Front-Drive Compacts are going to be Mercedes Most Popular Vehicles

Constructed to enlarge Mercedes-Benz’s demand, the brand-new CLA will be on sale in fall in the US starting with $29,900.

The German auto brand hopes that the CLA will direct the brand to reconquering of the luxury crown. In 2005, Mercedes lost the top position in the luxury market to BMW, and then lost the third in 2011 to Audi. But things are going to change for Mercedes, as the presentation of the CLA will surely grab a whole new group of customers and enthusiasts.

“From a volume point of view, the enlarged compact model family will become our biggest car line,” said Joachim Schmidt, Mercedes sales and marketing head. “And the family will grow larger and prosper in future.”

At least five new vehicles, including the CLA and a new SUV, will all be based on a new front-wheel drive designed to help the compact model enter the market. But not only the price will attract buyers to the CLA, which is over $2,650 cheaper than the BMW 3-Series, it offers the splendid style and high performance at just $29,900.

Surely, Audi is going to hit back with its A3 sedan, but with only 140 hp in comparison to the CLA’s 211 hp, it’s out of the race.

Researcher IHS Automotive concludes that almost 36,000 CLA models will be added to sales for the automaker.