2") and you had to have the highest package (8K or so option).
The A4 was nice to drive but does not respond well to pedal mashing. Seemed like an eternity to kick in. It was a FWD A4 s-line.
The lack of keyless entry is the only negative I have come up with for the CLA. Hopefully they will do a half model year change that will remedy that? I can’t order one until my current lease runs out next year.
I bet they offer it as mid year or 2015 option (keyless entry and start). Really the only down side to the CLA is the $2000+ back up camera. That is the only option we wanted from the nav package. But even with that we are well within budget with this car so its not a deal breaker. I don't ever plan to use sirrius or mbrace. Just need a stylish daily commuter with a bit of fun built in.
I will check out the video when I get home. Can't stream at work.
I will check out the video when I get home. Can't stream at work.
I saw those numbers...Q50 5.2 Sec, CLA 6.7 Sec, not sure about the C250, but I would guess is about 8 Sec.....the problem I saw with the C250 is that it took foerver to react, I think the majorMotortrend just tested the Q50 (along with the IS350). It ran 0-60 in 5.2, almost a full second quicker than a C250. The Q also completed the 1/4 in 14 flat.
issues is with the transmission, on paper, the LCA should have this issue resolved.......I hope
Talking about not getting any respect. The CLA is not the first with the design in this segment - not even close. VW's CC coupe is the first (I didn't count the CLS because of price and size.)The CLA absolutely blows my mind. It is appears to be the perfect car for families with young kids where the parents want a sporty car, with good gas mileage, but they know that they have to have a back seat and 4 doors.
With young kids the head room is irrelevant. I just need something that has a bit more legroom for them than most “True coupes” have. It appears like the CLA has that. The specs don’t list the rear leg room yet. However, I have been told that it is similar to a four door C-class legroom. If so then that is perfect for my needs.
I just can’t believe that other manufactures haven’t tried this style of car yet in this price range. Infiniti tried to hit this price range with their G25 but it failed miserably because you could not buy it with Navigation and the gas mileage really wasn’t that much better than the G37 even with the smaller displacement V6.
Acura has the ILX in the same price range. However, it has a much less powerful 150 Hp engine and its gas mileage is not really that great for that weak of an engine.
BMW has a 320i Sedan that has a decent little turbo 4 like the CLA. However, it is only 180 HP and slightly worse gas mileage. In addition the 320i starts at $34,000 totally stripped. The CLA is nicely equipped for that price.
Lexus has a great looking new IS250 with a good 204 HP engine. However, its gas mileage is bad(21/30) and it starts at $36,860. That is simply way out of the CLA’s price range.
I just don’t see the equivalent car in anyone else’s “Luxury” lineup. Sure there are cars that are similar in Honda, Toyota, Ford, GM, and Nissan’s fleets. However, if I am going to pay entry level Luxury prices I expect a true “Entry Level Luxury” car. None of those cars really offer the same level of Luxury in that price range.
I really think the other manufactures are going to be playing catch up on this one. The CLA might steal a few would be C class buyers. However, I think the majority of CLA customers will be first time MB buyers that switch over from cars like the G37 which is outrageously expensive now that they call it a Q instead.
There will probably also be a lot of customers upgrading from some of the non-luxury brands. It is not a huge jump in price to go from an Accord or Camry to a CLA. If your kids are the only ones that will use the back seat then the CLA seems like a perfect fit.
Go look at the latest CC Coupe with the new interior and 3.6 narrow angle V6 and 19" wheels. You will be impressed. The base new 2.0T ( same as A4) propels the GTi to 5.6 sec to 60 and it should blow the door off the CLA250 at thousands less ! VW may not be on the radar, but it owns Porsche and Audi. The mother company must be get something from its underlings.
And don't overlook the new Lexus IS 250 & 350. I just saw one close up and it is far prettier than the CLA, particularly the rear treatment. It is hampered by the old engines but the new motors are coming ( turbo four I presumed.)
I am still sold on the CLA line but just reminding everyone it is a fast evolving segment. New and better cars are coming fast and furious.
1 - 20 of 51 Posts
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