CLA 35, CLA 45 AMG (C117, C118) 2013 to Present, Two generations

CLA not MB quality?

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Old Aug 2, 2013 | 01:13 AM
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CLA not MB quality?

Read a first test review of the US CLA45 and it was a mixed bag. They said the interior was not up to MB standards and quite poor. The top of the dash was vinyl and the lower dash and center console was hard plastic and the seats were vinyl. Anyone else concerned about this? I like the idea of the CLA, but not if they're going to make the brand look bad doing it.
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Old Aug 2, 2013 | 09:04 AM
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The c63 doesn't have the best interior going around either
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Old Aug 2, 2013 | 01:12 PM
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yeah was going to mention my c63. i'd take a vinyl covered dash over the hard garbage can plastic the c is made out of.
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Old Aug 3, 2013 | 06:17 PM
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You mean MB USA standards we're USED to. All around the world you can buy a higher end MB with cloth seats and a sub-2 liter engine.

In the US, they want to increase their sales in the low $30k market. With the costs of new cars ever creeping up, this is a very important target market. Something's gotta give. Not everyone can afford the new S-class.
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Old Aug 3, 2013 | 10:04 PM
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Originally Posted by JumpinJim
Read a first test review of the US CLA45 and it was a mixed bag. They said the interior was not up to MB standards and quite poor. The top of the dash was vinyl and the lower dash and center console was hard plastic and the seats were vinyl. Anyone else concerned about this? I like the idea of the CLA, but not if they're going to make the brand look bad doing it.
Good God have you seen the interior of any 204,203 or 202 C Class? They are pretty bad... You get what you pay for and with the CLA it is remember a entry level car so no it will not have leather all around. The CLA looks kind of cool but I will never have one in my driveway lol.
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Old Aug 4, 2013 | 12:36 AM
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The C isn't exactly the pinnacle of quality, tis true. This is apparently worse though the reviewer thought. The CLA45 is still some $60k+. A bit expensive to be covered in vinyl and hard plastics. If all that's true you're paying 60k for 20k worth of quality.
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Old Aug 4, 2013 | 12:00 PM
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The car's worth shouldn't be measured by the interior quality alone. Ok , maybe the dash isn't leather but the seats are and they are very nice looking Recaros. And what about the performance of this 4 banger? 390HP...probably faster & handles better than most have in their driveway right now.
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Old Aug 4, 2013 | 03:43 PM
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The A Class interior has generally been praised. But only the decently spec'ed models with full leather.
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Old Aug 4, 2013 | 11:50 PM
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Newer Mercedes Benzes, especially the pre-facelift W204 C Classes, don't really have the best quality interiors so I wasn't expecting the CLA, one step down from the C Class, to have the greatest of interiors either. As long as the interior is assembled to traditional Benz standards and doesn't squeak and rattle it won't be that big of a deal. More importantly will it provide Benz levels of ride, handling and solidity one expects? Time will tell.
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Old Aug 22, 2013 | 11:44 AM
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When have mercedes interiors ever been nice?
I think the new S Class changes this however Ive yet to see it in person.

When your commited to putting out cars at the rate of nissan or honda
I doubt interior quality is on their priority list.
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Old Aug 22, 2013 | 10:02 PM
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Like,I believe viper said, this is an entry level car. Maybe mbz is dazzling newbies with performance and amazing options so they become loyal and seek to upgrade these items on their future Mercedes endeavor.
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Old Aug 27, 2013 | 12:55 AM
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maybe theyll do like the w203 and the facelift will have the much better interior...?
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Old Aug 27, 2013 | 03:17 PM
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Personally, I like CLA interior very much. If you insist on leather, you can pay for it - go for the full leather interior (dashboard, doors, seats and etc.). Is the BMW 1st series with a better interior? I don't think so...

It is not fair to compare a CLA interior to a S-class interior.

And most of all:

What more do you want from it?

Last edited by dol4er; Aug 27, 2013 at 03:27 PM.
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Old Aug 28, 2013 | 04:30 PM
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Originally Posted by dol4er
Personally, I like CLA interior very much. If you insist on leather, you can pay for it - go for the full leather interior (dashboard, doors, seats and etc.). Is the BMW 1st series with a better interior? I don't think so...

It is not fair to compare a CLA interior to a S-class interior.

And most of all: Mercedes A45 AMG vs CLS63 AMG Drag Race - Auto Express - YouTube

What more do you want from it?
the plastics in the 1 series are definitely higher quality and not as rock hard.

Furthermore, I'm pretty sure you can't get an e-class with full leather in the US, so what makes you think you could do so with a CLA
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Old Aug 29, 2013 | 02:13 AM
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I've seen it on a CLA220 (not to talk about 45 AMG), that's what makes me think I could do so. The center console is hard plastic but that's what it is. At least, you can have a leather dashboard it is an A-class after all. I don't understand why people expect a price of an A-class, with interior of an S-class...

http://blogs-images.forbes.com/rebec...-interior1.jpg

Last edited by dol4er; Aug 29, 2013 at 02:21 AM.
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Old Aug 29, 2013 | 08:37 AM
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If you are used to driving an Evo, this would seem like a giant step forward... Set your standards low and you won't be disappointed.
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Old Oct 2, 2013 | 05:06 AM
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I own a S-class, I have being in the new S-class and the CLA the same day, I wad very impress with the CLA's interior, I couldn't believe this car was only 30k, it is a steal the 45 is even better, the sexiest little car on the planet.
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Old Oct 2, 2013 | 07:25 AM
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For us in Europe we have diff quality standards. I did notice MB USA is quite poor when it comes to it.
A friend of mine bought a spanking new A250 here in Europe with all the options and goodies. I can tell you the interior finish was superior to my cousins 2009 C300 US spec. Way superior.
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Old Oct 3, 2013 | 12:35 AM
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Originally Posted by C280 Sport
Good God have you seen the interior of any 204,203 or 202 C Class? They are pretty bad... You get what you pay for and with the CLA it is remember a entry level car so no it will not have leather all around. The CLA looks kind of cool but I will never have one in my driveway lol.
That's a shame. I'm going to be proud to put one in my driveway next to my E55 and my C230. I think the quality is great for what it is, and frankly, I don't want an S class. I'm not a fan of huge cars.
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