Debating between CLA and C class?
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
2015 C300 4Matic
I test drove the CLA many times and felt it's a good car, until I drove the C. It's way more solid and not that much more expensive, on a lease. Recently, my MIL bought a CLA and I'm really glad I got the C instead. The CLA's suspension is way too harsh, you can feel every single bump on the road.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
CLA 250
I ordered a CLA 250 for European Delivery, and drove it 1,200 miles through Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands before it arrived in California and I noticed that the ride is stiff on ill-repaired LA streets. One might argue, though, that the same is true whether you're driving (and my Mac says I can't talk now) a Buick or a Smart.
I drove a brand-new C300 loaner for a week recently while my car was in for a minor issue, and it cured me of that complaint. While it's a much more civilized ride, exactly the sort that a family might expect from MB, it's not the driver's car that the CLA is. On winding mountain roads, I had little confidence in how far it could be pushed - it rode like a Sealy Posturpedic on wheels (not that that's a bad thing.)
The C300 is a much more refined car - the ECO kicks in predictably, the shift points kick in predictably within the 5 grades, and it looks like there's a bit more headroom in the back seat. It's a great family car, and I'm forever grateful that it helped me appreciate my CLA.
I drove a brand-new C300 loaner for a week recently while my car was in for a minor issue, and it cured me of that complaint. While it's a much more civilized ride, exactly the sort that a family might expect from MB, it's not the driver's car that the CLA is. On winding mountain roads, I had little confidence in how far it could be pushed - it rode like a Sealy Posturpedic on wheels (not that that's a bad thing.)
The C300 is a much more refined car - the ECO kicks in predictably, the shift points kick in predictably within the 5 grades, and it looks like there's a bit more headroom in the back seat. It's a great family car, and I'm forever grateful that it helped me appreciate my CLA.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
c250 w205
I also almost bought CLA 200 Urban (Asia version), when i got to the dealer, i took a test drive.. Feel so hard and stiff on road.. Bumps felt so hard..
Took another test on C250 Exclusive.. There's a burmester audio.. Feels like heaven..
I didn't regret up till this day.. W205 win, win and winner... The difference here in my country around 15K $.. still worth it..
Took another test on C250 Exclusive.. There's a burmester audio.. Feels like heaven..
I didn't regret up till this day.. W205 win, win and winner... The difference here in my country around 15K $.. still worth it..
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 927
Likes: 33
From: San jose CA.
w205 c400 c63s
I also almost bought CLA 200 Urban (Asia version), when i got to the dealer, i took a test drive.. Feel so hard and stiff on road.. Bumps felt so hard..
Took another test on C250 Exclusive.. There's a burmester audio.. Feels like heaven..
I didn't regret up till this day.. W205 win, win and winner... The difference here in my country around 15K $.. still worth it..
Took another test on C250 Exclusive.. There's a burmester audio.. Feels like heaven..
I didn't regret up till this day.. W205 win, win and winner... The difference here in my country around 15K $.. still worth it..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 57
2013 C250 Sport
I'm not sure if you guys are talking about the previous gen W204 or the W205 C-Series being soft? Also, Sport or Lux?
I have a W204 and while it's not harsh it feels similar to upgraded suspension work I've done on other cars. It has almost no body roll from what I've been able to throw at it and amazing traction. But I may add bigger sway bars and upgrade the suspension at some point. Also to consider, stiff suspension doesn't mean better control. Suspension that is too stiff can cause poor road contact.
I was talking to a lady the other day that got rid of her C-Class because it was too harsh.
Right now I have a GLA250 loaner. I guess it's the bloated version of the CLA? It's fun but I'm missing my C. I've been having traction issues with it but otherwise it's ok. Compared to the C it can't stick to the road. Traction control frequently kicks in where the C would stick with hard confidence and beg for more.
I like the way the 2.0 turbo sounds. I'm shocked it's so loud as usually factory turbos are rather tame sounding. It's loud but pleasant at the same time.
The reviewers are claiming the performance specs are nearly identical to CLA but I find that hard to believe.
I have a W204 and while it's not harsh it feels similar to upgraded suspension work I've done on other cars. It has almost no body roll from what I've been able to throw at it and amazing traction. But I may add bigger sway bars and upgrade the suspension at some point. Also to consider, stiff suspension doesn't mean better control. Suspension that is too stiff can cause poor road contact.
I was talking to a lady the other day that got rid of her C-Class because it was too harsh.
Right now I have a GLA250 loaner. I guess it's the bloated version of the CLA? It's fun but I'm missing my C. I've been having traction issues with it but otherwise it's ok. Compared to the C it can't stick to the road. Traction control frequently kicks in where the C would stick with hard confidence and beg for more.
I like the way the 2.0 turbo sounds. I'm shocked it's so loud as usually factory turbos are rather tame sounding. It's loud but pleasant at the same time.
The reviewers are claiming the performance specs are nearly identical to CLA but I find that hard to believe.
Last edited by michail71; Jan 12, 2016 at 09:26 PM.
