VIDEO: So, What Do Potential Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Buyers ACTUALLY Think?

When buff books and big automotive websites test cars and trucks, there is a tendency for reviewers to completely "blank out" when it comes to meeting the needs of real-life consumer. More often than not, tests turn into number crunching geekfests where the best car edges out another because of its quarter-mile time.

It's silly.

Very wisely, a U.K.-based publication has taken a different approach to all-new rides. It hosts an open forum for potential buyers of all-new products to come in and scope out the latest hardware.

We love this because, typically, the crowd is diverse and have concerns that a lot of folks actually care about. Take, for instance, this preview of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. A couple of things that stood out to me were that buyers said ingress/egress was easy and are elements they're taking into consideration with their next purchase. In addition, two folks remarked about the boot not being ample enough.

Obviously if you need a vehicle for hauling, it's very likely the GLA-Class would not be a strong fit for you.

**Listen to the FULL preview below!

cidflekken - 2/21/2014 2:50:38 AM

+1 Boost

I think Mercedes is doing a great job of product positioning with the A-Class, specifically the CLA and GLA. The CLA is not being presented as a roomy sedan alternative, to encroach on sales of the C-Class. The GLA isn't being presented as a full-on SUV, as not to take away from the GLK.

Car4Life - 2/21/2014 10:12:29 AM

+2 Boost

I agree, Mercedes has done an excellent job of adding new models without product overlap and giving them each unique target markets

Runamukk - 2/21/2014 10:39:44 AM

-1 Boost

I'm curious to see how this sells here in the states.

xjug1987a - 2/21/2014 11:10:56 AM

-1 Boost

The GLA is certainly entry level, but I'll bet will push the $40barrier pretty quick. Car4Life you agree with anything positive written about MB". Is there anything MB doesn't do perfect?

Car4Life - 2/21/2014 12:54:53 PM

+2 Boost

@xjug1987a, What can I say Mercedes has also seen its share of hardship, think late 90's early 2000's.

2013 marked a new era for Benz and I'm happy to see them healthy, growing, and taking risk.

The fact that the first Automaker Mercedes Benz can find ways to keep themselves relevant in an ever changing market and still cater to it's most traditional and loyal buyers is a pretty incredible feat.

And to your question, no single person or company is perfect, but I take my hat off to the ones that strive like hell to reach excellence

GermanNut - 2/21/2014 1:40:50 PM

+2 Boost

BMW might want to learn a thing or two from Mercedes-Benz's clear and distinct product differentiation. BMW's added benefit of its various models is starting to look very blurry and will certainly lead to cannibalization.

cidflekken - 2/22/2014 12:22:07 AM

+1 Boost

Yes, and Audi may want to do the same, Nuttie. As I stated on a different thread, interior size distinction between the new A3 and current A4 are miniscule. Backseat legroom is almost identical. Rear shoulder room is about an inch difference so, rather neglible. Rear headroom is about an inch difference, which won't make much difference for the young family with the young children. My intuition says that the overall interior size differences between the upcoming Q3 and the current Q5 will be similar. Granted, the redesigned A4 may have intentions of growing a bit, but then it encroaches on A6 territory since, currently, there's only about an inch difference in rear legroom as it is.

Agent00R - 2/21/2014 5:41:22 PM

+1 Boost

My biggest concern with the GLA is its size.

Much like the Macan it is a tiny, tiny SUV. The difference is the boot in the Macan seems wider and deeper. The GLA's isn't.

Going to be VERY interesting to see how both of these products do in the market.

cidflekken - 2/22/2014 12:18:41 AM

+1 Boost

Understand your point, 00R, but unlike the Macan, if a potential GLA buyer wants/needs more room, they can step up to the GLK for just a bit more money. More importantly, they don't need to step out of the Benz dealership for that extra room.