2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA Debuts at Detroit Show What Will it Compete With

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA Debuts at Detroit Show What Will it Compete With The wait for the long-rumored “baby CLS,” officially called the Mercedes-Benz CLA, is over. But now that it’s here, we wonder which vehicles against which it will compete in the marketplace. As an entry-level luxury sedan, the CLA could pillage sales from the venerable C-Class. However, with the CLA’s front-drive underpinnings and emphasis on style, its intended buyer might cross-shop it with a different class of car entirely. So we want to know what you think the new CLA will be compared to when it arrives in showrooms this September.

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA Debuts at Detroit Show What Will it Compete With

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA Debuts at Detroit Show What Will it Compete With

 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA Debuts at Detroit Show What Will it Compete With

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA Debuts at Detroit Show What Will it Compete With

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2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA Debuts at Detroit Show What Will it Compete With

At 182.3 inches in length, the CLA is slightly longer than the current C-Class but a near-match in dimensions for the BMW 3 Series. Pricing for the new four-door hasn’t been announced, but we estimate it will begin in the ballpark of $30,000. If that’s the case, BMW’s upcoming 320i entry-level sedan, which starts at $33,445, could be the CLA’s primary competition. On paper, the two cars seem to be a decent match for each other – save for the obvious differences in drive layout. The CLA produces 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4, while the 320i makes 180 hp and 200 lb-ft from its 2.0-liter turbo-four. Additionally, both models offer an all-wheel-drive option. Another possible challenger could be the upcoming Audi A3 sedan, which has been confirmed for a U.S. market launch in 2014.
While entry-lux offerings are likely to give the CLA the most competition, could other models be in danger of losing sales to the new four-door coupe? With a stylish entry-level Mercedes now on the market, would-be buyers of the design-focused, Passat-based Volkswagen CC might be torn. Midsize shoppers interested in the similarly swoopy Hyundai Sonata might also think twice with a three-pointed star option now on the table.
Tell us what you think the CLA will compete with in the comments below.