[r3dbimmer89]

Looks really good...like a cross between an E46/2 and a E89 in the front. Flows much better than the current 1.

[DarkTrigger]

Interesting how they decided not to go all the way to the kidney grills with the lights like the f30. Hope it's a gradual trend and not a mistake.

[24601]

Not an acurate comparo..

Never liked MB (aside from SL) untill I saw this baby Benz. It looks amazing. Hope BMW can design something that clean on a 3er platform.

[MaX PL]

dont see how anyone could pick the bimmer over the cla.

if you made this cla 45 amg vs the m235, it'd be even more lopsided.

[miko_10]

Originally Posted by MaX PL

dont see how anyone could pick the cla over the bimmer.

Fixed..

[MaX PL]

maybe if your'e hellen keller.

[CERF04ZHP]

Preference. I like the cleaner, classic design of the 2. Some will appreciate the more concept-to-reality looking CLA. It's clear that Mb's goal is to appeal to a certain crowd, of which prefer form to function. At the end of the day, RWD>FWD for those that still care.

[M3 Montreal]

Originally Posted by CERF04ZHP

Preference. I like the cleaner, classic design of the 2. Some will appreciate the more concept-to-reality looking CLA. It's clear that Mb's goal is to appeal to a certain crowd, of which prefer form to function. At the end of the day, RWD>FWD for those that still care.

The thing is the Amg that SHOULD. Be compared to the M235 is AWD.

Look at my post on page 1 to see the AMG video and S3 video

[BAMxi]

Originally Posted by yousefnjr

apple vs orange

+1

Though it is blowing my mind that so many people are saying they prefer the CLA to the BMW. I'd rather drive the new Kia Optima than the CLA...I just don't like the looks of it at all!

[drFUNK]

Originally Posted by M3 Montreal

As someone else mentioned...

The M235 should be compared to the CLA Amg and I'm sure that will have more aggressive styling.

Looking at the comparisons I would have to say the Merc looks a bit better.

Another NEW competitor I would like to see side by side is the new up and coming Audi S3 which is no longer a mini wagon.

From the pics I've seen of the S3 I'd pick that over these 2.

S-Tronic is Audis DCT and if it has an optional rear sport differential it will drive amazingly well through the corners.

And here's the CLA AMG

http://www.thecrosbypress.com/2013/0...nz-cla-45-amg/

Video:

Shouldn't the M2 be compared to the CLA AMG 45 and Audi RS3 as they're all top performance vehicles?

The high-but-not-top performance level is M235i, Audi S3, and CLA250 (I guess - I don't know of any other CLA variants ).

[Kayani_1]

Are we comparing drivetrains or looks. Off course RWD is greater then FWD hand down in my book. However, as far as style goes I think BMW went a bit conservative and MB went a bit too bold. Except for rear taillights and droopy butt I like the rest of CLA design theme. I think it is a bit aggressive and more sporty looking then M235i. I think BMW is lately designing very conservative cars. They need to be a bit more aggressive and sporty.

I am looking forward to M2 and CLA AMG that is rumored to be AWD.

[rmani]

Originally Posted by touringfanatic

CLA is going down, you can't argue with rear wheel drive...

Did i miss something. The 2 series is not rwd!?!?!

[atlas310]

Originally Posted by rmani

Did i miss something. The 2 series is not rwd!?!?!

No. He's saying the CLA doesn't stand a chance against the 2 series BECAUSE the 2 series is rwd.

[bplewis24]

Front of that Benz is butt-ugly, but a lot of the other lines flow elegantly in a positive way.

[atlas310]

Originally Posted by WULFFZA

I think the new CLS is stunning, but squash that design into a smaller fwd platform and it looks like a squished cartoon noddy car. I don't think it's (the CLA) svelte at all. As others have said, the front end is overtly heavy in design, a big gaping maw on a small car. The wheels look like they have been stuck onto rather than into the wheel arches, presumably to allow enough room for two (short) adults in the back. The tail is too short to appreciate the swooping curves.

I agree with this. The CLS design works, but for a smaller car like the CLA, the proportions look off.

[CSL-Fanatik]

Originally Posted by 64-bit

I'm a BMW hardcore fan but... Mercedes did a better job on designing the exterior, it looks better than the 2 series

But, there is always a but...

Mercedes will never match the RWD experience that you get from bmw + BMW dash + sport seats

Couldn't agree more!

[Wolf]

Stupid question: what's the difference between the A45 and the CLA?

[Tattedtwice]

The cla (cheap little atrocity?) is another in a long line of hideous benzes. The only thing they have right now even remotely attractive is the c-class coupe; problem is, it looks as boring as the accord coupe it resembles. This thing, along with the refreshed e and upcoming s, is just laughably bad looking....AND its fwd, AND only 200 hp? Please, Id sooner buy the FAR better looking, better equipped, faster and again MUCH better looking Kia Optima SX over the cla.

[Teutonic]

There is no comparaison anywhere.

The CLA looks like an old lady that turned too much the facial screws to eliminate the wrinkels.
What a horible car! Terible design, a wanna be vehicle with elements that don't keep theproportionsand that don't belong in this class, to this car.

I will take the Accord Coupe anytime over CLA.

[emathis]

This MB looks so terribly uggly......horific
Can't understand why people like this look, both inside and especially outside.
Good for BMW, this 2 series will sale well, great look and sizes

[vladberca]

CLA 250 it will be the rival of 228i as A250 is the rival of 125i.
S3 offers close performances to M135 / 235i.
CLA 45 will be on par with RS3 and M2.
In this moment Audi doesn't offer an engine for A3 with ~210 / ~220hp, but they could use a version of the one found in the new Golf VII GTI.
Also MB doesn't offer an engine between A250 and A45.
So let's have a clear look at least at the engine choices, because for the US market Audi will offer a sedan (A3), MB offers a gran coupe and BMW will start with a coupe

[Robin_NL]

I saw this CLA @ the Mercedes dealership Champs Elyséés Paris a few weeks ago. IRL it's even uglier, with its huge front overhang....yech...





M235i anytime.

Cheers
Robin