Benz On A Budget: Can The New A-Class Take A Bite Out Of The Mainstream Market?

This has been displayed by several sources. It looks OKish. The back seat looks like it will be cramped. The tail looks too abbreviated. But what's the point? Will this fare any better than the CLA? Oh yay, another sedan.

that dashboard is nasty, MB needs a new direction in interior design

My understanding is this is the new CLA. The current CLA is based on the A-Class hatchback sold in Europe. The WB is 106.3 in. This car has a 107 in WB.

No. Not the new CLA. There is a new CLA forthcoming.

Correction: Yet another Mercedes Megane is coming.

So I'm assuming the A-class is to the CLA as the S-class is to the CLS. Or at least, thats what they're trying to do. With that, the A does not replace the CLA. They will exist together. This is the new Baby Benz I guess.

Looking at the pics & vid, the driver consoles are different. The A-class is meant to kinda mimic the E & S lines...but only loosely. And its success is hard to estimate. Especially since SUV's have taken over most segments. This will definitely shake-up the upscale/entry-level premium/luxury market for vehicles of similar size & pricing. At least for those that are still recording descent sales.

Given how soft the sales of the CLA are, this will either supplant it in terms of sales or it too will be a lackluster performer. Locally the CLA250 cheapie leases are free for the asking almost.

I think this car looks really good. From certain angles, it's the best-looking Benz. The trunk is a bit stubb but in this class that's to be expected. It doesn't look as stubby as an A3.

In the overall scheme of things, it will be interesting to see how sales of this and the CLA play out. While the A3 and CLA have essentially performed the same, it makes sense for Benz to try to conquest A3 sales while leaving those attracted to the CLA intact. No different than offering an E and CLS.

If you'd add 6-8 inches of tail onto this or the A3, the appearance would be radically altered for the better. Neither car has enough length for the styling to finish.

As long as it has reasonable headroom for the rear passengers, it will do fine co-existing with the CLA coupe. The current CLA rear headroom is not comfortable for anyone over 5’8, especially ones with sunroof.

Cadillac will have a competitor in its new ATS (Whatever they call it) replacement. In this case - it is possible that the Caddy will be clearly superior to the Mercedes - its about time. It is likely that the new Caddy will still be Rear WHeel Drive - among other things.

The supposed CT4 that's coming is not a car dealers want. Heck there's reticence over the CT5 because it will likely be another dud like the CT6.

Yay, a small car with a useless trunk, bring us the hatch MBUSA!

Mercedes tail's are too short and not only does the appearance suffer but the trunk space is minuscule. The S-Class has a tiny trunk for its size and its class.

It's a smaller car. Dont need a huge trunk. Boat-sized trunks are for old-azz Cadillacs & Lincolns with tailfins. If the new S-class had a big trunk, that would have killed the overall exterior proportions. Luxury today seems to focus on interior space or content, engine option, latest tech, & getting the exterior proportions right.

Mercedes' bottom end is truly underwhelming, but it will appeal to those folks who aspire to own a Mercedes, and can just barely afford to put one in the driveway. You know, the ones who believe that Mercedes means reliability and saving money in the long run by "buying quality" up front.

There are far more compelling cars available in that price range. And when I say "compelling", I mean more comfortable, more reliable, less expensive repairs, and more features than a poverty-package Mercedes. Mind you, having that 3-Point Star is a mighty powerful lure, for some.

Mercedes loves for the lower end of the DLO to have a rise-and-fall line but if it would straightened, their cars would look less poopy droopy.

Speaking of poopy droopy, my youngest twins are house broken. The saw me house training the new dog and so I look up and both boys are crapping on the lawn. They were not being successful in potty training and in fact wanted no part of it. Then because the dog craps on the lawn, they did too and now they are potty trained. I'd better pick up the evidence before telling the wife.

Looks good. Really cool interior for the class! Doubt it will outsell the A3 though.

23K sales volume isn't that amazing.