Are the GLA and CLA Worthy of the Mercedes-Benz Badge?
There is an unwritten contract that comes with buying a Mercedes-Benz. When you own something with that three-pointed star emblazoned on the nose, you are buying something that is built of the best materials, has unparalleled fit and finish, and most of all, it will be comfortable, quiet, and refined. That is unless you buy a new GLA or CLA. It seems that Mercedes’s new stretch to reach a more affordable market has seen them abandon the characteristics that make a Mercedes-Benz a Mercedes-Benz.
In a thread titled, “Dealer gave me a loaner GLA, wow was a POS,” forum member papromike discusses a loaner GLA that the dealer gave him while his E-Class was in the shop for service. He was upset with the car’s unrefined motor, lack of horsepower, cheap interior materials, terrible ride, and uncomfortable seats. And he isn’t the only one with an issue either. The thread grew into a big discussion about what cars in that price range are better buys, with better build quality. The names Kia, Mazda, and Volkswagen all popped up.
It seems like there is also a pretty big consensus that just buying a Certified Pre-Owned E-Class or C-Class is a smarter move than buying a new CLA or GLA. If you haven’t found the thread yet, it is worth reading. Feel free to chime in with your experiences with the GLA and CLA. The GLA seems to be getting a lot of love from journalists, at least the AMG model, so what are the writers and reviewers missing? What is that special feature or feeling that makes your Mercedes-Benz the right car, and why is it not in the GLA? Maybe if we get enough complaints gathered, Mercedes will get its act together and start fixing some of these mistakes.
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
