Adi-Benz

I noticed on the build section the A class sedan...
Is this true?
I didn't think the US would market anything less than CLA - I'm not sure where they can go with this - no leather, features, etc?

Anyways the A45 is the only one we would want haha.

dol4er

This is the CLA, as far as I get it.

chilnviln

I would probably buy it if it was a hatchback with manual transmission. I might consider it if it was just a hatchback. Not being either, at least here in the U.S., it is just a baby CLA and worthless....I'm also sure Mercedes screwed up on the ad by calling it a sedan instead of a 4-door coupe. If your only consideration is wanting the newest and cheapest Mercedes you can get then by all means get it.

Adi-Benz

The CLA is still on the list. So Mercedes is dipping their hand in the North American economy market....

Not looking for an A, however the 2019 (facelift) C-class has literally everything I want (assuming it's optioned out) so give em a year or two to get on the lots and I might take my hand at a coupe. Especially loving the tech upgrades.

Adi-Benz

Came across this just now...

https://youtu.be/Ex-NOcL71sM

Haven't watched it yet but my thought process is that I believe the c class starting price was $33k for 2015. For the 2019's it starts at 38k. That's a 5K difference, which the CLA now fills that gap. However, they can make one at (28K??) That fills the bottom level.

C class isn't entry level anymore...technically never was, but definitely less now.

chilnviln

I believe the stripped out A class was supposed to start right at $30K, just a bit less than CLA and GLA. I would definitely buy the A class any day over the CLA and GLA. But the $30K model in the video, with $20K in upgrades, makes it seem less impressive as I would buy a new C-coupe for that price. Same as a loaded $60K-$70K C class, non-C63, I could live with a stripped out E class instead of paying the price. Guess I would just have to test drive one if I really had to go that route with the wife.

Adi-Benz

True but once it's on the lot it's already reduced from those options. And as the market shifts those options get less significant in price.

Plus incentives.

Adi-Benz

Actually* the c300 sedan starts at $41,000.

Also, considering the engine is a 2.0t - while it may seem low to us, is actually a premium engine (look at other brands)

Hence the need to have a 2.4 NA or such market underneath, because it's cheaper to make.

superangrypenguin

I'm so tired of automakers like MB whoring their brands out.

Sigh.

Adi-Benz

You mean cause they make affordable options?

Don't really understand what you mean.

superangrypenguin

Correct. It's like Porsche with the Cayenne/Macan thing. It whored out the Porsche brand. It's not for me, that's all, and it makes me sad.

Aston Martin introduced that two door coupe thing. That made me cringe (learned it on Top Gear many moons ago)

chilnviln

I agree. "Luxury" branded cars are no longer status symbols.....they're like Coach purses that everyone can buy at a strip mall. The smaller Audi A3 & Q3, BMW 2-series & X1, Mercedes CLA & GLA, etc. just look cheap and I would personally never buy a new A/CLA/GLA just because I think they are an inferior Mercedes.

dol4er

The "Cayenne/Macan thing" revived the brand and gave it the opportunity to become one of the top sports car brands in the world.

Adi-Benz

Fact of the matter is, it still can be considered the highest luxury even with the base cars.

Look in Europe. You think a c180 diesel with 150 horsepower, fabric seats, halogen reflectors, etc is a high quality car? Not really. But when people are rich, they don't just go to bentley...they go see maybach and whatnot. Spend some time in Europe and your vision of these luxury euro brands will change.

Every company has to make money. The fact is Mercedes is one of the highest grossing manufacturers because they play it smart. They also know that when it comes to cars, brand loyalty is big. You start in an A class and next thing you know, you're buying an E class. You see this on every car forum and online, everybody supports their own brands "ew Kia, Dodge, BMW ftw" etc.

How many times have people said to me "entry level Mercedes" to my car, yet they drive a Corolla or some cheapo shet? Too many to count. Jealousy is always there regardless of actual pricing because people never even look into it. Yeah, that A class will be the cheapest - and will still blow most entry cars away.

ezshift5

Interesting.

My experience with a C-Class 250 coupe has been positive. Shortly after purchase, i parked the little coupe adjacent to the local vw dealer's showroom (needed a part for my diesel wagon).

Thru the windshield, i saw a tech leaving the building giving me a thumb's up.........................

My perception - from the selling dealer to the car's performance; from observing folks at stoplights and parking lots amounts to purchase revalidation. Plus my cost was 2/3 the original owner's.................

Add in unexpected fuel economy and no issues..............well, i would think y'all get the picture (as I see it - - - from an entry level C series coupe)

This sailor has no complaints.


All the best,


ez

teksurv

The fact of the matter is that the Audi A3 poses a serious threat to the outgoing CLA. The newly redesigned A class is poised to take that and others in the class on. CLA/GLA/A are the same class in differing configs. The A3 is a Golf in a tux, this new A class seems to have real potential.

Adi-Benz

No doubt ez, there are people taking pictures of my car like at least once a week. Anyone I drive near with a performance vehicle gives me a thumbs up or we have a nice little 'enthusiastic' cruise. Although if I was stock I do not think I would get the same recognition; not to say stock is bad, it is a great design, but I've just made it 'pop' more I guess. But that doesn't stop jealous people from throwing in the "entry level Mercedes" comment, even though it is a premium sedan.

In terms of performance, the RS3 directly competes with the CLA45. The CLA is slower by a bit but it's a 4cyl. I think the A class is not really blocking out the CLA; I see it more as the 'luxury' version vs the sport.