mrmarie

Hello,

I just thinking to selling my w204 2013 to get the new CLA when released, i don't know if there is any advantage for C-Class over CLA!! Is anyone else planning on ditching their C class to get the CLA?

Thank you

victort

No way. The cla is ugly

vic viper

Wait for the W205, itll look like a larger CLA

Drazil

I like the stitching on the seats, and the side profile of the car, but not a big fan of the front view, those giant air vent portholes in the dash, and also the monitor that looks like it's attached by suction cup...

vic viper

Unfortunately it looks like the W205 will get the very same screen design

MDMercedesGuy

Not a chance.

The CLA is trying to appeal to a younger demographic (that I happen to fall into), and the C is a much more traditional Mercedes. I'm a fan of heritage, not design and marketing to bring in more sales.

That said, the CLA is either driven by the wrong wheels no matter what the configuration IMO (not a fan of FWD or AWD).

Sportstick

Don't be taken in by a pretty face, particularly in the first year of production, if you are enjoying good quality in your C!!! Early road test reports of understeering front wheel drive and less than pleasing powertrain response (unless you get the AMG CLA45), plastic-y interior, awful nav screen. This car was meant to lure young Accord buyers and such into the MB brand at a similar price point. I do like the exterior style and price, but that's about it, and that is nowhere near enough reason to purchase. (Haven't even mentioned no choice of manual trans! Whoops.....I just did!)

stratman1954

I'm going to strongly consider trading for one, but it will have to be AWD and maybe the AMG version. I admit that some aspects of the interior don't appeal to me in the photos I've seen, but I will check one out when the dealerships have them in.

Doa

no way the C is of a much higher level then the CLA.
CLA is still an A class and going from a C to the CLA is like degrading from E to C

snowmuch

I will probably take cla 45 amg into consideration for now. Need a test drive first.

irod

No, that'd be like trading an Infinity for a Nissan.

Glyn M Ruck

W205 is the obvious replacement for a W204 but the new A Class is a better car in the flesh than many give it due. In A250 form it pretty much matches the Golf 7 GTI in all aspects & that says a lot. In the words of a local reviewer, the Golf 7 is an annoyingly good car.

The A & derivatives are heaviest cars in class so there is not much quality giveaway. The interiors are pleasant & leather quality & stitching etc is to a high standard. I don't get the criticism of the Nav screen, it is right where you want it & looks neat & fine. Would have been nice if it stowed like the Audi but that is just more plastic crap to go wrong. Production is fully booked up to mid 2014 so selling well here. It's a nice fresh addition to a rather boring segment.

In markets where efficiency & fuel consumption is critical due to cost it is most welcome.

The A45 has just hit our showrooms (August) & I can't wait to take one for a thrash.

My 18,000 mile CLK is not ready for a change for a while but a CLA45 is not an impossibility in my future. Depends where the E Coupe styling goes.

elwood58

I would not trade out of my C250 Sport Sedan, but if I was in the market, it would be hard to not take a serious look.

2.0L Turbo - Direct Injected
Eco Start-Stop Technology
Flappy Paddle Shifting
10 Airbags
Memory Seat Control
mBrace

I have to admit that the display looks like a vintage TV propped up there on the center stack

Sportstick

Another topic which winds up in the weeds of subjectivity!! Yes, you are spot-on that the screen, per se, is in a good sightline and properly placed in car. But, the environment and attachment is the most amateurishly awful I've seen! Forget the "garage door" automation of retraction. It simply looks like they forgot to design the I.P. top pad to include or surround the screen and someone was assigned the last-minute job in the plant to stick one on each car just before it rolls off the line! As an example, compare to the current excellent C Class instrument panel, over a very similar lower center stack. That is cohesive, integrated design. The CLA looks like what an older person (my generation, perhaps) figures would appeal to younger folks with iPads, but comes off looking like trying to correct a mistake.

I'm not sure if you like it or just don't mind it, but I find it repelling. I also wager we will see an instrument panel redesign before the normal cycle would have one....just like MB realized they had to do something to correct ahead of schedule the awful E Class W212 exterior when it launched a couple of years back.

Hey, Glynn, eventually, we had to have a different point of view on something!!

Glyn M Ruck

I have no problem with disagreement at all as long as it's civil. I don't love it I just don't mind it. When I first saw photographs of it I thought it looked strange. When actually driving the car it does not bother me & I don't understand the fuss. I guess we all got used to it in the B Class.

My niece thinks it looks cool. Guess that's the different generation.

I love the integrated look in my CLK but the position in the console is not really appropriate.

irod

Front wheel drive, very poor rear visibility, awful perched low-res GPS display with a humongous glossy bezel, 1.8 liter 4 cylinder, more jarring ride/less comfort, not great automatic gearbox, terrible rear seat space with no headroom at all (if you're over 5'6, expect to be hunched over the entire time), cheaper plastic-y interior surfaces and moldings (though the seats and stitching are great).

To be fair, it also has a lot of positives. The CLA is all about compromise; to me it's very clearly in an inferior class than the C-class. Sorry if I'm stating the obvious.

Sportstick

How old is your niece?

Glyn M Ruck

30

Glyn M Ruck

The C Class is ALSO all about compromise.

Many begged Benz not to build it, fearing brand dilution. Fortunately it's been a success. It's all a matter of perspective.

I suspect many criticising the A Class have never actually been in one or driven one. It's direct competition are, Audi A3 & BMW 1 Series. It is a better car than either in some respects. Definitely a better car than the BMW, the Audi less so.

Sportstick

She is more the target market than am I, but from the variety of responses even here with you and me, it seems preferences vary by a factor other than age.

irod

True, EVERY production car is about compromise, in one way or another.

I agree, but OP is asking specifically about trading in his C for a CLA. I don't think anyone here thinks the CLA is a bad car compared to others in its class, or standing on its own.

malahhaor

I think CLA will do exactly what it is designed to do, get younger buyers in to the brand.
Just like i got in to it at 21 with C230K coupe.
I think the current C class doesn't quite cut it in that segment. Its more expensive and doesn't have that jazzy feel other brands coming up with for younger crowds.
I would be surprised if CLA is not a success.
I am driving an S class and will probably go look at 45 when it comes out. If not as DD, at least for a weekend fun car.

irod

Absolutely, I would also be very surprised if the CLA is not a success. I just don't think it's in the same class as a C, so I would never trade in my C for a CLA.

MDMercedesGuy

FWIW, I'm 30. Not all 30 year olds share your niece's opinion, Glyn

ippolitoe

I'm going to hopefully trade my C300 in for a new CLA. I don't like the FWD but I think that's the only negative I have on the car besides the non-integrated screen on the dash. The 2.0 turbo is more powerful (lots of torque) than the C250 1.8 liter.
I'm also eager to see the new C class, but can't wait that long for a new car.