[sleepyhead]

I tend to do this whenever I want to buy something big because I find it helps quite a bit in making sure I made the right decision or stopping me from making the wrong one. It also helps me sometimes find things that I did not think were pluses because I never thought it through (I'll put an example below). And before you all think I'm a troll, I think you can see from my previous posts (and the fact I put an order for a CLA45) that I'm not just baiting here.

So, what are things that deter you about the CLA? For me . . .

_______________________

While I like the styling, some of it makes me think it's trying too hard. For example I think the diamond grille pattern is kind of garish, like bling.

The sunroof makes the car too creaky and floppy for real spirited driving.

There's next to no standard equipment, and the packages are loaded with stuff I don't want admist the stuff I do.

It's FWD dominant.

_______________________

Now for the thing that I thought was bad.

I thought it was trying too hard to look like a baby CLS and when I first saw it I thought it looked like someone squashed a CLS. It didn't look right. But now seeing it more (in person specifically) it has its own charm. Sure it still looks like a CLS but I think it's different enough now that it's not just hanging on the coattails.

 

[Tonyride]

While I like the styling, some of it makes me think it's trying too hard. For example I think the diamond grille pattern is kind of garish, like bling.

Don't get the diamond grill option. Just leave it black.

The sunroof makes the car too creaky and floppy for real spirited driving.

Don't get the sun roof.

There's next to no standard equipment, and the packages are loaded with stuff I don't want admist the stuff I do.

Power front seats with memory.. for both driver and passenger. Attention Assist. Collision Prevention Assist. Ambient lighting. Bluetooth.

Just sayin'

 

[BenzFan]

I like the diamond grille, it looks clean and isn't too blingy for me, worth the upgrade.

 

[vracer]

How about this "solution"? Wait for the AWD, spec the car the way you want it, and maybe think about a mild power addition? fwiw, I disagree with you about the diamonds being bling.

 

[dbtk]

+ It gets the best fuel economy amongst the non-diesel Mercedes (at least in the U.S.).
+ It's one of the more youthful designs of MBUSA
+ It's small and relatively easy to park
- It's small and lacks interior room
- It's a little over designed, especially the diamond grille
- It lacks power (somewhat and again, relative)

 

[brianch]

I like the diamond grill. Have you see it in person?

I don't think it lacks power for the price (the CLA 250)

There is a 4Matic available. But it is FWD bias if that bothers you.

The exterior and interior are "youthful" designs. Interior quality is decent but not the best from Mercedes (obviously)

The no standard equipment complaint is across the board with BMW, Mercedes, Audi.

Might not be as extreme on expensive models but the CLA is an entry level model.