GLK-Class (X204) Produced 2008-2014

CLA Sales

Old Oct 15, 2013 | 06:41 PM
  #1  
mike-nc's Avatar
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From: Hickory, NC USA
2013 GLK250BT
CLA Sales

I know this is a GLK board, but I was wondering if anybody is actually buying the CLA250 (in USA)? There is a big advertising push right now. I'm seeing ads everywhere.

It's much too small for me to consider, but I can see how it MIGHT be appealing to some buyers.
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Old Oct 15, 2013 | 07:11 PM
  #2  
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I orignally thought I would realy like it but it reminds me too much of the Jaguar X-Type (which my Mother had) & the four cylinder doesn't have the muscle I thought it would have.

I test drove it & it could pose a problem with it's smallish windows & high beltline.

Now I expect the CLA45AMG version to be kick *** but my thumbs is down for the plain vanilla CLA250.
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Old Oct 15, 2013 | 07:29 PM
  #3  
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From: Hickory, NC USA
2013 GLK250BT
CLA

Thanks for the mini-review. I hope it looks better in person than in pictures. I just don't like the pinched/swoopy design features. The engine is a 2 liter turbo-4 in the base model, so I'm surprised it felt low on power. I drove a loaner C250 Sport (1.8L-turbo-4) and was actually surprised at the power delivery. Is this correct that the CLA250 and the C250 use different base engines? I suppose it's because of the FWD based design of the CLA vs. the RWD based design of the C-class. I am surprised that MB had to federalize two engines that are so close in displacement, but probably world's apart in design to fit into these two models.
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Old Oct 15, 2013 | 08:15 PM
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2014 GLK250 BlueTEC, 2012 BMW 335is Conv.
Originally Posted by mike-nc
I can see how it MIGHT be appealing to some buyers.
Seeing the appeal is partly dependent on what one would be cross-shopping with it. If you're cross-shopping the C and 3, then no, the CLA loses. But if someone is looking at an upper scale Accord, Altima, etc and then sees a Mercedes for just a little more, or even the same price, the CLA has a strong hand to play. The FWD doesn't matter because those other cars are also FWD. The 200hp doesn't matter because the 4cyl versions of those other cars are less than 200hp.

And of course there are a lot of status seekers out there who will buy it because a three-point star is finally within their reach. Unlike the C Coupe from 10 years ago, the CLA is actually a good looking car and isn't handicapped by the hatchback stigma.
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Old Oct 15, 2013 | 09:54 PM
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Frankly the CLA is downright zippy - however five things - 1st "most" dealers will not get tire pressures right - you might forgive them since they have dealt exclusively with RWD and AWD for a century - propoer tire pressure is about 38 front and 34 back - 2nd the dual clutch 7 speed tranny is downright amazing - 1st in the fact it shifts so quickly and smoothly it's godly on the back side since it spins up both upshift and downshift gears - absolutely no "grabbiness" that many would think/feel as required for performance experience - 3rd no detectable torque steer - 4th the turbo 4 in the CLA gives your more power than a $55K SLK250 (at this point) - very respectable road performance, repeat very respectable road performance - fifth damn quiet cabin for a sport coupe -

The only dealers with inventory of the CLA in one respect are the ones trying to overcharge over MSRP - CLA's are damn scarce and production limited by a factor of like 1/4th or 1/5th that could be sold before Holiday
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Old Oct 17, 2013 | 01:12 AM
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'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
I am 5'11" tall and I am having a hard time getting in a cla. I was really considering it to replace my t-boned c-class but after hitting my head going through the back door I did not even bother starting the engine and driving it.
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Old Oct 17, 2013 | 05:25 AM
  #7  
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GLK350, G55, AMG GTS, C63 507
I saw a coupe of CLAs in person but none were AMGs, it looked OK but too small for me. The AMG version is a beast but still doesn't sound as good as the V8s for sure.
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Old Oct 18, 2013 | 05:51 PM
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2014 CLA 45 AMG; 2012 GLK 350 4MATIC (totaled); 2009 VW GTI (sold)
I can comment here! I was going to replace my 2012 GLK 350 with a 2014 GLK 250 BlueTec after I was rear ended and vehicle totaled. I ended up ordering a CLA 45 AMG, which after 5 months of waiting should arrive November 1!!

The CLA has a longer wheelbase that the C class but deffinitely has less head room than a C Class, is a smaller version of its bigger CLS brother. I love the design cues on the CLA - frameless doors, AWD in the AMG variant and fuel economy of the 4 cylinder. 360 HP will also be a blast to drive! Plus it is the only other AMG Mercedes, aside from the SLS AMG, that has a dual clutch transmission!
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I'm ordering the CLA 45 AMG... the GLK will be our "family" vehicle. I love the lines on the new CLA, what a fantastic looking car.
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