Berlin Mercedes Gallery Visit (lots of photos)
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: DFW, TX
Posts: 666
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
9 Posts
2014 E350 Wagon
Berlin Mercedes Gallery Visit (lots of photos)
Spent the weekend in Berlin running around town (literally, 42.195 km) and visited the Mercedes-Benz Gallery while there. Here are some of the photos I took while there.
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02447.JPG)
Next to the entrance was this 1931 Mannheim 370 S Cabriolet A:
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02396.JPG)
And right besides it was this 1934 MB200 Cabriolet C:
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02407.JPG)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02409.JPG)
On the other side of the entrance was the S-class in all its glory:
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02399.JPG)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02403.JPG)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02405.JPG)
Further back found an E-250 CDI in 890 Cavantis Blue which is the same color code as the US Lunar Blue although it looked a lot brighter than the Lunar Blue I saw at a US dealer. Had I seen this I probably would have gone with this color but instead I went with the 585 Indigo Blue blindly without even seeing the color in person. So I asked the sales person if they had a color sample of 585 Covelline Blue which is what they sell as Indigo Blue in the US. I have seen cars for sale on-line in the color and photos of cars that have been purchased and the color always looked purple to me. But the color sample I saw was not purple at all, it was a very steel blue color that I actually really like. Here is the photo of the color sample, it looks true to color on my monitor and to my eyes what I have seen in person:
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02421.JPG)
Here are the photos of the E250 CDI:
It was a sport/Avantgarde model.
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02411.JPG)
The interior was Oyster/black which is what I chose as well. Notice that there is no memory seat, the controls are not in the door but there is folding mirrors. The car also had ventilated seats and black roof liner.
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02414.JPG)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02416.JPG)
Check out the sticker price! Base price was 46K Euros, about $62K. Price as shown was 71K Euros, about $97K!!! It leases for 499 Euros but I did not read the fine print/details of the lease terms.
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02412.JPG)
We also found a nice red A-class and a purple CLA. I sat in the CLA, it had cloth seats and I was very underwhelmed by it, just as much as I was when I sat in an Audi A3. There is no such thing as a free lunch. When you want to reduce cost and enter a different market you have to compromise on the touch and feel and the materials and let's hope that is all you have to compromise on. Every time I get a cheap domestic rental I realize why a German Luxury car costs what it costs. The CLA is not a luxury car, period. It felt small, cramped and the materials matched the price. I would not buy one.
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02420.JPG)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02425.JPG)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02426.JPG)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02427.JPG)
On the top floor they also kept this beauty, a W212S AMG S. It looked amazing! As I was standing next to it I was regretting my choice of not paying the extra $25K for the AMG version and tried to rationalize/justify this car but ultimately I'm sure i'll be happy with the lowly E350-wagon once it gets here. BTW the MSRP on this AMG E-wagon was around 140k Euros
!
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02428.JPG)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02430.JPG)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02433.JPG)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02436.JPG)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02437.JPG)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02438.JPG)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02440.JPG)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02441.JPG)
I just had to sneak into one of the shots:
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02444.JPG)
They also had this neat wall with models:
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/36714219/Photos/Mercedes/Berlin/DSC02424.JPG)
I left the gallery with a nice 100+ page E-class brochure and a key chain. Now if only my E-wagon could get here sooner...
Next to the entrance was this 1931 Mannheim 370 S Cabriolet A:
And right besides it was this 1934 MB200 Cabriolet C:
On the other side of the entrance was the S-class in all its glory:
Further back found an E-250 CDI in 890 Cavantis Blue which is the same color code as the US Lunar Blue although it looked a lot brighter than the Lunar Blue I saw at a US dealer. Had I seen this I probably would have gone with this color but instead I went with the 585 Indigo Blue blindly without even seeing the color in person. So I asked the sales person if they had a color sample of 585 Covelline Blue which is what they sell as Indigo Blue in the US. I have seen cars for sale on-line in the color and photos of cars that have been purchased and the color always looked purple to me. But the color sample I saw was not purple at all, it was a very steel blue color that I actually really like. Here is the photo of the color sample, it looks true to color on my monitor and to my eyes what I have seen in person:
Here are the photos of the E250 CDI:
It was a sport/Avantgarde model.
The interior was Oyster/black which is what I chose as well. Notice that there is no memory seat, the controls are not in the door but there is folding mirrors. The car also had ventilated seats and black roof liner.
Check out the sticker price! Base price was 46K Euros, about $62K. Price as shown was 71K Euros, about $97K!!! It leases for 499 Euros but I did not read the fine print/details of the lease terms.
We also found a nice red A-class and a purple CLA. I sat in the CLA, it had cloth seats and I was very underwhelmed by it, just as much as I was when I sat in an Audi A3. There is no such thing as a free lunch. When you want to reduce cost and enter a different market you have to compromise on the touch and feel and the materials and let's hope that is all you have to compromise on. Every time I get a cheap domestic rental I realize why a German Luxury car costs what it costs. The CLA is not a luxury car, period. It felt small, cramped and the materials matched the price. I would not buy one.
On the top floor they also kept this beauty, a W212S AMG S. It looked amazing! As I was standing next to it I was regretting my choice of not paying the extra $25K for the AMG version and tried to rationalize/justify this car but ultimately I'm sure i'll be happy with the lowly E350-wagon once it gets here. BTW the MSRP on this AMG E-wagon was around 140k Euros
![EEK!](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif)
I just had to sneak into one of the shots:
They also had this neat wall with models:
I left the gallery with a nice 100+ page E-class brochure and a key chain. Now if only my E-wagon could get here sooner...
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Nice shots, thanks for your time ![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
W222 is very definition of spectacular
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
W222 is very definition of spectacular
![naughty](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
![drive](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/driving.gif)
#4
MBWorld God!
![](https://staticssl.ibsrv.net/autocomm/EvoM/fcotmicon.gif)
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: on my way
Posts: 30,672
Received 3,404 Likes
on
2,847 Posts
2012 CLS63
#5
Senior Member
Nice pics. And not surprisingly, the W222 is already in the Sixt rental fleet (and maybe Avis too) in Germany.
Next time I go to Stuttgart I should take more pics of the amazing 3 story dealership attached to the MB Museum.
Next time I go to Stuttgart I should take more pics of the amazing 3 story dealership attached to the MB Museum.
#7
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 11,811
Received 2,071 Likes
on
1,444 Posts
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ecu tune; edok tcu tune; BB intakes; dyno tuned
love the pics, thanks for posting --
got a question -- what's the appeal of the E63 wagon -- i've never understood it
got a question -- what's the appeal of the E63 wagon -- i've never understood it
Trending Topics
#8
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: DFW, TX
Posts: 666
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
9 Posts
2014 E350 Wagon
The wagon is so easy to understand. It handles and drives just as good as an E-sedan with far more utility. I think it looks fantastic to boot although I must say that the F10 Touring is even prettier albeit far less utility and cargo space.
The E63S with 585 hp is just a monster. I can't even imagine what it must feel to have that kind of power in a street legal car. It comes at a price that is definitely not for the faint of heart. I personally could not justify the extra $25K over a nicely equipped E350 wagon but I totally get the allure. Fortunately if I want to go from 0-60 in under 4 seconds I just take my Ducati for a spin.
The combination of the two is the ultimate sleeper car. It's a family hauler that will eat American muscle cars for lunch. If I had one I'd definitely debadge it and taunt unsuspecting young punks in Mustang GTs. They wouldn't even know what hit them.
#9
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Earth
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
18 Posts
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Man, love those Classics! Nothing beats M-B Classics.
How'd you like the CLA? I was gonna check one out at the Dealer yesterday but right then saw one parked on the road. Have to say I was very underwhelmed and unimpressed as I'm not feeling that styling language, plus it dilutes the exclusivity-factor right from the CLS now.
The W212 Wagon is one of the nicest Wagons I've ever seen, it actually looks "sexy" for a Wagon and I hate Wagons. The F10 Wagon though is really something special, the nicest Wagon I've ever seen all in all as it's so sleek and balanced. Whenever I go to Europe I'm happy to be able to see it. Stupid of BMW to bring the hideous 5 GT out here instead of that.
How'd you like the CLA? I was gonna check one out at the Dealer yesterday but right then saw one parked on the road. Have to say I was very underwhelmed and unimpressed as I'm not feeling that styling language, plus it dilutes the exclusivity-factor right from the CLS now.
The W212 Wagon is one of the nicest Wagons I've ever seen, it actually looks "sexy" for a Wagon and I hate Wagons. The F10 Wagon though is really something special, the nicest Wagon I've ever seen all in all as it's so sleek and balanced. Whenever I go to Europe I'm happy to be able to see it. Stupid of BMW to bring the hideous 5 GT out here instead of that.
#10
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: DFW, TX
Posts: 666
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
9 Posts
2014 E350 Wagon
IMHO the CLA will not make it in the US or probably anywhere for that matter. First of all it's not a $29,000 car. It's a $36k+ car. By the time you add metallic paint, xenons, leather and a dual zone A/C you're looking at $36K.
Second of all it just feels cheap inside. It feels very much like the Audi A3 does. Hard plastics not worthy of a luxury badge. Some might want to buy an MB only for the badge but this car is everything the badge does not represent. All you get is the badge. It's an A-class hatch without the utility of the hatch.
Third, the rear seating is just atrocious. They can't call it a sedan because the rear seats are practically useless. They call it a 4-door coupe so it's easier to stomach the total lack of rear seat utility. This one makes my E90 rear downright spacious.
I think it will be a flop just like the CL203 was.
Second of all it just feels cheap inside. It feels very much like the Audi A3 does. Hard plastics not worthy of a luxury badge. Some might want to buy an MB only for the badge but this car is everything the badge does not represent. All you get is the badge. It's an A-class hatch without the utility of the hatch.
Third, the rear seating is just atrocious. They can't call it a sedan because the rear seats are practically useless. They call it a 4-door coupe so it's easier to stomach the total lack of rear seat utility. This one makes my E90 rear downright spacious.
I think it will be a flop just like the CL203 was.
#11
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Earth
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
18 Posts
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
IMHO the CLA will not make it in the US or probably anywhere for that matter. First of all it's not a $29,000 car. It's a $36k+ car. By the time you add metallic paint, xenons, leather and a dual zone A/C you're looking at $36K.
Second of all it just feels cheap inside. It feels very much like the Audi A3 does. Hard plastics not worthy of a luxury badge. Some might want to buy an MB only for the badge but this car is everything the badge does not represent. All you get is the badge. It's an A-class hatch without the utility of the hatch.
Third, the rear seating is just atrocious. They can't call it a sedan because the rear seats are practically useless. They call it a 4-door coupe so it's easier to stomach the total lack of rear seat utility. This one makes my E90 rear downright spacious.
I think it will be a flop just like the CL203 was.
Second of all it just feels cheap inside. It feels very much like the Audi A3 does. Hard plastics not worthy of a luxury badge. Some might want to buy an MB only for the badge but this car is everything the badge does not represent. All you get is the badge. It's an A-class hatch without the utility of the hatch.
Third, the rear seating is just atrocious. They can't call it a sedan because the rear seats are practically useless. They call it a 4-door coupe so it's easier to stomach the total lack of rear seat utility. This one makes my E90 rear downright spacious.
I think it will be a flop just like the CL203 was.
I think it'll attract a certain braggart type on a budget initially (it certainly looks designed for that) but it'll date quickly and the "novelty" will wear off, IMO.
#13
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 11,811
Received 2,071 Likes
on
1,444 Posts
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ecu tune; edok tcu tune; BB intakes; dyno tuned
I guess there is two parts to that question....
The combination of the two is the ultimate sleeper car. It's a family hauler that will eat American muscle cars for lunch. If I had one I'd definitely debadge it and taunt unsuspecting young punks in Mustang GTs. They wouldn't even know what hit them.
The combination of the two is the ultimate sleeper car. It's a family hauler that will eat American muscle cars for lunch. If I had one I'd definitely debadge it and taunt unsuspecting young punks in Mustang GTs. They wouldn't even know what hit them.
#14
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: DFW, TX
Posts: 666
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
9 Posts
2014 E350 Wagon
PeterUbers,
I don't think you can compare the E-wagon with the M-class. The M-class is smaller, taller and handles worse than an E-wagon when it comes to performance. I'm originally from Europe so I grew up with wagons and 5-door hatchbacks. In the US the word "wagon" has this horrible stigma attached to it just like the word "minivan". This is why MBZ sells fewer than 2,000 E-wagons a year and pulled the R-class while selling over 3,000 ML units a month.
The E-wagon provides more utility and more sport than the ML, period. I voted with my wallet and I'm just glad that MBUSA still brings the E-wagon over, I think it's an awesome testament to the European origins.
Not to mention the E63 AMG is more than a second faster from 0-60 than the ML63 AMG.
I don't think you can compare the E-wagon with the M-class. The M-class is smaller, taller and handles worse than an E-wagon when it comes to performance. I'm originally from Europe so I grew up with wagons and 5-door hatchbacks. In the US the word "wagon" has this horrible stigma attached to it just like the word "minivan". This is why MBZ sells fewer than 2,000 E-wagons a year and pulled the R-class while selling over 3,000 ML units a month.
The E-wagon provides more utility and more sport than the ML, period. I voted with my wallet and I'm just glad that MBUSA still brings the E-wagon over, I think it's an awesome testament to the European origins.
Not to mention the E63 AMG is more than a second faster from 0-60 than the ML63 AMG.
Last edited by GregTR; 10-03-2013 at 03:52 PM.
#15
Newbie
![](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/ranks/veteran_air_force.png)
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2015 S550
Originally Posted by GregTR
Spent the weekend in Berlin running around town (literally, 42.195 km) and visited the Mercedes-Benz Gallery while there. Here are some of the photos I took while there.
IMAGE#1
Next to the entrance was this 1931 Mannheim 370 S Cabriolet A:
IMAGE#2
And right besides it was this 1934 MB200 Cabriolet C:
IMAGE#3
IMAGE#4
On the other side of the entrance was the S-class in all its glory:
IMAGE#5
IMAGE#6
IMAGE#7
Further back found an E-250 CDI in 890 Cavantis Blue which is the same color code as the US Lunar Blue although it looked a lot brighter than the Lunar Blue I saw at a US dealer. Had I seen this I probably would have gone with this color but instead I went with the 585 Indigo Blue blindly without even seeing the color in person. So I asked the sales person if they had a color sample of 585 Covelline Blue which is what they sell as Indigo Blue in the US. I have seen cars for sale on-line in the color and photos of cars that have been purchased and the color always looked purple to me. But the color sample I saw was not purple at all, it was a very steel blue color that I actually really like. Here is the photo of the color sample, it looks true to color on my monitor and to my eyes what I have seen in person:
IMAGE#8
Here are the photos of the E250 CDI:
It was a sport/Avantgarde model.
IMAGE#9
The interior was Oyster/black which is what I chose as well. Notice that there is no memory seat, the controls are not in the door but there is folding mirrors. The car also had ventilated seats and black roof liner.
IMAGE#10
IMAGE#11
Check out the sticker price! Base price was 46K Euros, about $62K. Price as shown was 71K Euros, about $97K!!! It leases for 499 Euros but I did not read the fine print/details of the lease terms.
IMAGE#12
We also found a nice red A-class and a purple CLA. I sat in the CLA, it had cloth seats and I was very underwhelmed by it, just as much as I was when I sat in an Audi A3. There is no such thing as a free lunch. When you want to reduce cost and enter a different market you have to compromise on the touch and feel and the materials and let's hope that is all you have to compromise on. Every time I get a cheap domestic rental I realize why a German Luxury car costs what it costs. The CLA is not a luxury car, period. It felt small, cramped and the materials matched the price. I would not buy one.
IMAGE#13
IMAGE#14
IMAGE#15
IMAGE#16
On the top floor they also kept this beauty, a W212S AMG S. It looked amazing! As I was standing next to it I was regretting my choice of not paying the extra $25K for the AMG version and tried to rationalize/justify this car but ultimately I'm sure i'll be happy with the lowly E350-wagon once it gets here. BTW the MSRP on this AMG E-wagon was around 140k Euros !
IMAGE#17
IMAGE#18
IMAGE#19
IMAGE#20
IMAGE#21
IMAGE#22
IMAGE#23
IMAGE#24
I just had to sneak into one of the shots:
IMAGE#25
They also had this neat wall with models:
IMAGE#26
I left the gallery with a nice 100+ page E-class brochure and a key chain. Now if only my E-wagon could get here sooner...
IMAGE#1
Next to the entrance was this 1931 Mannheim 370 S Cabriolet A:
IMAGE#2
And right besides it was this 1934 MB200 Cabriolet C:
IMAGE#3
IMAGE#4
On the other side of the entrance was the S-class in all its glory:
IMAGE#5
IMAGE#6
IMAGE#7
Further back found an E-250 CDI in 890 Cavantis Blue which is the same color code as the US Lunar Blue although it looked a lot brighter than the Lunar Blue I saw at a US dealer. Had I seen this I probably would have gone with this color but instead I went with the 585 Indigo Blue blindly without even seeing the color in person. So I asked the sales person if they had a color sample of 585 Covelline Blue which is what they sell as Indigo Blue in the US. I have seen cars for sale on-line in the color and photos of cars that have been purchased and the color always looked purple to me. But the color sample I saw was not purple at all, it was a very steel blue color that I actually really like. Here is the photo of the color sample, it looks true to color on my monitor and to my eyes what I have seen in person:
IMAGE#8
Here are the photos of the E250 CDI:
It was a sport/Avantgarde model.
IMAGE#9
The interior was Oyster/black which is what I chose as well. Notice that there is no memory seat, the controls are not in the door but there is folding mirrors. The car also had ventilated seats and black roof liner.
IMAGE#10
IMAGE#11
Check out the sticker price! Base price was 46K Euros, about $62K. Price as shown was 71K Euros, about $97K!!! It leases for 499 Euros but I did not read the fine print/details of the lease terms.
IMAGE#12
We also found a nice red A-class and a purple CLA. I sat in the CLA, it had cloth seats and I was very underwhelmed by it, just as much as I was when I sat in an Audi A3. There is no such thing as a free lunch. When you want to reduce cost and enter a different market you have to compromise on the touch and feel and the materials and let's hope that is all you have to compromise on. Every time I get a cheap domestic rental I realize why a German Luxury car costs what it costs. The CLA is not a luxury car, period. It felt small, cramped and the materials matched the price. I would not buy one.
IMAGE#13
IMAGE#14
IMAGE#15
IMAGE#16
On the top floor they also kept this beauty, a W212S AMG S. It looked amazing! As I was standing next to it I was regretting my choice of not paying the extra $25K for the AMG version and tried to rationalize/justify this car but ultimately I'm sure i'll be happy with the lowly E350-wagon once it gets here. BTW the MSRP on this AMG E-wagon was around 140k Euros !
IMAGE#17
IMAGE#18
IMAGE#19
IMAGE#20
IMAGE#21
IMAGE#22
IMAGE#23
IMAGE#24
I just had to sneak into one of the shots:
IMAGE#25
They also had this neat wall with models:
IMAGE#26
I left the gallery with a nice 100+ page E-class brochure and a key chain. Now if only my E-wagon could get here sooner...
Posted from Mbworld.org App for Android
#16
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
IMHO the CLA will not make it in the US or probably anywhere for that matter. First of all it's not a $29,000 car. It's a $36k+ car. By the time you add metallic paint, xenons, leather and a dual zone A/C you're looking at $36K.
Second of all it just feels cheap inside. It feels very much like the Audi A3 does. Hard plastics not worthy of a luxury badge. Some might want to buy an MB only for the badge but this car is everything the badge does not represent. All you get is the badge. It's an A-class hatch without the utility of the hatch.
Third, the rear seating is just atrocious. They can't call it a sedan because the rear seats are practically useless. They call it a 4-door coupe so it's easier to stomach the total lack of rear seat utility. This one makes my E90 rear downright spacious.
I think it will be a flop just like the CL203 was.
Second of all it just feels cheap inside. It feels very much like the Audi A3 does. Hard plastics not worthy of a luxury badge. Some might want to buy an MB only for the badge but this car is everything the badge does not represent. All you get is the badge. It's an A-class hatch without the utility of the hatch.
Third, the rear seating is just atrocious. They can't call it a sedan because the rear seats are practically useless. They call it a 4-door coupe so it's easier to stomach the total lack of rear seat utility. This one makes my E90 rear downright spacious.
I think it will be a flop just like the CL203 was.
#17
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: DFW, TX
Posts: 666
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
9 Posts
2014 E350 Wagon
Unlike many, I did not buy an E-class for the badge. I bought it for the utility, rear legroom, drive feel, performance and quality of materials. You can get a Golf with DSG for a fraction of the cost of the CLA if you want comparable quality and features without the badge.
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
Unlike many, I did not buy an E-class for the badge. I bought it for the utility, rear legroom, drive feel, performance and quality of materials. You can get a Golf with DSG for a fraction of the cost of the CLA if you want comparable quality and features without the badge.
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
2012 C250 Sport
The first C-class couple looked like a cheap piece of crap and had a cut-rate interior. Just based on photos, the CLA's interior looks no worse than the pre-facelift W204 (and, in many ways, it looks a lot better), and the W204 seemed to sell just fine. I saw a CLA on the street recently. The styling is completely overdone but, er, striking, and it should sell as well as, say, the VW CC, IMHO (which I also find to be grotesquely proportioned).
Last edited by alsyli; 10-06-2013 at 12:30 AM.
#20
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: DFW, TX
Posts: 666
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
9 Posts
2014 E350 Wagon
Do you live in the US? A Golf GTI (which would probably be the Golf most comparable to the CLA) starts at $24200. That's hardly a "fraction" of the cost.
The first C-class couple looked like a cheap piece of crap and had a cut-rate interior. Just based on photos, the CLA's interior looks no worse than the pre-facelift W204 (and, in many ways, it looks a lot better), and the W204 seemed to sell just fine. I saw a CLA on the street recently. The styling is completely overdone but, er, striking, and it should sell as well as, say, the VW CC, IMHO (which I also find to be grotesquely proportioned).
The first C-class couple looked like a cheap piece of crap and had a cut-rate interior. Just based on photos, the CLA's interior looks no worse than the pre-facelift W204 (and, in many ways, it looks a lot better), and the W204 seemed to sell just fine. I saw a CLA on the street recently. The styling is completely overdone but, er, striking, and it should sell as well as, say, the VW CC, IMHO (which I also find to be grotesquely proportioned).
I sat in the purple CLA shown in the photos above and I can tell you that the interior feels horribly cheap. The round vent holes are downright GM quality with all their fake metal looking plastic glory.
The CLA is essentially an A-class which is meant to compete with your Ford Focus and the like in Europe. And the CLA is no different, it's the same underpinnings with a different, more polarizing skin.
I wasn't talking about the W204 I was talking about the CL203 which was a major flop and was discontinued in the US after 3 model years (2002-2005). Apparently nobody was interested in a cheap Mercedes neither literally nor figuratively.
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
2012 C250 Sport
Yup, I live in the US and een if we compare base model prices, the $24,200 is about 80% of the $30K base MSRP of the CLA so it is a fraction of the cost unless 20% does not sound significant to you. Then again, you will never find a base CLA on a dealer lot, most will sell in the $34K+ range not to mention that GTIs can be had for below invoice price any day while good luck getting a CLA at that price.
I sat in the purple CLA shown in the photos above and I can tell you that the interior feels horribly cheap. The round vent holes are downright GM quality with all their fake metal looking plastic glory.
The CLA is essentially an A-class which is meant to compete with your Ford Focus and the like in Europe. And the CLA is no different, it's the same underpinnings with a different, more polarizing skin.
I wasn't talking about the W204 I was talking about the CL203 which was a major flop and was discontinued in the US after 3 model years (2002-2005). Apparently nobody was interested in a cheap Mercedes neither literally nor figuratively.
I sat in the purple CLA shown in the photos above and I can tell you that the interior feels horribly cheap. The round vent holes are downright GM quality with all their fake metal looking plastic glory.
The CLA is essentially an A-class which is meant to compete with your Ford Focus and the like in Europe. And the CLA is no different, it's the same underpinnings with a different, more polarizing skin.
I wasn't talking about the W204 I was talking about the CL203 which was a major flop and was discontinued in the US after 3 model years (2002-2005). Apparently nobody was interested in a cheap Mercedes neither literally nor figuratively.
I understood you meant the coupe version of the 203. And my point was that that car, inside and out, looked like a cheap piece of crap. The car had a horrible engine and handled relatively poorly. It essentially had no redeeming qualities other than being cheap. The 318ti also sold poorly; AFAIK, the 1-series has been selling just fine.
You mentioned the interior of the CLA looked bad. I haven't seen one for myself, so I can't comment on that. I can definitely say, though, that the interior of the pre-facelift W203 and W204 were also pretty bad. My point is that those cars sold well, even though the interior of the pre-facelift W203 was genuinely offensive, b/c the those cars had other, redeeming qualities, just as the CLA might.
I'm not sure what you're judging the CLA against. I doubt the Acura ILX or Buick Verano provide a nicer interior or a better driving experience. One review I read of the ILX said it was the car that the current-gen Civic should've been upon introduction (ouch).
As far as I can, the CLA offers an interior that is adequate for its price. If the engine is like the 1.8L one in the C250, it'll be a sweetheart of an engine. And all reviews indicate that the car handles well. I find the swoopy exterior styling nauseating, but I'm sure plenty of people will find it to be just swell.
We're getting into sematics here, but, to me, "a fraction" of the cost means something like 50% or less. While 80% of the cost isn't insignificant, IMHO, your statement that the Golf is "a fraction" of the cost of a CLA borders on hyperbole. The base Golf starts at $19000, and a fully loaded TDI goes for maybe $28000. Would you really claim that the base Golf is a "fraction" of the cost of another car in the *same* model line?
The clearly de-contented and cheapened current-gen Jettas and Passats that are superior to their predecessors only in terms of interior space and price are outselling the older cars. So car sales in the US aren't just about perceived quality.
Don't get me wrong; I have no intention of buying a CLA b/c I don't want a car that has swoopy styling and a cramped interior. I also don't like the fact that the US will only get the "sports" version w/ 18-in wheels (ugh). What I don't get is why some people seem to feel so negatively about this car. Just as the Cayenne ensure that Porsche can continue to, you know, *survive*, a successful CLA means we get to con't to get great cars from MB. ::shrug:: And, IMHO, virtually every car produced by MB from 1996-2002 was pretty bad (through some combination of odd exterior styling, poor interior fit/finish for the price, and poor reliability), and yet I don't see too many commenting about that....
Last edited by alsyli; 10-06-2013 at 02:25 AM.
#22
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: DFW, TX
Posts: 666
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
9 Posts
2014 E350 Wagon
AFAIK, the 1-series has been selling just fine.
The 1-series might be the only good indicator of what US buyers think about "budget luxury". The CLA has two extra doors going for it and it might be enough to make it stick.
The clearly de-contented and cheapened current-gen Jettas and Passats that are superior to their predecessors only in terms of interior space and price are outselling the older cars. So car sales in the US aren't just about perceived quality.
I see your points and I agree with many of them. It is still my personal opinion that the CLA is not up to snuff but it might not have to be to be competitive in the market as VW has shown. But as other cars in its category failed miserably the CLA just might end up doing that too. It will depend on what the market will think/feel as a whole regardless of what I as an individual who can afford and buys an E-class does, I am not the target market for the CLA as neither are most of us.
Another anecdote: I have a co-worker who owned a 2008 W204 and was eying the CLA. He's been waiting for the CLA to hit the showroom to replace is C-class. His cousin works as a service manager at a local MB dealership and he told him not to bother. My co-worker now drives a 2011 E90 335i that he picked up two weeks ago.
#23
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Earth
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
18 Posts
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
The CLA being a new car carrying the Benz brand with a cheapest-on-lot tag and IMO gaudy styling will sell massively to is intended targets initially, even with its horrible interior quality, for obvious reasons. However I think it will age extremely fast and once the hype dies out, start being recognized as a more tasteless choice to the Benz brand.
However, assuming 20% or so discounts as MB's tend to get, with such a relatively low entry fee and 4 doors, it will possibly always sell for price-to-badge ratio alone, unless of course said price and car lower the MB cachet too much.
However, assuming 20% or so discounts as MB's tend to get, with such a relatively low entry fee and 4 doors, it will possibly always sell for price-to-badge ratio alone, unless of course said price and car lower the MB cachet too much.
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
2012 C250 Sport
Rather unfortunate about your co-worker. Our last-gen 3-series had no peer when it came to driving mechanics, but it was not a pleasant car to own (fritzy electronics, interior materials weren't very durable). I find it surprising that the service manager would warn against the cheaper cars; IMHO, MBs more expensive models tend to be more unreliable....