Smart 2014 Mercedes CLA already replacing best-selling C-Class

Mercedes had no idea just how popular the new 2014 CLA-Class was going to be when they launched the four-door coupe. The new CLA is already replacing the C-Class as the most popular car in the Mercedes lineup. According to Kelly Blue Book (KBB), the new CLA is outpacing the C-Class with stronger average transaction prices, projected resale value and shopper interest, as well as lower incentive spend by the automaker.

It’s a good thing that Mercedes redesigned the C-Class for 2015, as it would have become irrelevant. But this was all part of the Mercedes-Benz strategy all along. The new CLA-Class will likely become the best-selling car in the lineup as the the 2015 C-Class gets a price increase and becomes more upmarket. It looks like the plan is working as the CLA is wildly popular with new buyers who have never purchased a Mercedes vehicle before.

KBB says the new CLA is getting far more interest than the C-Class and is also selling for roughly the same price as the outdated C-Class generation. New buyers are loading up the $29,900 CLA with extras that are raising the average sales price to more than $35,000. Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book said, "Those quick to scoop up the CLA have shown no hesitation in loading the vehicle with extra options to meet their needs, which has pushed transaction prices near the higher priced C-Class.”

And the new CLA is expected to retain it’s value better than any other Mercedes model. KBB says, “As the newer and arguably more attractive sedan in this price range, the CLA has an advantage over the stodgier C-Class.  This is clear in the higher residual value and lower incentive spend recorded for the CLA; however, this should change when the all-new C-Class is revealed next week at the Detroit auto show.  Expect Mercedes-Benz to bump the new C-Class' price and drop its incentive spend to distance it from the CLA." 

Mercedes-Benz has clearly positioned themselves well in the new entry-level luxury category. It’s one of the fastest-growing segments in the automotive world. The CLA is clearly getting the attention of luxury shoppers looking for an affordable option and the initial response has been stellar for the luxury brand. The CLA is popular with a new generation of buyers because of its pricing strategy, four-door coupe styling and high-tech features.

KBB says the CLA-Class’s web traffic surpassed the C-Class by an astounding 340 percent once it arrived in showrooms. They said, “The surge in shopper interest positioned the CLA as the most popular Mercedes-Benz model for the first time on KBB.com, surpassing both the C-Class and E-Class in October 2013."  

The all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is replacing the C-Class as the best-selling model in the Mercedes lineup. With new buyers lining up to get their hands on the new CLA, it looks like Mercedes has hit a home run.