The US won’t be receiving the hatchback version of the forthcoming, front-drive Mercedes A-series, but we will be getting this “CLC” four-door coupe based on the same platform. But, if American owners can’t tell the difference between front- and rear-drive, will this CLC cannibalize the C-Class? According to AutoBild, it will be only 2cm shorter than the C-Class sedan, and its wheelbase is only 6cm shorter. In Europe, they say the CLC will be bought by 45-50 year-olds with two kids and enough money to spend €5k more than the average A-Class buyer. But in the US, where this will form the Mercedes entry level, and where shoppers tend to be more value-oriented, couldn’t you see a cheaper, front-drive/AWD CLS lookalike stealing sales from the rather subdued C-Class?
8 Comments on “Mercedes For The Masses, Or Fine Young Cannibal?...”
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Mercedes’s stupid nomenclature is officially making me nuts.
If Dr Z weren’t a retard this would be called the CLK. Oh wait.
The word retard is regarded as a derogatory and insulting term by advocates for the mentally challenged, further it is an insult to them to include Dr. Z in their number. They have never botched up a major auto company and gotten promoted as the reward.
I know.
No wonder Mercs are stereotyped as for old people. Those in charge are too old themselves.
Just like in politics. People should stop voting in old politicians.
It’s sad that they’re calling it the CLC, and getting rid of the current CLC class that Europe gets to enjoy:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CLC_Class
I find it amazing how modern that update looks, considering all the sheetmetal is still W203.
I’ve grown to love the compact/coupe-hatch format, and I wish there were more options in the US.
Hard to tell…how’s it working for BMW to have the 1 and 3 series here? I guess the price of the new CLC would have to be noticeably lower than the C-class (and content/features lower, as well) in order to save the C-class from being sniped.
The C class can’t be had with a manual transmission in the US any more, right? Any idea what the plans are with this car? Would it have smaller motors and maybe a diesel as well?
The C class sold here is so disturbingly limited in choice of engines and transmissions this new car could make it completely irrelevant (if the 3 series doesn’t already do that).
They need a 4 door coupe version of their body on frame SUV. They can call it the GLC.