Sub-30k Mercedes no more as 2015 CLA gets a $1,600 price hike. Carscoops
By: Andreas Tsaousis
December 17, 2014
The CLA compact saloon was a runaway hit in the US, with Mercedes-Benz USA boss Steve Cannon acknowledging that “this is the best launch in 20 years; it has been a phenomenal success right out of the gate”.
Making hay of the fact that the CLA was the first Merc to drop under the US$30,000 mark, with an MSRP of US$29,900 excluding delivery, its average stay in the dealerships’ courtyard is less than 10 days, compared to the industry average of 60. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said that, if the inventory was sufficient, “we could have sold twice as many”.
There’s a flipside to that coin: if there’s such a high demand, why not make an extra buck by increasing the price a bit? Thus, the sub-30k Merc is no more as the base 2015 CLA 250 starts from US$31,500, which rises to US$32,425 when you add the destination charge.
Sure, it’s still a nice price for a premium compact saloon (or is it four-door coupe?) with 208hp and the three-pointed star at its grille but, nonetheless, it is US$1,600 up from the 2014 model.
They can price this car at $19,995 and I still wouldn't buy it. The car itself is so terrible and mediocre it's not even funny. The CLA shouldn't exist and is only going to harm the Mercedes-Benz name IMHO.
I had a higher opinion of the CLA until I actually sat in one, it's not much better than a Verano.
The A3 is a lot nicer inside, everything just feels a lot clasier.
According to reports I read its not reliable at all. Also uses very cheap materials. More like a cruze or focus. The verano is much nicer inside as well as the Regal.
Its selling because people can say hey I bought a new Mercedes, just like when they had the 2 door hatch that was a joke also.
Just because it say Mercedes doesn't make it a luxury car.
Having been in all the vehicles you mentioned, saying the Verano is "much" nicer and the materials are closer to a Focus is pure exaggeration. The truth is Audi does the small car thing better with the A3 and I hope Mercedes takes note for the next generation CLA.
That being said, springing for the leather package that includes upgraded dash materials should be a must for this car. The ride completely sucks with the sport package...and the extra suspension travel must be why the GLA is receiving significantly better reviews despite being essentially the same car.
This is not the first time Mercedes has entered the cheap car market with a less than outstanding car. I well remember the Mercedes 190 series. They were very unreliable and cheaply made. The 4 cylinder gas model turned a lot of people off from Mercedes.
Obviously people have different opinions what looks nice but, I never thought Mercedes or BMW had nice interiors unless you buy the most expensive out there. Also to option the CLA with what you get in the Verono or Regal, its going to be well over 10,000 dollars.
Ive felt the same way. The CLA gets more people into a benz thats it. The question is with the options you will have to get is it worth the money. Like 40k money.
Mmm. A car that criticized for its less than Lexus worthy interior while also having the distinction of straining to pull off a 0-60 time of 10.6 seconds. Actually, I think I'll pass on the CT200h.
The difference will be that in 5 year's time and mileage, the Lexus will still be worth enough to make trading it in worthwhile whereas the MB will depreciate to beans.
I saw a new C-class today for the first time in the flesh and really liked it. I'd just go for that if I'm going to pay $40k ish anyway. And I would be because I wouldn't want vinal seats in my Mercedes!
good sales due to the dodge-like cladding on the doors and the sparkling headlights- people like the style and that its an avantgarte MB for under 30. I think it looks as attractive as any of their bigger sedans, which I really dont like!
Between the CLA, C class, and E class I feel that the C class is their best effort currently.. I would actually lease a C class but not the CLA or E class. Hell a C63 AMG coupe would probably make for a sweet ride (as long as its RWD).
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