Bought IS250 back in July and just saw the mercedes CLA
10-10-13, 08:24 PM
#76
Lexus Champion
Honestly, the CLS is also relying almost exclusively on styling. Otherwise there is NOTHING about it that sets it apart from the equivalent E-class. As far as uniqueness goes, hard for me to believe when everything from the Hyundai Sonata to the Volkswagen CC to the BMW 6-series GC has cribbed it's 4-door coupe roofline.
Because you mentioned uniqueness/exclusivity and image of success/wealth, isn't that the same relationship that drew people to the S-class? The comparison to the C-class is more similar than you think. Point blank in the past the C-class was clearly selling the S-class look for much cheaper.
10-10-13, 08:46 PM
#77
Lead Lap
What you're missing is that volume is central to this argument. The whole point is seeing tons of CLS lookalikes on the road. This doesn't happen without volume. MB could price the CLS itself at $30k and if no one bought one it wouldn't matter in this argument. The prediction is the CLA will be a sales hit.
Which is what I'm saying. You have an $80k car with its primary selling point being exclusive styling, then you have a $30k car that looks almost exactly the same and is predicted to be a high volume car. What does that do to the selling point of the $80k car? Why would I buy a CLS when there are tons of $30k cars around that look just like it confusing the dumb women I'm trying to impress?
Which is what I'm saying. You have an $80k car with its primary selling point being exclusive styling, then you have a $30k car that looks almost exactly the same and is predicted to be a high volume car. What does that do to the selling point of the $80k car? Why would I buy a CLS when there are tons of $30k cars around that look just like it confusing the dumb women I'm trying to impress?
Arguably the last generation C-class and its smaller 2 door cousin did damage MB's image, and so did the horrid quality. MB is only now recovering. Why did they distance the current C-class from the current S-class? And now that the next C-class is going to look like the new S-class, I argue that too may damage MB's image, or at least negatively impact the desirability of the S-class. Though the S-class relies more on its reputation as "the best car in the world" to attract buyers than exclusive high fashion styling.
10-10-13, 08:50 PM
#78
i guess thats a good argument Mr. Burns... Often automakers make cheaper cars look ugly and expensive ones look good... here MB made CLA look great to the point that many people wont justify higher sale price for C class for instance.
Of course, once you sit in it, ride in it, drive it, touch it, you will realize C is higher end car... but on first glance and as status image, CLA looks great.
Of course, once you sit in it, ride in it, drive it, touch it, you will realize C is higher end car... but on first glance and as status image, CLA looks great.
10-10-13, 09:06 PM
#79
Wait on the Audi A3 to arrive in a year then we'll reevaluate that statement. As I'm sure you know, Audi keeps its sedan styling very similar across the board and the A3 sedan (already on sale elsewhere) is no different.
In addition, the CLS isn't a "flagship" model as there's an entire range of vehicles positioned on top of it. Making matters more complicated is the fact that Mercedes has styled previous generations of the C-class (formerly the base model) quite similarly to the S-class with absolutely no issue.
In addition, the CLS isn't a "flagship" model as there's an entire range of vehicles positioned on top of it. Making matters more complicated is the fact that Mercedes has styled previous generations of the C-class (formerly the base model) quite similarly to the S-class with absolutely no issue.
However I dont think it will damage their image either, that just doesnt happen anymore. In Europe old A class was CRAP car and nobody cares... this new one and CLA are a lot better than old one.
I dont think A3 will be able to hold candle to CLA - it doesnt look premium. It looks like Chinese model of Audi where they put boot on cheaper car and sell it like A4. It is too narrow and trunk is too small for great line.
10-11-13, 07:48 AM
#81
Guest
Posts: n/a
Which is what I'm saying. You have an $80k car with its primary selling point being exclusive styling, then you have a $30k car that looks almost exactly the same and is predicted to be a high volume car. What does that do to the selling point of the $80k car? Why would I buy a CLS when there are tons of $30k cars around that look just like it confusing the dumb women I'm trying to impress?
.
Throughout history cheaper cars have looked like their more expensive brothers all the time.
The CLA is simply a way to get more volume and its FWD. Its like their way of offering an ES.
01-03-14, 02:51 AM
#83
I think the new CLA is a good looking car. Better than the A3, ILX, and the new fwd 1-series. My question is how much will it cost to maintain.
And no midsize shoppers most likely will not be cross shopping between the CLA. The reason people are buying larger cars is because they want more room. That's pretty basic common sense.
And no midsize shoppers most likely will not be cross shopping between the CLA. The reason people are buying larger cars is because they want more room. That's pretty basic common sense.
01-03-14, 07:54 PM
#85
My wife's mom just picked her's up and is enjoying it. She skipped out on the Sports Package but did get the bi-xenons - I wouldn't let her skip on that option during her build... haha
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