MB CLA revealed.....

[cawimmer430]

Autoblog just reviewed the CLA 250 (FWD) and 90% of the comments there are dissing the FWD layout. 

If you don't like it, don't buy it!

[Vinsanity]

For one, the proportions are all jacked up now because of the FWD layout...

[cawimmer430]

Different angle = nicer view. 

[2o6]

For one, the proportions are all jacked up now because of the FWD layout...

FWD does not destroy proportions. Shitty designs destroy proportions.

[cawimmer430]

Somebody please explain to me what "FWD proportions" are...

[Vinsanity]

Somebody please explain to me what "FWD proportions" are...

The front wheel being pushed back to the leading edge of the door, creating unsightly front overhang...


compared to...

[cawimmer430]

I was thinking that. But to me that's not a bad thing. I consider it "part of the design".

[Vinsanity]

Well I personally consider that "part of the design" to be unattractive, especially on the CLA.

[cawimmer430]

Well I personally consider that "part of the design" to be unattractive, especially on the CLA.

Extend the hood any further and it wouldn't fit into the average parking space in Europe.

[Vinsanity]

Extend the hood any further and it wouldn't fit into the average parking space in Europe.

Well it would help if it wasn't longer than a C-class (in spite of having a shorter wheelbase)...

[cawimmer430]

Well it would help if it wasn't longer than a C-class (in spite of having a shorter wheelbase)...

The C-Class can remain the "RWD sport sedan" in the MB lineup.

[GoCougs]

For one, the proportions are all jacked up now because of the FWD layout...

lol

[cawimmer430]

Needs RWD, dawg!

[Galaxy]

Extend the hood any further and it wouldn't fit into the average parking space in Europe.

You don't need to extend the hood, just move the front axle forward. Which RWD makes easier.

[cawimmer430]

You don't need to extend the hood, just move the front axle forward. Which RWD makes easier.

I honestly don't have a problem with these "FWD proportions".

[Galaxy]

I honestly don't have a problem with these "FWD proportions".

I would not say that I have a porblem with FWD either. It is just that I prefer the look that RWD can offer. I mean if one compares the 3er with the CLA in this thread I know I prefer the 3er.

[Colin]

Something's gone wrong here (apart from the styling)............ front wheel drive is generally acknowledged to bring packaging gains, but the front wheel drive CLA is longer than the rear wheel drive C Class, and yet it apparently has less space inside. 

[2o6]

Something's gone wrong here (apart from the styling)............ front wheel drive is generally acknowledged to bring packaging gains, but the front wheel drive CLA is longer than the rear wheel drive C Class, and y

That is the main problem.

[Raza]

Something's gone wrong here (apart from the styling)............ front wheel drive is generally acknowledged to bring packaging gains, but the front wheel drive CLA is longer than the rear wheel drive C Class, and yet it apparently has less space inside.

Isn't the case the same with the CLS and the E class?

The CL_ "four door coupe" models aren't shooting for roominess.

[Colin]

Yes, but the difference is that they are rwd models based on rwd models. This one is not....... the purists will denigrate it for its front wheel drive handling characteristics, and unless you happen to like the over-stylised appearance, it would appear to have little offer over a regular C Class. It's not as if it's a conspicuous bargain, either. 

[Raza]

Yes, but the difference is that they are rwd models based on rwd models. This one is not....... the purists will denigrate it for its front wheel drive handling characteristics, and unless you happen to like the over-stylised appearance, it would appear to have little offer over a regular C Class. It's not as if it's a conspicuous bargain, either.

It's over $5,000 cheaper than a base C-class; around 15%.

[cawimmer430]

Something's gone wrong here (apart from the styling)............ front wheel drive is generally acknowledged to bring packaging gains, but the front wheel drive CLA is longer than the rear wheel drive C Class, and yet it apparently has less space inside. 

But the question is how that space is utilized.

Remember the 3rd generation Lexus? On paper it had the most roomy interior, but in real life it was a cramped sardine can for both the front and rear passengers. I remember very well how in comparison our W211 E-Class (and our current W212 E-Class) were big block apartments compared to it.

The C-Class is roomy upfront for the driver and front-passenger, but the rear passenger compartment is very cramped. The driveshaft tunnel doesn't make things any better for those rear passengers.

[Colin]

I will be doing an inspection at Geneva on Friday..... but the Autocar report says that there is less space in the back for people in the CLA than in the shorter C Class.

[Madman]

It's over $5,000 cheaper than a base C-class; around 15%.

The CLA's main selling point is that you can have a Mercedes for the price of a top-drawer Toyhondassan Camcordtima.

Who cares if it's any good or not?  When you're buying a badge, nothing else matters.

[cawimmer430]

I will be doing an inspection at Geneva on Friday..... but the Autocar report says that there is less space in the back for people in the CLA than in the shorter C Class.

I will look forward to it - plus the Retro Classics report!

[Colin]

Back from Geneva.

The CLA has to be one of the most disappointing new cars of the show............ the reports about getting into the back are no joke. It is harder than getting into a ZDX. a combination of the shape and curvature of the door and the low roof means getting in is very hard and getting out is worse. Once in, there is nothing like enough headroom. I could not sit in it without my head at such an angle forward that my chin was almost on my chest. Whether there is eno0ugh leg room will depend on your leg length (mine are short) and the generosity of the front seat passenger. The boot is a reasonable size but the aperture is pretty small so you would struggle to get anything in it. This car has shiitty packaging that even MINI have not been able to achieve................... and yet, the A Class hatch has none of these problems. 

[r0tor]

so in summary... just aweful in just about every way

[2o6]

Back from Geneva.

The CLA has to be one of the most disappointing new cars of the show............ the reports about getting into the back are no joke. It is harder than getting into a ZDX. a combination of the shape and curvature of the door and the low roof means getting in is very hard and getting out is worse. Once in, there is nothing like enough headroom. I could not sit in it without my head at such an angle forward that my chin was almost on my chest. Whether there is eno0ugh leg room will depend on your leg length (mine are short) and the generosity of the front seat passenger. The boot is a reasonable size but the aperture is pretty small so you would struggle to get anything in it. This car has shiitty packaging that even MINI have not been able to achieve................... and yet, the A Class hatch has none of these problems.

I feel like the CLA is trying to meld sexy styling on a base that does not lend itself well to that at all. The Concept "Style" was a sexy car that honestly wasn't super far fetched for production.




But then they throw it onto a compact FWD platform that looks like ass in hatchback form, and it's just a fucking mess.

[LonghornTX]

For one, the proportions are all jacked up now because of the FWD layout...

What a terrible looking view of the CLA. This car doesn't seem like it will do that well here, I haven't seen a single positive review of it

[Raza]

What a terrible looking view of the CLA. This car doesn't seem like it will do that well here, I haven't seen a single positive review of it

The C class hatch did okay.  I bet this will do a lot better.