[nyc-style]

Well I really do like the CLA but I still haven't pulled the trigger yet...but to make this decision harder...the new 2015 C-Class is just around the corner. If they weren't re-doing the C-Class then I would go with the CLA easily...but I must admit that C-Class is sweet...so here I sit....sleepless in Las Vegas...

 

[StayCLAssy]

Not an issue for where you live, tons of late night activities...

From what I've seen, the c class looks (almost) identical to the CLA. I think it's going to come down to what you're willing to pay and if the different features/performance will be worth it. I'm surprised the c class got the ugly magellan style display as well.

Personally, I'd rather get a stuffed CLA than a base c class.

 

[bartola]

Well I really do like the CLA but I still haven't pulled the trigger yet...but to make this decision harder...the new 2015 C-Class is just around the corner. If they weren't re-doing the C-Class then I would go with the CLA easily...but I must admit that C-Class is sweet...so here I sit....sleepless in Las Vegas...

Here is my plan:
1 Get the CLA-250 for "my wife" - done (I drive it two days a week)
2 Convince her that we should have a his and hers and that mine should be a CLA-45 - done, but I want to wait one model year, will order in January 2015

I rather pony up to an E if I want comfort. C's IMO are too mainstream (I bought a new C in 2004, they tend to get old quicker than any other series, so far the CLA still enjoys some uniqueness due to it's small size)

 

[nyc-style]

Here is my plan:
1 Get the CLA-250 for "my wife" - done (I drive it two days a week)
2 Convince her that we should have a his and hers and that mine should be a CLA-45 - done, but I want to wait one model year, will order in January 2015

I rather pony up to an E if I want comfort. C's IMO are too mainstream (I bought a new C in 2004, they tend to get old quicker than any other series, so far the CLA still enjoys some uniqueness due to it's small size)

I like your plan...and kudos to the wifey for agreeing to the CLA-45. I do like the CLA but I'm afraid that once the '15 C comes out I'll have buyers remorse. I'm replacing my 04 Solara...so the MB would be my daily driver. I also have a "garage queen" 07 Corvette which I've only put 25k on it in 7 years. So while I'm anxious to buy a new MB...my better judgment says to wait to the new C is released and then decide...oh well back on the fence I go.

 

[Tonyride]

The C-Class and the CLA-Class are two very different cars so it all depends on what's important to you. Some major differences: FWD/RWD. Yes, both will have 4MATIC options but the CLA will be FWD until there's slipping. C will be RWD until slipping. The CLA will have much better fuel economy. Since this will be your daily driver, depending on your commute this may be a huge factor. Size. The C will have a much more comfortable back seat. If it's just going to be you and your wife in the car most of the time then having a small back seat isn't a factor. But if you plan to shuttle people around (adults) often then the C will be better. Price. The '15 C will cost a lot more than a CLA when equally equipped. If you're looking for uniqueness then it's the CLA hands down. The C-Class is like the Camry of Mercedes. There's tons of them around and yours will just get lost in the mix.

 

[nyc-style]

The C-Class and the CLA-Class are two very different cars so it all depends on what's important to you. Some major differences: FWD/RWD. Yes, both will have 4MATIC options but the CLA will be FWD until there's slipping. C will be RWD until slipping. The CLA will have much better fuel economy. Since this will be your daily driver, depending on your commute this may be a huge factor. Size. The C will have a much more comfortable back seat. If it's just going to be you and your wife in the car most of the time then having a small back seat isn't a factor. But if you plan to shuttle people around (adults) often then the C will be better. Price. The '15 C will cost a lot more than a CLA when equally equipped. If you're looking for uniqueness then it's the CLA hands down. The C-Class is like the Camry of Mercedes. There's tons of them around and yours will just get lost in the mix.

Thanks Tony...you bring up some good points. I do get quite a few friends visiting Vegas and thought the bigger back seat would be more comfortable. No wifey so I'm only thinking of how I'll be using the car. My commute is about 15 miles each way. I think the CLA will eventually overtake the C class in terms of being mainstream as it's replacing the C as the entry level MB...but for now they are unique. I've probably only seen 7 in Las Vegas so far...I'm sure there's more as the dealers can't keep them on the lot. I really do like the CLA but my gut says hold out for the new C...if I'm not mistaken this will be the first body style change in 7 years...so in that respect it really won't get lost but will actually stand apart from other C's. The interior is very similar to the CLA but is just a bit more upscale. That's what's great about this forum I can gain some perspective and different views...this is my first MB so I'm glad to be able to gain some insight from you guys...thanks!

 

[sleepyhead]

Personally I like the current more aggressive look of the C-class now than the upcoming C-class. If I was in the market for a regular Merc, I'd wait for the new C and then buy the old C on the cheap. I don't buy cars for resale value, so that factors little in my mind. I suspect though, that when the new C comes out, to get a well loaded one you're probably going to be into the current E prices. By that light, if you need space in the back, it may be better to wait for 2015 and buy a 2014 E on the cheap.

 

[Tonyride]

Personally I like the current more aggressive look of the C-class now than the upcoming C-class. If I was in the market for a regular Merc, I'd wait for the new C and then buy the old C on the cheap. I don't buy cars for resale value, so that factors little in my mind. I suspect though, that when the new C comes out, to get a well loaded one you're probably going to be into the current E prices. By that light, if you need space in the back, it may be better to wait for 2015 and buy a 2014 E on the cheap.

Those are excellent points. This is just me but I don't see how anyone can compare the CLA-Class to the 2015 C-Class. That makes as much sense and comparing a C-Class to an E-Class but I haven't seen anyone doing that and that comparison actually makes more sense to me. I'm not knocking anyone here for making those comparisons because, again, it is just my own simple minded opinion. Maybe I'm just short sighted or I'm missing a link between the two but I just don't see them as similiar cars. Looks, price, size, chasis, driving dynamics, and engine choices are all very different.

 

[sleepyhead]

Those are excellent points. This is just me but I don't see how anyone can compare the CLA-Class to the 2015 C-Class. That makes as much sense and comparing a C-Class to an E-Class but I haven't seen anyone doing that and that comparison actually makes more sense to me. I'm not knocking anyone here for making those comparisons because, again, it is just my own simple minded opinion. Maybe I'm just short sighted or I'm missing a link between the two but I just don't see them as similiar cars. Looks, price, size, chasis, driving dynamics, and engine choices are all very different.

It may be because the CLA is (lengthwise) actually a bit longer than the current C and the new C's styling is somewhat similar, so they seem like they would be similar cars. I agree though that they really shouldn't be considered similar. The C is a compact luxury sports sedan whereas the CLA is a hatchback and MPV (read, minivan) FWD platform. It's based off of the W176 (A-class) and W246 (B-class). It just so happens to be styled like a CLS, which is why I think a lot of people think it is in a better class than it actually is. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing sales-wise.

 

[ClarkL]

The 2015 C class is going to be larger than the current C class from my understanding and a bit more upscale due to the introduction of the CLA as the entry level Merc.

How tall are your friends, and would you be doing very long drives with them in the car?

I've taken the guys in my office out for lunch, 6 foot tall fellow in the passenger seat with a 6'3" tall fellow behind him. Only really issue was the head room there.

Did have issues with a taller man behind the driver seat, leg room became an issue.

But then I'll never be back there myself, so stuff it. They can suffer, as long as I look good in my CLA.