2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 debuts @ NAIAS (update pg 2)
#46
Guest
Posts: n/a
I just don't get the point of these cars.....what is the point of a 4 door car smaller than a C-Class. A CLS has no backseat room....can't imagine how non-existent the backseat is in this car.
It's just Benz lowering prices....it seems everyone has one now a days...really has taken away from the brand. Same with BMW.....
It's just Benz lowering prices....it seems everyone has one now a days...really has taken away from the brand. Same with BMW.....
Will there be some that feel it hurts the brand? Yup. Its FWD with a 4 cylinder in base form. But if we have learned anything, the Germans can get away with a lot.
#47
Nothing hurts the brand anymore.... thats simply old school thinking. People like badges and they will buy cheaper quasi-luxury vehicles. Stats prove it.
Whats best selling car in UK for last month? BMW 1 series. Base cars are priced similar to mid spec Corolla. Well specced 116d is priced the same as well specced Auris Hybrid (after 25% discount you can get in Germany).
So good for manufacturers on delivering them. Obviously it is not hurting anyone's brand image. Especially now when at least they look nice. When 1 series was first introduced in Europe, base model did not have any kind of music system, just an hole in the dash.
If that didnt hurt them, these days A class, 1 series and A3 have decent spec as base... livable.
Whats best selling car in UK for last month? BMW 1 series. Base cars are priced similar to mid spec Corolla. Well specced 116d is priced the same as well specced Auris Hybrid (after 25% discount you can get in Germany).
So good for manufacturers on delivering them. Obviously it is not hurting anyone's brand image. Especially now when at least they look nice. When 1 series was first introduced in Europe, base model did not have any kind of music system, just an hole in the dash.
If that didnt hurt them, these days A class, 1 series and A3 have decent spec as base... livable.
#48
Lead Lap
I imagine this will happen in the beginning, but I have no doubt this will be rectified when the next-gen C-class comes in for model year 2015. You're going to see the next C-class rise in price and brand positioning. The same can likely be said for the next-gen Audi A4 now that the A3 sedan will be making its way over here.
#49
I'm not feeling it. I like some of the specs etc and although there is nothing 'bad' about it, there is also nothing I see thus far that makes me want to go see it or learn more about it.
#50
Pole Position
iTrader: (4)
I like having smaller sedans. The 3 series and C class has grown too large for my taste. I refuse to get a coupe because I prefer the convenience of 4 doors. That's why the Lexus IS was a nice match for me
However, just because they are smaller doesn't mean they have to be cheaper. BMW 1 series still handles very well and has a decent powerplant. Mercedes making this FWD and having the price so low makes me worry about the quality.
However, just because they are smaller doesn't mean they have to be cheaper. BMW 1 series still handles very well and has a decent powerplant. Mercedes making this FWD and having the price so low makes me worry about the quality.
#52
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
LOVE the head/tail lights on this car too!
it's possible. what you do from there though...
this is an aspirational model at a tempting price point (hence the devil in the ad ). it will get people into the brand who never thought they could. now you're right about the practicality of such a small car but corollas and civics sell like fresh donuts too.
#53
I was originally looking at the 3IS in a few years but the more I see the Mercedes CLA ..... the more Im liking the angles and lines. Plus the pricing is lower where a fully optioned out CLA may be at or just a little above $40K
It's a bit boy racey but then again so is the 3IS !?
It's a bit boy racey but then again so is the 3IS !?
#54
I was originally looking at the 3IS in a few years but the more I see the Mercedes CLA ..... the more Im liking the angles and lines. Plus the pricing is lower where a fully optioned out CLA may be at or just a little above $40K
It's a bit boy racey but then again so is the 3IS !?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q43rvKKWCuk
It's a bit boy racey but then again so is the 3IS !?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q43rvKKWCuk
Last edited by ydooby; 02-02-13 at 08:15 AM.
#55
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Looks great there
I think the the IS, 3, C-class etc will lose a few sales to this, many don't give a **** about RWD. Since Acura is mostly FWD this can be another issue for them, now you can get a nice FWD Benz for the same price. The German onslaught continues....
The ES and IS co-exist fine...so the CLA will be fine in the Benz lineup...
#56
Lexus Champion
#58
Lexus Champion
I don't doubt its sales potential, but it will come at a cost to both the CLS' and Mercedes' image in the US.
#59
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