Mercedes CLA 250 - What do you think of it?

[Jag_Warrior]

I've never been a fan of Mercedes cars (except for the unobtanium Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren), but for roughly $30 grand, this one looks like it will be a sales winner for Merc. The major downside that I see is the horsepower being only 208 from a 2.0 liter turbo 4. A 2.0 liter Subaru WRX (with a spark plug disconnected) gets better output than that. To get into some "real" horsepower (355) you have to move up to the AMG variant for $47 grand or so. Seems like they could have done better, considering the engineering talent that they have on tap.

I do like the looks of this "coupe" sedan - but what do you folks think of it?

P.S. I just saw a rendering of the "Shooting Brake" AMG wagon concept. That one makes me drool.

[janneppi]

There's something wrong with the idea of a FWD Mercedes coupe. I think the A-class hatchback works better.
200 HP is pretty standard for 2 litre turbos which are meant for everyday driving.

[donKey jote]

agree with jenny pie.
however, for $30 grand you can't even get a decent Golf here

[Starter]

While the car looks great, I've never been especially enamored of Mercedes. With the exception of the old gull wing of course. They don't seem to live up to their image of reliability. Much the same goes for BMW IMO. I prefer the Jap luxury brands like Acura, Infinity and Lexus. They're just as fast, or more, than an equivalent Merc or BMW (with the exception of the M cars); as well or better appointed; considerably cheaper; and much more reliable.

[odykas]

Are you a taxi driver, Jag_Warrior?

for $30 grand you can't even get a decent Golf here

A descent Golf? i have yet to see one.

[donKey jote]

Are you a taxi driver, Jag_Warrior?

http://www.forloveandglory.de/2012/01/m ... ke-a-taxi/

[Rollo]

I do like the looks of this "coupe" sedan - but what do you folks think of it?

Dear Mercedes-Benz,
You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

IT'S NOT A COUPE and Mercedes-Benz of all companies should know better.

http://www.iso.org/iso/home/store/catal ... umber=9389
Coupe: a closed bodied vehicle, usually with limited rear volume, a fixed roof of which a portion may be openable, at least two seats in at least one row, two side doors and possibly a rear opening, and at least two side windows.
- ISO 3833:1977, Definitions.

Mercedes are trying to make people use the "coupe" for a four door car when to be perfectly honest, the terminology has been fairly well standardised since 1977.

Other than that, it's nice to see that finally M-B are putting some power underneath their cars. For a long time since about W111 onwards, their cars across the board had too much car for not enough engine. Even the W116 6.9L V8 that I had was hampered by being lumbered with a car that weighed 1930kg dry.
C117 sits on the same platform as W176 which is the current A-Class and that must mean that like W176, there's going to be a CLA45 AMG in the lineup.

To be totally honest, that sounds interesting but in Australia, the base model CLA goes for A$54,817 on-road and the CLA45 AMG goes for $95,888 on-road. For that sort of money you could have an HSV GTS with three grand change in your pocket. That'll give you 430kW (563bhp) and 740Nm (545ft/lb) and top out as tested by Wheels magazine at 326km/h which is faster than a V8Supercar or a Lamborghini Diablo.

I think though, I'd prefer a nice Focus RS500 or a Civic Mugen Type-R. Both would be as frivolous but at least I'd be able to haul a washing machine in the back.

[555-04Q2]

Mercedes are for old people, period. The CLA 250 is, to quote one of our local motoring scribes, "the most un-Mercedes Mercedes I have ever driven." Maybe it's for almost old old people

Rather get an OPC, GTI, RS, ST etc. They should be about the same price if not cheaper, but 10 times the fun.

[henners88]

Mercedes are for old people, period.

I drive a Toyota!

[SGWilko]

Mercedes are for old people, period.

I drive a Toyota!

There'll be a recall along shortly.........