Is It a Luxury Bargain or a Cut-Rate Compromise? - 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Long-Term Road Test


Our long-term 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is the least expensive Mercedes that's currently available, but does that make it feel cheap?
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Our long-term 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is the least expensive Mercedes that's currently available, but does that make it feel cheap?
Comments
Does all of this make the CLA the finest of luxury cars? Absolutely not. MB needs to make some big improvements to the suspension tuning and to powertrain refinement to make it a really competitive luxury car. However, compared to similar mainstream cars (top end Mazda 3s, Focuses, etc) the CLA feels significantly more upscale. I think it more than justifies a mid-$30k price, but any higher than that and you would be an idiot not to opt for a real luxury car like a 3er, C-Class, or A4.
These are a must imo:
-Premium package $2, 300(Dual zone A/C, heated seats, Harmon Kardon, etc.)
-Bi-Xenon headlights & LED taillamps $850
-Blind spot assist $550(Hard to see with the pillars and small rear window)
->Total $34,525 w/ delivery
Other Options:
-No standard backup camera, not even as a standalone option, so additional $2,370 for the multimedia package.
-Sport package $2,200(18in rims, chrome grille, etc.)
-$2,000 for 4MATIC
-$1,480 for a Panorama roof
-Push button not offered at all
Personally I don't see the value unless you really want the badge. There are definitely better options for entry level luxury and non-luxury.
I understand, but my point is that the CLA gives you quite a lot more car for your extra $10k. The interior is finished in much more upscale finishes, it handles and accelerates on a higher level, and the car itself feels vastly more expensive thanks to the heavy thunk its doors make when they close (as opposed to the tin-can like clank a 3 or Civic makes). It isn't going to give you the kind of refinement that a C-Class would, but in truth no car in this price bracket will. More importantly, the CLA is notably quieter and more relaxed then a competing mainstream compact sedan. It feels more expensive even if it doesn't feel up to typical MB standards. I can totally understand why young people who don't really care about ride quality are swallowing these things up. It's quite a good car in most regards. It isn't, however, a very good Mercedes and that is what has always bothered me about it.
Which is EXACTLY what MB is counting on in order for the CLA to sell (despite its numerous shortcomings and compromises.)
And its DEFINATELY a cut-rate compromise/wannabe compact luxury "coupe".
"2. It has excellent front seats. They fit editors of all sizes and they're remarkably comfortable."
"If there's anything to complain about, it's the seat cushions. They forced me into two-hour stretch breaks to ease pain on the ol' backside. Not sure if that's specific to my particular size and shape but it was not pleasant."
Taken from "http://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz/cla-class/2014/long-term-road-test/2014-mercedes-benz-cla250-post-road-trip-notes.html"