STUD Or DUD? The First Mercedes In A While To Be Better Looking Than The Competing Audi Or BMW?

Looks great!

This is going to sound strange but I personally like the previous A class better. More distinct and more fitting design for a small but versatile hatchback. I realise the new A class is supposed to be of a different character but the design doesn't say it as clearly. Just my 2 cents

plus 100

Styling is obviously quite subjective, but to suggest that this is the "first Mercedes in a while to be better looking than the competing Audi or BMW" is a farce. The CLS is easily more attractive than the BMW Series GT and many would also agree that the E-Class is more attractive than the rather bland 5 Series.

It looks like a cross between an PT Cruiser and a GTI.

Mercedes makes a few great cars (not this one) but is really falling behind...just doesn't have the mass to keep Audi back (though when will Audi get steering feel and good handling across the whole line) and BMW(still the best handling cars in the luxury segment).

This car isn't even out yet, so calling it "not great" doesn't make sense.

Furthermore, the majority of consumers want a well-handling and comfortable car. Mercedes focuses on this UNLIKE BMW and Audi which seem to battle it out on who can offer the most razor-sharp steering feedback and the most uncomfortable sports suspension.

It's sad and ultimately silly how in the midsize luxury segment (5er, A6 etc.) everyone seems to be focusing on sport just because certain car magazines complain about the track handling capabilities of these cars. Oh please. The majority of consumers here never take their cars unto the track and for the few sporty driving spurts on some backroads, all these cars are competent handlers. If you want a true track here you're going to need to go for an M5, E63 AMG and RS6.

In this regard I am happy that Mercedes' still offers a car that is a competent handler and offers great comfort: the E class.

This car is not that bad but too conventional, they need to make it like a concept car , they show something and hen make another conventional thing like this one. This car need more exiting design headlights to help it a little more and add me chrome accent ,because when you see it look to cheap even if they use high quality materials.

Don't forget the Lexus CT200h, which also competes with the Mazda 3.

SARCASM...

@ 1911,

If you don't understand the European market, then don't comment with such stupid statements about the A-Class competing with a Mazda 3. Nobody will cross-shop these two because they're two different cars in different market niches targeting two different types of buyers.

Space is at a premium here. Our parking spaces are small. Our garages are small (the average European city garage isn't spacious enough for an E-Class...). Space within a city is limited. People are demanding small cars and that includes luxury cars. It's that simple.

Smaller cars are easier to live with in Europe. They're more fuel-efficient, easier to drive and park in the city and they obviously fit into a small garage. I myself drive a BMW 118i 5-Door which is an ideal car for Munich. I fit into most parking spaces and the car is large enough inside to haul around most of my photographic gear.

Bland and hardly striking.

Looks like less taller and spacious B class. Headlights resemble those of new Toyota Yaris/Vitz. Very anonymous design and MB tried to make it interesting by adding a huge L-shaped crease line.
Styling wise like the new B class it is a DUD. Looks okay if it was some cheap Toyota/VW hath but for a Mercedes not good enough.

CT 200h for me...

Imo it looks very good and it does look better than the new 1 series and the A3.

Only thing I don't like is how the flame surfacing line suddenly curves up in the rear, and the fact that it is front wheel drive. This is for people that don't want to sacrifice luxury just to have a small, practical car.