Nearly a decade ago, Mercedes-Benz took a risk when it introduced the original CLS-class four-door, which created an entirely new segment of sedans with stylish, sloping rooflines. Now, some years later and well into the second generation of the CLS, Mercedes-Benz is taking a similar gamble on the compact segment, with the introduction of the 2014 CLA-class sedan, led by the four-cylinder CLA250.
And that's not all: in addition to breaking into an entirely new segment, Mercedes-Benz is also positioning the CLA250 as a new entry point to the three-pointed star, with a pricetag just a hair under $30,000. Whether this move was intended to bring new buyers into the fold, or further diversify the brand's portfolio, bringing a smaller, less-expensive product to North America is undoubtedly a bold move for a German car manufacturer.
At a recent media preview held in Washington, D.C., Autobytel had the chance to sample the CLA250, and begin to figure out if Mercedes-Benz's strategy can work based on product alone.