Mercedes will still sell CLA-Class alongside new A-Class sedan
In fact, a new CLA is expected to arrive next year.
The subcompact Mercedes-Benz A-Class will go on sale in the US early next year. And while it's easy to assume that this new model will serve as the replacement for the CLA , the truth is, these models will coexist in Mercedes showrooms.
During a media event for the A-Class in Seattle this week, a Mercedes-Benz representative told Roadshow the current CLA-Class will be sold until a new one arrives sometime next year. A redesigned GLA-Class crossover will follow.
The A-Class will be sold in front-wheel-drive A220 and all-wheel-drive A220 4Matic guises, and will "establish a new gateway for the Mercedes-Benz brand," according to one spokesperson.
As for how the A and CLA will get along side by side, Mercedes reps reference the relationship between the larger E-Class and CLS-Class cars. That is to say, the CLA-Class will be a bit more stylish and a bit more upscale, despite having similar powertrains and amenities.
That also means the CLA will be more expensive, fully eschewing its one-time position as Mercedes' sub-$30,000 entry point. A-Class pricing has yet to be announced, but it's expected to start below $35,000. That means the CLA-Class will likely come in closer to $40,000. And when you add in the options, it'll certainly crest $50,000 which is, well, a lot.
Critically, it's hard to imagine there's enough room in the subcompact premium sedan market to support both A- and CLA-Class models, especially at these higher price points. This specific segment currently only includes the CLA and the Audi A3 , and on a broader scale, we've seen automakers shifting away from sedans altogether. That said, the new A-Class is a very good little car -- read our first drive story for the full shakedown -- so a second take on a compelling formula isn't necessarily a bad move.
