CLA [Official] Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé (C117)

[Merc1]

There will be some sales lost I'm sure, especially at first, but they're probably expecting that as the C goes into its last model year for 2014. The CLA wont arrive until Sept here in the U.S. so the C still has a good while to go. Now is the time for Mercedes to make the C-Class bigger and more luxurious, yet cut weight and make it sportier.

M

 

[Wolfgang]

Amy Heidemann, lead singer KARMIN, introduced Mercedes new baby.

http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/bus...-toy-themed-touches-4196533.php#photo-4029003

 

[Merc1]

It's a nicely proportioned thing, too. It's roughly the same size as a C-Class, and the four-door coupe language works quite well here in a smaller package. Mercedes designers have done a fantastic job with this sleek design on the larger CLS, and it's arguably even better-looking here on this little guy. You really need to see the CLA in person to realize just how good it looks.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/2014-mercedes-benz-cla-class-detroit-2013/

This gives me hope, it really does.


M

 

[MoSs]

This car looks wrong. Totally wrong

 

[Giannis]

 

[Deleted member 25]

Not bad but i can't help to think that not bad isn't enough anymore.

 

[aleks_16]

The Design details are ok But this Proportions are what is IMO killing this Merc.

 

[GBOY]

Not bad but i can't help to think that not bad isn't enough anymore.

The C-Class (W205) will be great.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I think this is going to be a little stunner in the flesh and certain photos, angles etc. don't do the car justice. The photos taken from a regular visibility standpoint, appear to be fine.

 

[MoSs]

its definitely not an ugly car but i feel somethings wrong with the proportions. it might look better in person.

 

[bmwownage]

Some angles of this reminds me of the E87, those ultra large headlights... i don't know, i don't think it's the problem with proportions, but it's just not well thought through from my perspective. The character is what's wrong... with such a little car, it looks as mature as the CLS, the grille is as big etc. it doesn't have features of a "small" car. Good thing or not? Yeah, for those CLS wannabe's, this is great, so maybe they don't care if it crosses the C because this is aimed for those CLS wannabe's who either cannot afford or do not want to pay for a CLS. That's probably what they thought, it's just too similar, even the shape is too similar. If this was just a A class sedan, it would just be badged A-XXX, not CLS-XXX, so of course they are charging a 30% premium! easy job right? by copying its bigger brother's design, it saves time to design a proper sedan, while raising the price tag, but in actual fact this is just a sedan with a lower roof line, probably everything structural is not superior to the hatch too...well probably nothing is superior to the hatch at all. This thing will sell, the entry Sports MB model although it's a rip off.

 

[Wolfgang]

Turns out the CLA may be a capricious little beast with a mind of its own?

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[LaArtist]

^Shiee.. CLA is a pimp, treating that b**** like she should be treated! J/k

 

[Wolfgang]

Maybe Herbie inspired the CLA?

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[Human]

This car is growing on me, by the hour! And I am visiting this thread much to often.

 

[rollo]

Me too Human. I actually hated this car at first glance but with these latest photos, I really think it is going to be quite nice. Strange. Maybe the lesson here is that we should give new designs some time to "sink-in"?

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

This car is growing on me, by the hour! And I am visiting this thread much to often.

Same. I keep on coming back to look for new photos, but alas the press on the CLA seems to be very limited so far.

Interesting fact, the CLA appears to have been designed by British Designer Mark Fetherston, the same guy who did the A-class. What a privilege it must be to have your designs selected for two volume models.

 

[PHYBENZ]

Supposedly, great designs are ones that you don't like right away, but grow on you and you learn to appreciate.

 

[Human]

Supposedly, great designs are ones that you don't like right away, but grow on you and you learn to appreciate.

Now that is IMO not just supposedly nor just an asumption, it's absolutely true. From most volume manufacturers e.g. KIA (copy cat designs) and more to the point French brands especially Citroen you get designs that are so evolutionary and WOW! when launched. Think DS5, only in two months time...yawn....the hipe is gone.

Where designs are more of something that grows on you and into timeless - good and in other or certain cases brilliant designs. That is what especially makes German carmakers so sought-after, succesful and special

The only instance where this plays the other way around is with Super and Hypercar designs e.g. Pagani, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche etc. Those hit hard and forever from day of launch into eternity. And evokes the most emotion.

Well that is how I have always 'classed' designs in my tiny brain and big soul

 

[K-A]

I think that's both true and untrue. On one hand, your initial reaction is usually your most honest. There are a lot of mental and social politics that can go into you convincing yourself to go from hate to love on a design (for example, if you're a fan of said brand, chances are you will consciously or subconsciously force yourself to love the design, whereas that same design from a different brand might have had you writing it off right away). IMO a truly amazing design is one that can grab you and you can fall for right away.... though that's just one side of it.... there's also the "thin line between love and hate" side which means the more passionately you detest something, the easier it may be for you to fall head over heals for it and go crazy.

Me, personally, I find that I rarely ever go from hate to love on a design, and if I do, I usually end up on the same side I was on initially, after the "mental politics" wears off. Of course with some exceptions. Designs that go down in history as the winners to me are almost always ones that I love at least almost right away, before even having to see it in person. IMO if it doesn't also look good on photo's, it isn't a truly great design.