2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Long-Term Road Test
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2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Long-Term Road Test
Does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 represent a solid value for an entry-level luxury sedan or is there a price premium to get that three-pointed star in the grille?
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The reviews on the Mercedes have been mostly positive. But there have been some complaints about the ride quality and long distance comfort. When a small, FWD car wants to be sporty, sacrifices are made. But this is the same sacrifice that is made with a Mazda3 or a GTI. The challenge for Mercedes, Audi and (soon) BMW is to make cars in this class that continue to feel special.
Having said that.. neither of them felt as high quality as the Mazda 6, Kia Optima or Honda Accord.
BUT, if I had no kids, I would take a look at it...
The only way Mercedes, BMW and Audi will succeed in this space is if they succeed in preserving that special-ness that gives European cars their edge. I have some doubts since I believe "special-ness" comes from those intangibles that you can't quite place your finger on. Intangibles that cost-cutting has a way of lopping off.
That said, of the three I think Audi has the best chance of succeeding because VAG, as a whole, does a fantastic job preserving those intangibles. Judging by the 3 series and CLA I sat in at the auto shows BMW, and especially Mercedes, will have a harder time at it since their cost cutting was VERY apparent to my touch and sight. IMO.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1403_entry_level_luxury_sedan_comparison/winner.html