Mercedes CLA 45 AMG

TokyoCarGuy · 03-05-2014, 09:52 PM

I haven't gotten to CLA yet, but I drove the A45 AMG, which is basically the same thing, but a bit shorter and a bit louder.

Here is my review:
http://t-c-p.blogspot.jp/2013/12/sup...-mercedes.html

Cars like this make sense, but I proffered the M135i because of that engine. The Turbo i4 with 360 HP is a work of art, but it doesn't compare to the N55.

Benz is definitely more striking, but I just don't think I would want to own one for several years. I'd get bored of it.

In regards to pricing, I am not sure how they things are in America, but 335i or Active Hybrid 3 is definitely better value for money(or wait for 4 series GC or new C class)

BenchRacerYo · 03-05-2014, 10:10 PM

The CLA45 AMG is a garbage car and you shouldn't even consider that pretty much FWD piece of crap.

Pretty much everyone hates 'em.

peeej · 03-06-2014, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenchRacerYo

The CLA45 AMG is a garbage car and you shouldn't even consider that pretty much FWD piece of crap.

Pretty much everyone hates 'em.

wow alot of negative opinions here. can't expect anything less on a bimmer forum though.

BenchRacerYo · 03-06-2014, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beems

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenchRacerYo

The CLA45 AMG is a garbage car and you shouldn't even consider that pretty much FWD piece of crap.

Pretty much everyone hates 'em.

wow alot of negative opinions here. can't expect anything less on a bimmer forum though.

I love Mercedes and I love AMG. I was close to pulling the trigger on a C63. The CLA45 is an insult to AMG IMO and I hope they were forced to build that car.

335BOY · 03-06-2014, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenchRacerYo

I love Mercedes and I love AMG. I was close to pulling the trigger on a C63. The CLA45 is an insult to AMG IMO and I hope they were forced to build that car.

I bet they will sell a ton of them. Relatively cheap go-fast with a Merc emblem on it.

PSEE · 03-06-2014, 12:30 PM

The car looks like it'd be a blast to drive.

The mag. reviewers all say so. The bloggers say so.

I'm reminded of all the Japanese bike bashing one hears from most of the
Harley owners. I chuckle every time I think of one guy's t-shirt which read:

If you ain't riding a Harley,
you ain't riding shit!

..think about it...

BenchRacerYo · 03-06-2014, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335BOY

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenchRacerYo

I love Mercedes and I love AMG. I was close to pulling the trigger on a C63. The CLA45 is an insult to AMG IMO and I hope they were forced to build that car.

I bet they will sell a ton of them. Relatively cheap go-fast with a Merc emblem on it.

Most likely they will. Much like the. X1. You get the badge for cheap. But I've heard multiple reports of a lot of issues with the CLA. It's just not for me.

335BOY · 03-06-2014, 01:12 PM

Who would FORCE Merc to build that car? I don't follow.

peeej · 03-06-2014, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335BOY

Who would FORCE Merc to build that car? I don't follow.

illuminati bro. illuminati.

hahaha.

E90_boostjunky · 03-07-2014, 01:18 AM

Go sit in the back of one im not tall 5"9 couldn't even sit up straight I had to look down the whole time

335BOY · 03-07-2014, 09:59 AM

REALLY mixed reviews from the media on this thing. For $52,000 its probably a neat car but for $72,000 ++.......thats Cayman territory.

galahad05 · 03-07-2014, 11:49 AM

Seriously, $72k for this? I'd just get an M3 then.

Year's_End · 03-07-2014, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenchRacerYo

The CLA45 AMG is a garbage car and you shouldn't even consider that pretty much FWD piece of crap.

Pretty much everyone hates 'em.

You're free to express your opinion as terrible as it is.

hellrotm · 03-07-2014, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by galahad05

Seriously, $72k for this? I'd just get an M3 then.

No, the CLA45 is $47k.

That is like saying the new M4 is a $90k car, because you can option it that high. Or the Cayman S is a $100k+ because it can go even higher.

galahad05 · 03-07-2014, 03:44 PM

Ah, that's better. The poster listed $72k. Not a very good price. I guess something equivalent to a 1M in terms of position in the carmaker's offerings.

BenchRacerYo · 03-07-2014, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Year's_End

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenchRacerYo

The CLA45 AMG is a garbage car and you shouldn't even consider that pretty much FWD piece of crap.

Pretty much everyone hates 'em.

You're free to express your opinion as terrible as it is.

Oh trust me, I will. Numbers and owners don't lie.

BenchRacerYo · 03-07-2014, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335BOY

Who would FORCE Merc to build that car? I don't follow.

Merc can force AMG to make a car.

Robert · 03-09-2014, 06:27 PM

Got a call from Fletcher Jones @ Newport beach today saying they have one in stock. Went in a snapped a few pictures. Personally I'm still going for the Cayman over CLA. Design wise Cayman's lines are elegant and athletic, CLA is aggressive but due to shorter wheel base to full size four door sedans the high roofline and bulky hood distract from the otherwise good looking rear.

http://flic.kr/p/kSMzNz

ItsHectic · 03-10-2014, 03:23 AM

The A250 and A45s cant sell fast enough here in Australia, there is a 12 month wait on the AMG. People saying to buy a Macan or whatever, you cant go by the Porsche list price cause their options are so expensive.
the AMG also forced the price of the M135i down.
So Mercedes is doing something right, but not sure about AMG!

zx10guy · 03-10-2014, 06:26 AM

I don't know what some of you people make a year or how much disposable income you all might have but I would never call a car priced in the AMG CLA45 price range cheap. Heck I wouldn't call the price for a 135i cheap either.

With regards to the CLA45, I was considering it versus the 135i I ended up buying. The reasons I was considering the 45 was due to the wife beating me up for the 135i being a 2 door car (she wanted me to get a more practical car), the power output of the turbo 4, and as far as I was concerned one of the few options for a car of this type in the price range we're talking about here. The salesman I talked to at the Merc dealer said he sells a lot of CLA250s; they don't stay on the lot long. He also said the CLA45s are also selling equally well and if I wanted to order one the way I want it optioned out it would probably be about 4 to 5 month wait.

What ultimately made me end up with the 135i was I found a black one at a local dealership and the Merc salesman I was working with sort of just blew me off. Maybe it was the way I was dressed when I went into the show room; had sweat pants, sweat shirt, and a ball cap. I guess I didn't fit into their typical profile for a Merc buyer. Almost the same thing happened when the wife and I went into the Acura dealer to test drive a new 2013 RDX. The salesman during the test drive couldn't have acted more dis-interested. That changed later when he realized we were serious as I said we would be putting $20k down on the car.

The Automotive Enthusiast · 03-10-2014, 09:27 AM

The CLA is Mercedes-Benz's way of opening the door for a younger audience. I think they've done a nice job. The CLA 45 AMG is priced for someone who just got out of college, and just landed their first job.

zx10guy · 03-10-2014, 10:52 AM

I agree the CLA is targeted for a younger audience. But a AMG CLA45 priced for someone just out of college with their first job? Really? I know I have to adjust my perception of what things cost today versus salaries and inflation. But really? I spec'd out an AMG with what I thought was options as basic as I can get with a focus on performance add ons and even then the price was $57k. Even if we're talking about a price just over the base of $47k, I don't know of many recent college grads that can afford such a car. Let alone have to pay for rent or any student loan debt. There are quite a few established professionals who would be hard pressed to buy a $57k car.

03-05-2014, 09:52 PM	#67
TokyoCarGuy Captain 466 Rep 668 Posts Drives: 2011 AW E90 M3 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Tokyo, Japan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 Sedan [1.00]	I haven't gotten to CLA yet, but I drove the A45 AMG, which is basically the same thing, but a bit shorter and a bit louder. Here is my review: http://t-c-p.blogspot.jp/2013/12/sup...-mercedes.html Cars like this make sense, but I proffered the M135i because of that engine. The Turbo i4 with 360 HP is a work of art, but it doesn't compare to the N55. Benz is definitely more striking, but I just don't think I would want to own one for several years. I'd get bored of it. In regards to pricing, I am not sure how they things are in America, but 335i or Active Hybrid 3 is definitely better value for money(or wait for 4 series GC or new C class) __________________ Please visit my automotive website based in Japan:
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03-05-2014, 10:10 PM	#68
BenchRacerYo Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 202 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 DCT Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: The Desert iTrader: (0)	The CLA45 AMG is a garbage car and you shouldn't even consider that pretty much FWD piece of crap. Pretty much everyone hates 'em. __________________
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03-06-2014, 12:30 PM	#72
PSEE First Lieutenant 12 Rep 332 Posts Drives: 2009 335d Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: BMW, MA iTrader: (0)	why all the hate? The car looks like it'd be a blast to drive. The mag. reviewers all say so. The bloggers say so. I'm reminded of all the Japanese bike bashing one hears from most of the Harley owners. I chuckle every time I think of one guy's t-shirt which read: If you ain't riding a Harley, you ain't riding shit! ..think about it...
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03-06-2014, 01:12 PM	#74
335BOY Colonel 199 Rep 2,802 Posts Drives: 2017 SQ5 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Who would FORCE Merc to build that car? I don't follow.
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03-07-2014, 01:18 AM	#76
E90_boostjunky Lieutenant Colonel 101 Rep 1,644 Posts Drives: BMW 335I E90 SGM Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: USA, IL iTrader: (1)	Go sit in the back of one im not tall 5"9 couldn't even sit up straight I had to look down the whole time
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03-07-2014, 09:59 AM	#77
335BOY Colonel 199 Rep 2,802 Posts Drives: 2017 SQ5 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	REALLY mixed reviews from the media on this thing. For $52,000 its probably a neat car but for $72,000 ++.......thats Cayman territory.
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03-07-2014, 11:49 AM	#78
galahad05 Brigadier General 158 Rep 3,158 Posts Drives: '07 335i e90 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (0)	Seriously, $72k for this? I'd just get an M3 then. __________________ Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. --Mark Twain
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03-07-2014, 03:44 PM	#81
galahad05 Brigadier General 158 Rep 3,158 Posts Drives: '07 335i e90 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (0)	Ah, that's better. The poster listed $72k. Not a very good price. I guess something equivalent to a 1M in terms of position in the carmaker's offerings. __________________ Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. --Mark Twain
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03-09-2014, 06:27 PM	#84
Robert Major General 449 Rep 6,967 Posts Drives: 135i -> is350 -> Tesla M3 perf Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Socal iTrader: (1)	Got a call from Fletcher Jones @ Newport beach today saying they have one in stock. Went in a snapped a few pictures. Personally I'm still going for the Cayman over CLA. Design wise Cayman's lines are elegant and athletic, CLA is aggressive but due to shorter wheel base to full size four door sedans the high roofline and bulky hood distract from the otherwise good looking rear. http://flic.kr/p/kSMzNz __________________ - There's nothing in my pocket other than knives and lint
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03-10-2014, 03:23 AM	#85
ItsHectic But your honour it's my Affluenza I swear! 64 Rep 533 Posts Drives: at a reasonable speed Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: NSW iTrader: (0)	The A250 and A45s cant sell fast enough here in Australia, there is a 12 month wait on the AMG. People saying to buy a Macan or whatever, you cant go by the Porsche list price cause their options are so expensive. the AMG also forced the price of the M135i down. So Mercedes is doing something right, but not sure about AMG! __________________ 135i M Sport DCT. BSM/Oyster/GP trim. FBO Cobb, Bilstein EDC coilovers, M3 bushings, PSS. Knowledge of the Tapa Tapa Tapa street race start.
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03-10-2014, 06:26 AM	#86
zx10guy Brigadier General 5674 Rep 3,387 Posts Drives: 2013 135i Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	I don't know what some of you people make a year or how much disposable income you all might have but I would never call a car priced in the AMG CLA45 price range cheap. Heck I wouldn't call the price for a 135i cheap either. With regards to the CLA45, I was considering it versus the 135i I ended up buying. The reasons I was considering the 45 was due to the wife beating me up for the 135i being a 2 door car (she wanted me to get a more practical car), the power output of the turbo 4, and as far as I was concerned one of the few options for a car of this type in the price range we're talking about here. The salesman I talked to at the Merc dealer said he sells a lot of CLA250s; they don't stay on the lot long. He also said the CLA45s are also selling equally well and if I wanted to order one the way I want it optioned out it would probably be about 4 to 5 month wait. What ultimately made me end up with the 135i was I found a black one at a local dealership and the Merc salesman I was working with sort of just blew me off. Maybe it was the way I was dressed when I went into the show room; had sweat pants, sweat shirt, and a ball cap. I guess I didn't fit into their typical profile for a Merc buyer. Almost the same thing happened when the wife and I went into the Acura dealer to test drive a new 2013 RDX. The salesman during the test drive couldn't have acted more dis-interested. That changed later when he realized we were serious as I said we would be putting $20k down on the car.
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03-10-2014, 10:52 AM	#88
zx10guy Brigadier General 5674 Rep 3,387 Posts Drives: 2013 135i Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	I agree the CLA is targeted for a younger audience. But a AMG CLA45 priced for someone just out of college with their first job? Really? I know I have to adjust my perception of what things cost today versus salaries and inflation. But really? I spec'd out an AMG with what I thought was options as basic as I can get with a focus on performance add ons and even then the price was $57k. Even if we're talking about a price just over the base of $47k, I don't know of many recent college grads that can afford such a car. Let alone have to pay for rent or any student loan debt. There are quite a few established professionals who would be hard pressed to buy a $57k car. Last edited by zx10guy; 03-10-2014 at 10:58 AM..
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