DRIVEN: Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG, Is It A Guaranteed Success?

Can a lower priced entry-level model, one that is more accessible to the masses, still hold the same aspirational value as prestigious, more expensive products?

That is a question Mercedes-Benz asked itself last year with the new CLA-Class sedan and this year, the manufacturer is at it again.

In the never-ending arms race between luxury automobile manufacturers, more models, especially lower priced ones, means more sales. As soon as one manufacture enters a new market segment, the rest are sure to follow.

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benzforlife - 9/26/2014 5:59:40 PM

+1 Boost

Good question.

But it's probably a good idea to wait til end of the year and see how it goes with the public. The damned thing arrived in the showrooms 2-3 weeks ago and people are already questioning the future success.

Give it a few months

cidflekken - 9/26/2014 6:37:58 PM

+3 Boost

People looking for a bona fide crossover may be disappointed. It's lower to the ground and the space inside isn't SUV-like. Seeing it in person just reinforces the fact.

That being said, where this may find success is for anyone who really wanted a CLA, but needed a back seat and/or more utility. The GLA has almost 7 inches more rear legroom and 3 inches more rear headroom over the CLA, so it would make a viable entry-level option to the brand. Of course, this would be contingent on them willing to drive around what is essentially a fancy hatchback.

In person, though, the car looks really good. I wish Mercedes had decided to make a larger version of this as a head-on competitor to the X6 than the jelly-bean MLC.

Dumbpeople - 9/27/2014 7:38:16 PM

+1 Boost

You are right as I got to drive one the other week and it was not until I saw it i realised it was just a higher hatch and not a SUV. IMO i like it better than the A class. One thing i don't under stand is way does merc offer keys go in the CLA and the A class.

Dumbpeople - 9/27/2014 7:46:31 PM

+1 Boost

My bad I should have said i don't under stand is way does merc offer keys go in the CLA and NOT the A class

iamdabest1 - 9/28/2014 12:17:13 AM

+2 Boost

seen the way the car looks in person and i liked the gla A LOT ! however i dont think the amg version will be a success because its too expensive and kinda useless. most people getting this car i think will be women who dont care about speed.
the gla will be a great success, the amg, probably not so much.
this isnt like the cla that an amg version is important and more desirable...

benzforlife - 9/28/2014 3:14:59 AM

+2 Boost

between the 2 more engine choices should be filled

jeffgall - 9/28/2014 9:53:48 AM

+1 Boost

Do not see this being highly sucessful in the US. people will see it has a glorified hatch and we know how hatches do in the US. In Europe and other markets, it will do better where this type of car is better received.

Benzes1 - 9/30/2014 11:37:56 AM

+1 Boost

You have no clue about the U.S. market. Long as this thing sits up high like a SUV it will sell like hotcakes.