[SimpsonTide985]

Hmmm, sounds like the transmission is a little bit fussy, which is too bad because the engine itself appears to be amazing.

I'll still give it a drive myself to see if I feel the same about it.

 

[SimpsonTide985]

Complaining about the gearbox is almost a misnomer these days---it's something that I've noticed 90% of all cars are trying to deal with these days, specifically with brand new cars with performance intentions trying to dial back on their MPG ratings.

 

[BenzFan]

Complaining about the gearbox is almost a misnomer these days---it's something that I've noticed 90% of all cars are trying to deal with these days, specifically with brand new cars with performance intentions trying to dial back on their MPG ratings.

it comes at a time when a lot of car makers are bringing in new transmissions that try to help gain the most MPG's possible, so i think we need to expect these issues being early adopters.

 

[SimpsonTide985]

it comes at a time when a lot of car makers are bringing in new transmissions that try to help gain the most MPG's possible, so i think we need to expect these issues being early adopters.

Yeah--the only car that I recall recently that has a specially tuned gearbox with rapid shift points is the new Lexus IS. Conversely, it has the worst MPG numbers in its class I believe...

 

[BenzFan]

Yeah--the only car that I recall recently that has a specially tuned gearbox with rapid shift points is the new Lexus IS. Conversely, it has the worst MPG numbers in its class I believe...

There we go. At least Lexus did something right. I know at the moment they don't want to rush into anything otherwise we'd be seeing F Sport models of every car they have right now. Instead they are working on the fine details and then introducing bigger and better things.

It might be best if Mercedes does this, it might cut off some of these problems.

 

[brianch]

Mercedes autos have never been perfect. I'd reserve judgement for your own test drive. Everyone has different expectations and standards.

 

[MaximilianJürgen]

2013 Mercedes CLA review - What Car?

I prefer that we are getting the sport suspension here in north america. I don't mind the firmness.

I would say the same I do enjoy having the stiffer suspension for the windy roads we have here. As long as its not teeth chattering I should be able to cope.

 

[NickCLA]

I was recently in Holland on vacation and we dropped by a Mercedes dealer with my wife, who interpreted for me, and our daughter. We all had a chance to sit in and examine 2 cars, both 2.0 liter diesels, sans badging. The car is actually, very surprisingly, roomier than I had imagined. I am 6'6" tall and with the driver's seat all the way back, I had more legroom than I needed (ala our 1993 300E 2.8). When in a comfy setting, there was enough room for my wife (5'8" tall) and daughter (5'10" tall) to sit comfortably. For me, the front seat had to be much further forward. Head room was not an issue, either. Go figure.
As for the trunk, it is huge for that sized car, about as much space as our aforementioned 93 300E 2.8.
The fit and finish inside was very nicely done for a version which was not setup to be a sporty model. The second car had the special, introductory seats with the stripe down the middle. We all liked the way that car's interior styling was constructed. Too bad the intro special version in NA will be close to or over $40k.
We were not able to take one out for a ride as they were not able to set that up. However, the salesman mentioned that it handled very well and even with the diesel, had sufficient power with fabulous economy.
Now, I cannot wait until we can see one here in the US and get a test drive. I had wanted to order one to pickup in Germany this year, when we were in Holland. No such luck. Seems that Mercedes may not allow that car to be purchased for Euro Delivery. Go figure. I shall be calling MBUSA this coming week, to ask a few questions. I want the 2.2L Bluetec diesel (the one which is already being sold here in the US in the GLK). Over 50MPG sounds great to me, and the power will still be enough for matching petrol-based 0-60 times. I mean, how can MBUSA not import the diesels when BMW and VW and now GM (the 2014 Cruze with a diesel!!), and a few Asian manufacturers as well, cannot make enough of them to sell. I just read about the new BMW 3-series with a diesel, AWD and in either a wagon or sedan. Mercedes had better wake up or get left behind. I believe the diesel wave is upon us and the company which pioneered diesels should make it apparent to the largest auto market in the world, NA, that they will put diesel technology in any car.
So, if I can order a CLA for next year's trip to Europe, I will be ecstatic. I would love it to be a 2.2L Bluetec with the same Sport setup as we shall see in the CLA250.
Keep the shiny side up, folks...

 

[SimpsonTide985]

I guess the only concern that I did have about the CLA was its interior room.

Nice to hear that someone has something here has positive to say about it.

 

[claNOW]

I was recently in Holland on vacation and we dropped by a Mercedes dealer with my wife, who interpreted for me, and our daughter. We all had a chance to sit in and examine 2 cars, both 2.0 liter diesels, sans badging. The car is actually, very surprisingly, roomier than I had imagined. I am 6'6" tall and with the driver's seat all the way back, I had more legroom than I needed (ala our 1993 300E 2.8). When in a comfy setting, there was enough room for my wife (5'8" tall) and daughter (5'10" tall) to sit comfortably. For me, the front seat had to be much further forward. Head room was not an issue, either. Go figure.
As for the trunk, it is huge for that sized car, about as much space as our aforementioned 93 300E 2.8.
The fit and finish inside was very nicely done for a version which was not setup to be a sporty model. The second car had the special, introductory seats with the stripe down the middle. We all liked the way that car's interior styling was constructed. Too bad the intro special version in NA will be close to or over $40k.
We were not able to take one out for a ride as they were not able to set that up. However, the salesman mentioned that it handled very well and even with the diesel, had sufficient power with fabulous economy.
Now, I cannot wait until we can see one here in the US and get a test drive. I had wanted to order one to pickup in Germany this year, when we were in Holland. No such luck. Seems that Mercedes may not allow that car to be purchased for Euro Delivery. Go figure. I shall be calling MBUSA this coming week, to ask a few questions. I want the 2.2L Bluetec diesel (the one which is already being sold here in the US in the GLK). Over 50MPG sounds great to me, and the power will still be enough for matching petrol-based 0-60 times. I mean, how can MBUSA not import the diesels when BMW and VW and now GM (the 2014 Cruze with a diesel!!), and a few Asian manufacturers as well, cannot make enough of them to sell. I just read about the new BMW 3-series with a diesel, AWD and in either a wagon or sedan. Mercedes had better wake up or get left behind. I believe the diesel wave is upon us and the company which pioneered diesels should make it apparent to the largest auto market in the world, NA, that they will put diesel technology in any car.
So, if I can order a CLA for next year's trip to Europe, I will be ecstatic. I would love it to be a 2.2L Bluetec with the same Sport setup as we shall see in the CLA250.
Keep the shiny side up, folks...

Thanks for writing this up for us. If I'm reading your post correctly, are you saying that the CLA felt like it had as much interior room as your W124 300E?

 

[mrfredsporty]

porsche

Yeah--the only car that I recall recently that has a specially tuned gearbox with rapid shift points is the new Lexus IS. Conversely, it has the worst MPG numbers in its class I believe...

dontforget the porsche pdk which is rated very high by porsche and drivers, it too is a double clutch mechanism and from what i hear out sells the manual by quite a bit

 

[SimpsonTide985]

It's nice that I can say that the CLA's 7-speed DCT is really good especially in Sport/Manual made and unlike the Lexus IS, it should have no problem getting to 28 mpg combined

 

[matthew]

I like this review.

I like this review I found, seems like just an ordinary honest guy. Waiting for my CLA250 scheduled for delivery in Jan.

Review: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA - YouTube

 

[vracer]

I think he likes it!

 

[matthew]

Good detailed video of edition 1.

2014 Mercedes CLA 250 In-Depth Walkaround [Video]

 

[Tonyride]

Good detailed video of edition 1.

2014 Mercedes CLA 250 In-Depth Walkaround [Video]

Best review so far.

 

[matthew]

4matic

Thinking I should have waited for the 4matic, nice video here on 4matic cruising in the snow with good speed!

 

[Tonyride]

Don't let the fact that a car is 4x4 or AWD fool you or give you a false sense of conficence. A set of winter tires on a FWD car actually performs better in snow than a 4x4 or AWD car with all season tires. Check out these two tests to see for yourself.

 

[matthew]

I get your point but not apples to apples, FWD had snow tires while 4X4 had summer tires in the auto express video.

 

[Tonyride]

I get your point but not apples to apples, FWD had snow tires while 4X4 had summer tires in the auto express video.

I know. My point is that it is OK if you have FWD as long as you use winter tires during winter months. Since most people with FWD don't switch to winter tires, a FWD with winter tires will be just fine. So don't feel bad about not waiting for the 4Matic.