I was hurrying up Federal Street toward South Station to catch my train yesterday when I spotted the first new Mercedes-Benz CLA I’ve seen in person. The thing that immediately caught my eye was the little orange gift from a meter maid on the windshield. Could it be this new car’s first parking ticket?
I’ve been following this car online for a number of months, and my opinions on it are mixed. It is front-wheel drive – something we aren’t used to from Mercedes. But my biggest qualm is its so-advertised “value”. When you compare it to a C-Class, and what more you get with a C-Class for just a few thousand more, I’d hardly call it a value. But the two cars have decidedly different personalities, so I guess it’s in the eye of the beholder. The thing I was most shocked about upon seeing this car was just how good it looks in person. Especially from the rear view, it’s a really sharp design.
I’m not a huge fan of MB’s recent trend of large open grilles with big logos in the center (I prefer the more elegant and traditional chrome grilles with hood ornaments), but it works better on this car than the C- or E-Class. We’ll have to wait and see how the CLA does here. As for now, let’s hope the owner paid their parking ticket. I’d hate to see this baby get towed.
I followed one for a few miles going home yesterday. Just to confirm the trusim that opinions vary, I think the front is OK but the rear looked very odd to me … specifically the very rounded roof-to-C-pillar and backlight transitions. It looks like a 10 year old Korean design. The lower rear also looks Hyundai-like. 25 years ago everyone copied the E-Class tail lights; now Mercedes is copying others. Not sure if it’s for aerodynamics, headroom, rollover strength or just style, but it jumped out at me when seeing the car in the steel. I had a rental A-Class in Europe soon after they came out, quite a nice car, but I still can’t come to terms with a FWD Mercedes sedan.
I predict these will sell well; especially to women who can afford a step up from their Jetta.
Careful! My 2012 Jetta was a step up from my run of 3 series Mazdas. It’s not just women looking for an entry level German sedan.
I would consider a Jetta a step down from a Mazda….
Not so far, it’s been great for the first 25k. Mostly I got tired of the rust issues with Mazdas. But I’m sensitive to the chick car thing. Not overly sensitive mind you, I also own a first gen Miata. Anyway, picked up my potential future son in law in the Jetta and first thing he said was “you bought a chick car”.
Sounds like a really stupid thing for a future son-in-law to say 🙂
My cousin’s husband, Tyson is on his second Jetta, a ’12 diesel in midnight blue. He loves that car. Sara has a Mazda3 hatch, for the record.
I didn’t say it was. The Jetta may have a higher percentage of female buyers than average, but that’s not say that only women buy it, by along shot.
The Jetta/VW brand seems to have cachet with women wanting something a bit more than the typical Asian-brandmobile. And the Mercedes A Class is a logical step up for them.
Why predict when sales numbers are available? And oodles of men are buying them actually.
Apparently they are beyond expectations, stealing a lot of high-end Accord and Camry buyers.
Confirms my guess/prediction. I didn’t mean to say that this was strictly a “chick car”; but that I thought this would sell well, and perhaps skew somewhat higher to female buyers. I might be wrong on that final part; maybe someone has stats on its breakdown between male/female?
I had a chance to first see the CLA a few months ago as a participant in one of those automobile evaluation research projects. I thought it was very good looking then and now. However, I’m over 6′ 1″ and found it incredibly cramped inside, as will some of M-B’s sought after demographic given that American males are not getting smaller. Hence, I support Paul’s conjecture that there may be a majority of female buyers for this car.
The CLA already is appearing everywhere on the streets here. I saw several in driveways in Beverly Hills the other night supporting my other view that the small size is appealing to the urban set in the same way that price is attracting the upwardly mobile.
The CLA was attracting a fair amount of attention at the LA Auto Show this week-end.
I get your point Paul. The “jetta girl” is a well known quantity now. Not that Jetta’s are “girly” cars, but the females that drive them all seem to care more than the average about cars, or at least the image of their cars, and like what a German car says.
It’s logical to me to that the CLA will be snapped up by 30 year old “Jetta girls” making more money now, rather than moving up to a Passat, Subaru, Volvo etc.
Actually, I would think Camcord owners would be a huge target for this car–getting a MERCEDES for the price of their mass market rides! I think these folks will simply buy the badge and will have no idea if it’s front wheel drive or not, nor will they care. Seems like it could cannibalize the C-Class though, and it doesn’t help overall Mercedes-Benz brand equity.
Say hello to this century’s Packard 120.
Bingo. And the initial sales are right in line. Something like over 4,000 units in the first month. In the short run, the car will sell (or lease) like crazy, selling to all those people who want the status of a M-B ornament on the hood and the show-off ability that goes with it.
Then, you’re going to see the creep. First off the C-class, which I believe now can be bought for the rather low 30’s, will climb into low E-class territory. And the E-class will go up a bit, too. Then, after a year or two, the CLA (amazing how they won’t call it B-class, guess that’s too downmarket) will go up a couple of thousand slotting in where you could have bought a low-end C-class about six months ago.
So, in two years, you’ll be able to buy a transverse FWD econobox for what you used to buy a real Mercedes-Benz. Only the star remains the same.
My sister (had a six year old C-class) and I had that discussion between May and October, at which point she bought a brand new C-class just before the CLA came out. Since then, she’s seen the CLA and is rather unimpressed, especially the interior which she says is cheap for what she’s used to. Past cars were the earlier MB, Volvo 850, and a BMW 3-series. This is the first time she’s ever bought the same make of car twice in a row.
Mercedes B-class
(Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com)
Exactly. God forbid an American Mercedes would be mistaken for a five door hatchback. That car is SO pedestrian! Just an ordinary car!
Hell, they’ve got two ordinary pedestrian five door hatchbacks. The B-class is for people who are too old to get in and out this A-class.
They wont double up on the name because both cars are sold in some markets, plus they are going for a mini-CLS thing rather than just smaller C class, should be good for a few more $$$.
I saw a couple of CLA45 AMGs a few weeks back, I thought they look like a CLS that had been placed in a vice or been rear-ended. The arching waistline is overdone and having the highest point a the B pillar looks disproportionate.
It should be a very successful car though being cheaper & smaller while having the prestige badge. If they keep the quality up I dont see it harming M-B either, with cars like the S class & SLS the have a lot of buffer space.
God forbid an American Mercedes would be mistaken for a five door hatchback.
The B-Class Electric Drive goes on sale in the US in June 2014. If that goes well, I’m sure the gas/diesel models won’t be far behind. And it will go well in the parts of the US that count, the wealthy areas along the coasts where M-B does most of their business. In California, the B-Class has already been available since 2010 as the F-CELL and I understand that it got a positive response there – though few takers at nearly $900/month lease (this is the hydrogen fuel cell version of the previous generation B). It’s also been available since 2005 in Canada and appears to sell pretty well there, or at least it outsells the A3 and 1-series.
I’m sure this is way out of my price range, but I’d love to own it. 0-60 in under 8 seconds, 115 mile range and I could drive solo in the HOV lane. That’s more than I usually drive in a week and there’s a parking garage with a free EV charger right across the street from my office.
Nobody in Germany buys sedans anymore.
So why should anyone else buy a German sedan?
Agreed. Just for grins I punched the CLA base price of $30K into cars.com and got all manner of nice Fords, Chryslers, Mazdas, Toyotas, even Kias. How about a 2014 Mustang GT with a V8? $29,923. I know, wrong social class.
Nah; Everyone said the same thing about the Mercedes 190 way back in 1983 or so, and it hardly turned out to be the case. Mercedes and all the other popular premium brands long ago realized that the true high-end luxury market was too small. Look how MBZ, Audi and BMW have prospered, and Lexus too. There’s nothing wrong with them playing in the lower end of the premium market. It’s what sells, like designer handbags and clothes, at reasonably affordable prices.
The old Mercedes model is dead, in so many ways. And in Europe, one could always buy low-end Mercedes. They’ve been competing with the VW Golf with their A-Class for ages now. And before that, the 190. And before that, low-end four cylinder strippers. Nothing new. Not that I’m personally attracted to them…I’d hate to have to crawl into one of these little bunker-mobiles.
First year for the A-class was 1997, I wouldn’t say that’s “for ages”. The first 3-door A-class was a clown car, a failure, never a Golf competitor. The 190 was in a league of its own, it was basically a smaller W124.
The 2012 A-class, as pictured above, is Mercedes’ first real VW Golf competitor.
Agreed, the new A-class seems to have moved up a class compared with the last one (saw one of those the other day, can’t remember seeing a new one outside of dealerships yet)
Without that big star in its mouth, not seeing anything that really says “Mercedes” here. I agree with some above, a three-pointed star for a low price will sell quite well. Not sure I would go so far as to use “value” and “Mercedes” in the same sentence, though. (Admittedly from a guy whose eye is drawn to the red Kia Sedona across the street. 🙂 )
I’m still thinking about that ’78 Dodge Monaco. I would prefer that beast.
+1
Agreed. The Monaco would have more “road presence” at least. haha
Not a huge fan of any design coming from Mercedes in the past 20 years (Okay, if I had the means, I could see the attraction to an E63 Wagon). Like others have said, it will sell well in the current society.
Not a huge fan of Boston meter maids either. You can literally be up to 3 minutes over your paid allotted time and can count on getting a ticket.
When I was a kid, I saw a bumper sticker that read “Meter Maids eat their young.”
I’m keeping my ’89 W124 300E. IMHO, even though it’s 25 years old, it’s still a better car!!!
Ugly ugly ugly… I still havent come to terms with whats happening automotive styling, Mercedes used to make such sexy looking cars. IIRC, CLA is the name applied to things that plug in a cars 12v power point, clever naming on this piece. Bring on the w124’s and other real M-B’s!
I initially wanted one of these when the concept was released. Not after the quality was shown–body/panel gaps, horrendous! And it looks like a Corolla on the side view.
This car, like all other current Mercedes, does nothing for me.
I have owned six Mercedes and still have two. They’ve all been coupes or SLs, so I saw each of them as something a bit special. This car seems as if it came from Avis at Boston Logan.
Some arrogant rich asshole who thinks he or she is special. He or she is not. And I truly hope the car was towed. Probably one of those who gets in the left lane and does 60.
And it looks like a Cruze.
The styling is more overwrought than a Cruze, whichis an (unenviable) achievement
So by your logic, when I’m a few minutes late getting back to the parking meter, and I’m driving my ’93 F150 with almost zero options, I’m “an honest working dude who lost track of time.”
And if I do the same in one of my newer, nicer cars, I’m “an entitled douchebag who feels above the rules.”
Makes sense to me. Nice, upstanding people don’t deserve to have nice things. And when they obtain them, they automatically turn into scumbags.
He could be making an incorrect stereotype, or he could be dead on. This has been a topic of discussion for at least a few thousand years now…
Matthew 19:24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.
PS- Not a Bible-thumper by any means, but a good quote is a good quote…
That’s the point. It doesn’t take a rich man to own this car. $29k and you’re living the lifestyle. $29k isn’t a rich man; it’s ~$5k more than a base Camry or Accord MSRP! The reason it’s a hit. (Kev’s judging the owner [maybe rightfully so], and we all have a verse or two on judging now don’t we?!).
Define “rich”? 😉 Do you own -a- car? To many, that makes YOU rich :).
I’m a bit of an M-B fan. I’ve owned 7 over the years and still have 2 in my garage but I know Daimler-Benz will one day regret the cheapening (quality of materials primarily) of its Mercedes-Benz passenger car line that has been going on for almost 20 years now. It has only been the reputation the cars have earned over the decades that has kept Lexus from entirely eating its lunch on the high end up until now. As the overall cheapening continues and the “status factor” wears thin the likes of Hyundai, Kia, and maybe even Chevrolet and Ford will steal sales from these “entry level” Benz as well.
Besides, acquiring a Mercedes-Benz is no big deal what with the extended financing or leasing deals available today. Maintaining one though is a different matter altogether and that is true of the less expensive models too.
Yup, aside from status and image, I’m left wondering what exactly the CLA has to offer that, say, a Buick Verano or Ford Focus Titanium doesn’t?
Status and image. Until people get used to the idea that a Mercedes isn’t necessarily a luxury car.
Like the OP in this thread – we’re talking Packard 120. It sold like crazy throughout the 1930’s, and then people got used to the idea that these weren’t the same things as the senior 180’s.
I wonder, if leasing MBs and BMWs was outlawed tomorrow, how long do you think it would be before both manufacturers pulled out of the US market?
BMW has still been able to preserve it’s prestige while selling the 1 series in the USA. But it has a higher base price than a CLA.
BMW also kept the BMW pedigree with the 1 series, it’s just smaller. The CLA is about as special under the skin as a Corolla. Putting a transverse FWD chassis behind a Mercedes badge is akin to putting a dollar store on Rodeo Drive.
Dime store pimping…….A Mercimarron.
Sorry, this is a little feistier/sportier/more luxurious than a Cimarron. Not even close in any regard. (And I like the Cimarron).
Its had 30 years to improve, I imagine a Cimarron done today using todays tech wouldn’t be that bad either.
If the Cimmaron had a bustleback I think it’s a very apt comparison.
I don’t really participate in this class, but I don’t see why someone would go for this over the 320i or ATS.
Because the ATS is ugly (dated, think 2003 CTS) and RWD. Some people NEED FWD. Don’t forget about all those who have said “Never Again!” to GM, for good reason (and I’m a GM fan). A very easy way to step into a Premium brand. Thus the reason it’s selling like hotcakes.
Well, they do make an AWD version of the ATS.
Plus, even if one hates GM and can’t abide by RWD, the lease offered on the 320i xDrive is actually slightly better than what you can get with the CLA250.
The EPA says you’ll spend about $130 more a year in fuel with the AWD BMW over the Mercedes. So that’s something, but not huge.
I guess I just prefer the 3-series in this price range and don’t see the appeal of the Mercedes competition. Full disclosure though, I’ve driven a 320i, but not a CLA250.
AWD usually costs $2-3-4k more than FWD, and for price-conscious buyers, that’s not happening…becomes less of a “bargain” like this CLA (supposedly) is. Downsizing is the new hallmark of the U.S. economy. If people have to do it, they’re going to do it in the nicest way possible. And they trust MB…Cadillac, not so much! (Don’t even get me started on their products or dealerships).
I think you’re giving the CLA buyer too much credit. They are buying it because (1) It’s a Mercedes (2) It’s very attractive.
If whatever, 75% of 1 series buyers didn’t know their car was RWD or FWD, I’m assuming the CLA is at least that uninformed. I haven’t read a single review of the CLA that doesn’t mention poor build quality, poor ride, poor interior, and a complete lack of space in the back seat for anyone over 5’6.
I’m not pro or con either Mercedes or Cadillac, but didn’t Mercedes make the W220, possibly the most expensive vehicle to maintain, repair and keep on the road vehicle of the last 2 decades? You can’t assume high quality just because of the 3 pointed star since they quit making the W124. Mercedes of the last 20 years have been very hit and miss. And just looking at the CLA inside isn’t giving me high hopes for it’s longevity…
Some dealers where I live will not order RWD BMW’s or MB’s. They can HARDLY make it across the street in slightly icy or snowy conditions, let alone driving to Grandma’s in the suburbs or the country. Thus all BMW’s and MB’s are around $4k over base price because they have AWD. Suddenly entry-level luxury is pricier. This $29k will get them around town when it snows an inch and be in that ever-so-important $29,999 arena.
Yes, MB’s are very expensive to maintain, but this basic 4-cylinder isn’t loaded to the gills with gadgets and gizmos; one would expect (expect) it to be reliable!
I feel as if I’m coming off as an MB salesman which isn’t the case at all (GM driver here, although unimpressed with their current lineup of makes and models the past several years). I really liked the idea of this car, but in person its fit/finish left me unimpressed.
A good chunk of people who said “Never Again!” to GM said so because GM dilluted their brands with junk like this. And how is this any less dated looking than the ATS? The CLA is a 7/8th scale 2005 SLS, not exactly a groundbreaking design in 2013.
Uhhhh.. no.
“Never again!” refers to having to use a screwdriver to start your car while pressing XYZ button and tapping the dash 3 times.
People didn’t turn away from GM because of their looks. haha. Nice try.
This car is BRAND-NEW. No need to call it JUNK when it’s been out 3 months.
The DESIGN isn’t what’s attracting buyers, it’s the culmination of many features.
And no, it’s nothing like an SLS besides the tail lights.
Research.
Sorry I type-o’d, I meant CLS (damn alphanumerics). My point still stands.
You can believe what you want but you’re discounting a healthy chunk of former GM loyalists who left because they saw the brand dilution unfolding before their eyes. To them the quality and reliability issues were just nails in the coffin for divisions like Cadillac.
I still haven’t seen a CLA on the road in my area (RI and southeastern MA). I have seen the CLA in person twice, however – once at a dealer in Poland when I was visiting this past spring and once at the US Open in NYC (sponsored by Mercedes). You know, I didn’t hate the CLA in person as much as I expected to, and the interior looked pretty nice – but it did nothing for me personally, either; nothing about this car looked “sharp” or “beautiful” to me. I’m also personally not a fan of frameless windows on 4-doors; I prefer my sedan quiet, like a traditional Mercedes. If I could afford a CLA, I would rather go for a CPO C-Class or a Volvo S60.
I have no doubts that the CLA will be a hit; Mercedes knows very well who they are targeting.
Remember when only the SL had the wide grille with the emblem? They’re putting them on everything now. And look, it even has the 1954 300SL hood blisters.
Sorry, I’m not going to mistake this for a classic Gullwing. If I’m getting a Mercedes sedan, I want a chrome radiator shell and a hood ornament.
I do like the current E-Class sedan quite a bit, but this one? Pass.
That’s the reason you’re not in their target market :). Someone who wants a sporty, sophisticated, sexy sedan gets it in this. It isn’t meant to be a Broughamtastic behemoth!
Though to be fair, I should withhold judgment until I see one in person. Lately there are a lot of cars I didn’t like in pictures, but when I saw it in person I changed my mind. Such cars included the Caddy XTS, current Camaro and 2013 Lincoln MKZ.
Sometimes all the whorls and whoops stamped into the sheetmetal of new cars looks funny in two dimensions but looks OK in three.
And since I’m in a curmudgeonly mood, why do so many new cars NOT have bodyside protection moldings? Oh sure, it looks great! Until it gets that inevitable first door ding, and then the whole side is marred.
And I withdraw my comment about liking the E-Class, starting with the 2014 model. They added that blasted wide-mouth grille! I want the traditional MB grille, with the hood ornament, dagnabit! Grumble grumble…
Haven’t seen it, but I’m already in agreement.
In “luxury” trim, it appears you can still get an E-Class with the traditional ornament.
Luxury trim. Hmm. If I’m buying a Mercedes I would expect it to already be luxurious 🙂
But, at least one variant still has the classic grille! I just think the SL-style grille should be reserved for the two-seat models.
I don’t know this car very well at all, but if it boils down to a small, cramped, pricey compact with nothing special but for the star, it’s a car for shallow status seekers and Barbie doll coeds living on Daddy’s dime. What the hell does MB want with this market?
Packard 120 indeed.
Same color, same droopy butt:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/1937-PackardSix08-crop.jpg
You can only sell your name for so long. Cadillac had finally learned this, though it might be too late. BMW and MB are buffered by a euro market that still see badge and status as more important than other factors. That is not so true in the US. The success of Lexus proves just how different the US market is.
There was also a Packard 110 offered from 1940-41. Does this mean that the next logical step for Mercedes brand dilution would be a BLA?
You guys here are all missing the intended market for the CLA: China, where the three point star is practically worshiped and taxes on engines over two litres astronomical. China is Daimler’s second largest market after Germany and they have built amazing levels of cachet for their cars. The CLA will be made in a Chinese plant, too, and thus escaping the 200% tax rate on imported cars. They are going to sell a bazillion of them in China.
Watch for optional Hello Kitty package for only $3900.
As for here, well, there are plenty ‘o saps who can scrape up $600 a month on a lease payment for a car with the three point star. “Purists” can snivel all they want but Daimler is in the money making business and doing spectacularly well at it, too.
$600 a month?! What kind of evil leases do they do over in Canada?
The CLA is around $340/month with $3400 due at signing. $600/month would be E350 4Matic prices.
A CLA with sport package, sunroof and leather leases in Canada at $578 monthly plus taxes.
In the USA, on a 36 month lease, it comes to $504 plus taxes.
The Canadian dollar is now about 5% less than the US dollar, so $578 is $US549. That’s a difference of less than $30.
Either wherever you’re getting Mercedes lease rates are ridiculous, or somethings screwy with your math. My car’s MSRP is 28,499, and my lease payment, with 0 down, is 335 a month. MBUSA doesn’t give you a direct quote without a credit report either… I agree for $600 a month in the US you get a 5 series/E Class. BMW advertises lease specials, and right now you can get a 528i at 489 a month, and 535i for for 589 a month, for 36 months.
sat in one of these at an autoshow last month. It was pretty eye catching at first, and the interior was nice looking, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was just a Sonata with a 3 pointed star. The closer I looked at the details the better the Sonata looked in comparison.
Haven put quite a few miles on a pervious generation 335I I was also overcome with the same feeling when I sat in the 320ix also at the show. Mercedes and BMW seem to be going downmarket or trying to make thier cars more generic to appeal to those who lust after a Camry. All in all my folk’s Regal GS seemes to have a more solid feeling (body and interior) and seems to use mateirals that are more rugged and classy than either the new gen 3XX or CLA.
Cuz the mainstream is where the money is. Believe it or not, there are not a lot of people who can pay $80,000 for a car, but plenty who can pay $35,000.
Daimler-Benz is setting new sales, revenue and profit records every year. That’s all that counts in business.
Do I feel that Daimler products are worth it? Nope, they are not. Any MB I have driven made after 2003 or so has been a big disappointment.
But we have to remember, there are A LOT of people out there who would happily pay $5000 for a bag. MB has done a brilliant job of marketing to this group. I work with these people every day, and for them, it’s all about the brand. They don’t know or care about how the car drives and have no idea what a G force is, much less a twisty. Canyon carving? Forget it. More like Mall Carving.
Hey, watch the Jetta chick car comments. I’m very happy with my 2011 TDI and its 37 mpg city. A great car and incredibly roomy for its size.
I’ve seen a CLA in the flesh here, kind of lumpy. Too bad Americans have a hatchback aversion. Otherwise you’d get the real B class, they way we do in Canada : )
http://www.mercedes-benz.ca/content/canada/mpc/mpc_canada_website/en/home_mpc/passengercars/home/new_cars/models/b-class/w246.flash.html#_int_passengercars:home:model-navi:w246
The A-class is the “real” hatchback. The B-class is a compact MPV. (See pictures above)
There is a 360 hp AMG A- and CLA-class, you won’t find a similar B-class. Not yet, at least.
Saw my first CLA while walking to work today. In the internet pictures I’ve seen, I haven’t really liked it, but in the metal it looked quite sporty – and surprisingly small. One detail I really like is all those little chrome dots in the grille – to me they channel the chrome dots in the ’59 Cadillac grille! Overall though, the CLA feels like a large bucket of ‘meh’ to me. If I owned one, I think I’d have a nagging feeling that a Mazda3 would have been a better choice…