Mercedez Benz News Hello 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

[William Maley]

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William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 14, 2013

Mercedes-Benz was hoping to keep the new 2015 GLA-Class under wraps till its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. However, that was thwarted by someone who leaked out shots of the new model last night. Today, Mercedes-Benz has come clean and released information about it.

The GLA-Class definitely shares the design DNA from the A-Class with wide front fenders, sculpting along the doors, and similar profiles. You might think the GLA-Class is about the same size as the A-Class, but it happens to be slightly bigger in many dimensions. Inside, the GLA-Class utilizes the same interior from A-Class.

Power will come from a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0L four-cylinder engine producing 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch is the sole transmission choice. Mercedes-Benz's 4Matic all-wheel drive system will be launched first in the U.S., followed by a front-wheel drive model.

The GLA-Class is expected to arrive in the U.S. next fall.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

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Fit for off-road adventure

Multi-talented: The all-new 2015MY Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

MONTVALE, NJ - Progressive design, serene day-to-day driving and off-road capability: easily handling various automotive applications, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA impressively reinterprets the compact SUV segment. It effortlessly masters day-to-day driving and is also robust enough for off-road excursions. The 2015 GLA-Class will arrive in U.S. showrooms in Fall of 2014.

The first Mercedes-Benz in the fast-growing compact SUV segment is highly maneuverable around town (length 173.9" x width 71" x height 58.8"), lively on country roads and athletic and efficient on the highway. The high-quality appointments, developed with much attention to detail, and the versatile interior clearly position the GLA as a premium compact SUV.

The 2015 GLA-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz SUV to be available with the new-generation permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC, with fully variable torque distribution.

The new GLA rounds off the extensive SUV portfolio of Mercedes-Benz. With five model series (GLA, GLK, ML, GL and G), the company offers the widest range of any European premium manufacturer, and meets all the individual mobility wishes of its customers.

"With the compact GLA we add a fifth attractive SUV variant to the Mercedes-Benz model portfolio in this constantly growing segment. The GLA impresses mainly with its progressive character and agile handling," says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. "So I am very confident that the GLA with its fascinating design and high everyday practicality will fill many new customers with enthusiasm for the Mercedes-Benz brand."

As a serene day-to-day companion, the GLA has a flexible and variable interior. The rear seat backrests fold down completely, and the generous luggage compartment is well laid-out and can be loaded without difficulty thanks to the low loading sill and the wide tailgate,

which can open automatically as an option. The especially rigid body structure provides a reliable basis for the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 208 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.

The all-new 2015 GLA-Class will celebrate its world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in September.

Design: quality and self-assurance

Sensual clarity as an expression of modern luxury – this was the focus for the designers, and is the design philosophy of Mercedes-Benz. The goal is to create clear contours and smooth surfaces that communicate both high-tech sophistication as well as emotional appeal. The sensual clarity is reflected in the core design values of Tradition, Emotion and Progression. These are the guiding star, and are accentuated differently depending on the model. Mercedes-Benz creates a bridge between modernity and the avant-garde, between tradition and progression. Each model series has an assigned role and has a very specific character, depending on the attributes on which the design focuses. And yet a Mercedes-Benz is always recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz. Because in addition to incorporating new stylistic developments, and in the interests of keeping tradition alive, the designers draw from a gene-pool of styling features typical of the brand.

"With its striking features, the GLA embodies our progressive thinking and enthralls with its off-road proportions," says Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design at Daimler AG. "The clearly defined surfaces convey power and serenity, and we have managed to combine as much emotional appeal as possible with as much clarity as necessary."

As an SUV, the all-new GLA combines the design values of Progression and Tradition, and is the SUV of the future. It is a utility player with hallmark Mercedes-Benz SUV genes, but more youthful, sculptural and full of subtle drama.

The low greenhouse, raised vehicle body and large wheel arches give the GLA great appeal. The clearly defined surfaces are supplemented with sharp lines that provide definition and precision, varying the sculptured contours of the vehicle body which is sensitively modeled and subtly dramatic.

The prominent and self-assured, upright front end with a central star lends a muscular and superior impression to the GLA. Powerdomes grace the hood as sporty highlights, and the twin-louver grille accentuates the vehicle's width. An impressive front face is ensured by the headlamps and available LED daytime running lamps. This iconic Mercedes-Benz design feature was developed further using tri-functional fiber-optics, and gives the vehicle its characteristic light signature. The front bumper features diamond-pattern grilles in front of the cooling air intakes. The standard fog lamps are integrated into the front bumper. A simulated skid plate and contra sting dark-grey sill panels all-around emphasize the SUV characteristics of the GLA. The panels begin low down at the front bumper and provide protection against stone impact.

The side view of the GLA likewise conveys power and serenity. Following the design philosophy, the "dropping line" emerges at the headlamp and extends to the rear wheel arch. The line of the beltline trim gradually rises from the rear door to the C-pillar. Together the light-catching contour on the curvature and the counter-line to the dropping line at side sill height create an interplay of lines that lends the car flowing power and subtle drama. The side panel has depressions shaped like an excavator's teeth to accentuate the SUV character. Chrome roof rails complete the side profile at the top as standard, and as an optional extra roof rails in high-gloss black are available. The GLA features 18-inch wheels as standard equipment, with 19-inch wheels available as an

option.

The muscular shoulders over the rear axle are emphasized even further by the inward taper of the C-pillars. In combination with the divided tail lights, this emphasizes the width of the rear end. Its shape is both dramatic and visually unified.

This impression is heightened by the curved rear window and the sweeping chrome handle between the tail lights. Thanks to the divided tail lights, the cargo opening is conveniently wide. The large roof spoiler is another eye-catching feature. It shares the structure of the rear roof trim and accommodates the third brake light. In the area of the rear bumper trim there are other SUV-specific features such as a robust external loading sill guard and a skid plate available in silver-metallic.

Interior: attractive design features and high quality

The muscular and imposing appearance of the exterior is systematically continued into the interior. This has an especially high-quality feel that is achieved by the contours, choice and combinations of high-grade materials. All trim surfaces are galvanized in silver-shadow for material authenticity, resulting in a metallic finish with a "cool-touch" effect. The impression is one of perfect detail. The heavy emphasis on horizontals, the dynamic design and the highly attractive design features are other high-quality attributes. The same applies to the great precision of joints and gap dimensions.

The dashboard consists of an upper and lower section, allowing surface structures that are different in look and feel. Matte and glossy 3D geometries (graining) create an attractive light effect. The three-dimensional trim section of aluminum or wood lends a new, modern touch to the interior. The available matte satin finish of the wood trim is a further enhancement to the modernity, and makes the surface especially pleasant to the touch.

Five round air vents are integrated into the dashboard. As an exclusive GLA feature, the galvanized bezels around these circular vents echo the SUV-look of the skid plate and side sill panels. The direction of the airflow can be varied by butterfly-shaped inserts.

The large, free-standing display has a high-gloss facing in piano-black and a flush-fitting surround in silver-shadow. This gives the display an especially high-quality look. A 3-spoke steering wheel with 12 function keys and a galvanized chrome clasp is standard equipment. When at rest the needles are in the 6 o'clock position. The needle inlays are always in silver.

The choice of seat upholsteries (standard MB-Tex or optional leather) and color combinations allows plenty of scope for individualization. Sports seats with integrated head restraints are available as part of the optional Interior Package.

The premium quality of the sports seats is emphasized by the opening in the lower section of the head restraint. On the rear of the front seats this space is framed by silver-shadow trim, and can

have ambient lighting on request.

Set into a galvanized surround, the controls for the standard power driver's seat adjustment with memory are arranged on the interior door panels in typical Mercedes style – a unique feature in this segment. The interior door panels are likewise of extremely high quality. The soft, matte surfaces extend right from the beltline to the door pocket. In combination with the equipment packages the door armrests have a high-quality chrome trim strip and standard ambient lighting.

Aerodynamics: goodbye to box-shaped

With the GLA, yet another model series becomes the leader in its segment with respect to aerodynamic efficiency. At 0.66 m2 the frontal area Cd x A, which greatly impacts fuel consumption from around 37 mph, is a top figure.

The good air flow characteristics, which are a major factor in the vehicle's low fuel consumption in everyday conditions, result from numerous aerodynamic optimization measures. These include a low A-pillar step with suitable geometry and aerodynamically optimized exterior mirror housings. The rear end is also streamlined. The measures here include the roof spoiler lip and the aerodynamically shaped tail lights. Rear spoilers at the sides ensure that the airflow breaks off for optimal aerodynamic efficiency. Seals in the front bumper (radiator area incl. around the headlamps) round off the aerodynamic measures.

Extensive underbody paneling, additional paneling in the middle area of the rear axle and an aerodynamically optimized rear silencer followed by a diffuser improve the flow of air beneath the underbody.

Numerous measures have also been taken to reduce wind noise in the GLA. These include a multi-level door sealing concept, additional sealing of the joint between the tailgate and the roof and side seals on the tailgate. Especially rigid window frames prevent the airflow from

pulling on the doors at higher speeds, and reduce vibrations. External noise has also been minimized by the low A-pillar and exterior mirrors connected to the body by a stem.

Engine and transmission: dynamic claim to leadership

A modern four-cylinder engine with turbocharging and direct injection, as well as an ECO start/stop function as standard, make for superior efficiency. The new GLA-Class also takes the lead in its segment with its dynamic performance figures.

The 2015 GLA250 4MATIC features a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine that generates 208 hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque. The GLA250 4MATIC sprints from zero to 60 mph in only 6.4 seconds, underlining the dynamic claim to leadership of the GLA-Class. It has a top speed of 145 mph. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission which unites comfort and sportiness. The front-wheel drive GLA250 will be available in the U.S. in early 2015.

Suspension: for guaranteed recreational fun

With the new GLA Mercedes-Benz is adding a new member to the successful SUV family. This compact model reinterprets the SUV concept in a new, modern way, because the GLA is less imposing than previous SUVs, and therefore fits perfectly into the day-to-day urban lifestyle. At the same time the optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the robust body structure and the variable interior concept guarantee plenty of recreational enjoyment. Motto: away from the daily routine. Rough terrain – the beach, loose ground, dirt roads, off the beaten path – all of these are no problem for the GLA.

The chassis of the GLA features a McPherson front axle and an independent multilink rear suspension. Three control arms and one trailing arm per wheel manage the incoming forces. This means that longitudinal and lateral dynamics are independent of one another. The wheel carriers and spring control arms are made of aluminum to reduce unsprung masses. In the version with 4MATIC, the rear axle carrier is isolated with rubber bushings for the benefit of ride comfort.

Compared to conventional systems, the electromechanical power steering provides better feedback to the driver and makes an important contribution to the vehicle's overall efficiency, as the servo assistance only requires energy when the vehicle is actually steered. It also allows various steering assistance functions that are initiated by the ESP® control unit. These include countersteering when the vehicle oversteers, steering corrections when braking on surfaces with different levels of grip, reducing the effects of front-wheel drive on the steering and compensation of cross-winds and road camber.

The GLA has an extremely rigid body, and therefore the basis for stable and safe handling characteristics both on and off the road, as well as a high level of NVH comfort. There are additional reinforcements to the B-pillars, front damper domes, side members and underbody.

Even more grip: 4MATIC all-wheel drive

The GLA from Mercedes-Benz is optionally available with a new generation of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system, featuring fully variable torque distribution. This all-wheel drive system excels with even more grip and outstanding agility while also enhancing driving safety and energy efficiency.

The components of the 4MATIC system include the power take-off to the rear axle that is integrated into the 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, and the rear-axle gear with integrated, electrohydraulically controlled multi-disc clutch. This set-up allows fully variable distribution of the drive torque between front and rear axles. Additional benefits of this design are a lower weight than is available from the competition, and high efficiency.

Confident on light terrain: off-road functions

Models with 4MATIC are equipped with DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) and an off-road transmission mode as standard. DSR is activated by a control button in the center console, and assists the driver on demanding downhill stretches by maintaining a slow, manually selected vehicle speed within the physical limits when negotiating downhill gradients. This is done with the help of the engine and transmission control systems, and by specific braking intervention.

When the off-road transmission mode is selected using the transmission mode switch, the gearshift points and accelerator characteristics are modified so that the requirements for driving on light off-road terrain and especially loose surfaces can be met. In combination with the standard single-disc CD audio system with USB Port, Bluetooth connectivity and HD Radio or optional COMAND system, the head unit can also be switched to an off-road display. The steering angle, the selected off-road transmission mode and a compass are displayed there. The roll angle in degrees, the gradient in percent and activation of Downhill Speed Regulation DSR are also indicated.

Smart safety: advanced assistance systems

Numerous driving assistance systems offer support in the GLA and reduce the driver's workload. Standard features for the SUV include ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist, which now helps to protect against collisions from a speed of only 4 mph.

This feature combines with DISTRONIC PLUS (part of the Driver Assistance Package) to become COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS. This incorporates an additional function: If a danger of collision arises and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 124 mph, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 18 mph, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at speeds of up to 12 mph.

Established assistance systems, such as Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist are also available for the GLA. PARKTRONIC w/ Park Assist (optional) allows automatic parking in parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.

"Always on": the multimedia systems

The latest multimedia generation deployed in the GLA boasts new functions and a modified graphic color scheme.

Like all models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the GLA comes with the brand's acclaimed connectivity service mbrace2, providing users with an extensive range of online and concierge services and apps all linking seamlessly to smartphones for use inside and outside the car. By using cloud technology, mbrace2 is always up to date and offers users wide-ranging and flexible access to content.

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[G. David Felt]

OK, So again could they not come up with a better naming convention? GLA so sucks. I am already tired of the stupid letters for Cadillac and especially the moronic BMW 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8 series.

What about the passion!

Back on topic this is an ugly car, like the brown color, but the asian eye's with silver eyebrows and the turned down mouth with a big nose just does nothing for me.

[smk4565]

I am not a fan of the styling, in the CLA it works, but not so much here. It does give Mercedes a cheaper and more gas friendly crossover to sell though and that could win buyers, especially since the GLK is very blocky and this is rounded off. But the GLK diesel gets like 33 mpg, so they have a gas friendly SUV already.

As far as the name, it makes sense, GL stands for "Geländewagen Luxus" German for luxury SUV. Add a K for Kompakt so that is how they get the GL and GLK names. Same way they have an SL roadster and SLK. GLA I guess is Luxury SUV on A-class platform, so it sort of works.

[Robert Hall]

Competitor for the X1 and Q1, I guess...

[balthazar]

Wish mercedees could decide on a single design 'language'.
And this is nothing short of a 'value buy' to boost sales, which I fail to recall being in their 'mission statement'. Oh well, not like this isn't the first (or 10th) obvious grab for numbers.

Daimler shouldn't be in this price class.

[Robert Hall]

Wish mercedees could decide on a single design 'language'.

And this is nothing short of a 'value buy' to boost sales, which I fail to recall being in their 'mission statement'. Oh well, not like this isn't the first (or 10th) obvious grab for numbers.

Daimler shouldn't be in this price class.

Well, they don't have Chrysler products anymore for the lower priced niches, and they can't seem to scale up Smart, and they want to attract younger buyers...

[William Maley]

Wish mercedees could decide on a single design 'language'.

And this is nothing short of a 'value buy' to boost sales, which I fail to recall being in their 'mission statement'. Oh well, not like this isn't the first (or 10th) obvious grab for numbers.

Daimler shouldn't be in this price class.

Also should be included in this statement: Audi and BMW.

[balthazar]

mercedes has positioned themselves as a luxury brand. A $30K FWD model does not fit that mold.
Mercedes is either a luxury make or a full-line brand, but they cannot be both long-term.

[G. David Felt]

^{I see this as a Failure Before Launch for MB.}

[Robert Hall]

^{I see this as a Failure Before Launch for MB.}

I bet it will be a hit..women love luxury CUVs.

Edited August 14, 2013 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[ocnblu]

I like it. It is in Buick Encore's class. I think the GLA looks sporty and strong.

[Z-06]

mercedes has positioned themselves as a luxury brand. A $30K FWD model does not fit that mold.

Mercedes is either a luxury make or a full-line brand, but they cannot be both long-term.

Mercedes using the reverse Hyundai in strategy! Talk about who is impersonating whom.

[PONTIAC06]

I'm with Ocn on this one...I think it looks good and it will fit in the subcompact lux crossover niche nicely. I don't see how this is below MB either. How can anyone justify a 40k Impala, but not be ok with a Mercedes that has a base price in the low 30's? Try actually building a CLA that cost 30k, it's difficult to do, and I don't expect this to be any different

[balthazar]

^ Look at the price range of MB-branded vehicles, then look at them reaching DOWN to the average transaction price of a new car and I don't see how you could draw any analogies to Chevrolet.

[Robert Hall]

^ Look at the price range of MB-branded vehicles, then look at them reaching DOWN to the average transaction price of a new car and I don't see how you could draw any analogies to Chevrolet.

Chevy has been going in the opposite direction w/ the Corvette, $50k pickups, etc..quite a spread in price between a Spark and a ZR1.

MB needs to attract younger buyers, younger buyers like small and are more price-sensitive, women like CUVs, this will sell...as does BMW's X1 and Audi's upcoming Q1. I would think Lexus and Cadillac will get into this niche eventually. They could have made something like this and badged it as a Smart, but they can sell more and at a higher price point as an MB.

Edited August 15, 2013 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[smk4565]

It is for women and younger people. CUVs in most cases don't make sense, doesn't matter what brand is making it. There was a Top Gear episode where Jeremy drove a BMW X6 and made the comment how it has less room than a 5-series wagon, gets worse gas mileage, handles worse and is slower, yet costs more. He tried to drive the X6 up a grass hill and in snow, in both cases it cost stuck and it had AWD.

This year they looked at some other small crossovers, from Mazda, Toyota, Honda, etc, and the same thing holds true, a Civic is quicker, handles better, gets better mileage and is cheaper than a CR-V. Yet people will pay a premium for small crossovers. Buick Encore is another good example, it sells at nearly the same rate as the Verano, but the Verano has more power, better fuel economy, is larger and has more features on it and costs less.

There is a small crossover market, women think they are safer, fools think they are better in snow, or they think because it is a box, it has more cargo room than the trunk of a car, when most of that cargo space is useless anyway. So Mercedes wants a slice of the small crossover market. Why should they let Acura or Buick or Lincoln or whoever have it, when they can build a better vehicle and force those brands out.

[smk4565]

I like it. It is in Buick Encore's class. I think the GLA looks sporty and strong.

More expensive though, and the GLA does 0-60 n 6.4 seconds, that is quick for a crossover, it beats the 308 hp Cadillac SRX, let alone any of these small SUVs.

[smk4565]

^ Look at the price range of MB-branded vehicles, then look at them reaching DOWN to the average transaction price of a new car and I don't see how you could draw any analogies to Chevrolet.

In their eyes they need to attract younger buyers or risk losing sales to Audi, BMW or the entry-lux brands. If they have no car for $30-35,000 then those buyers will go elsewhere. But look at the price on their other cars. C-class, E-class and S-class all have the highest base price in their respective classes, their SUVs cost more than their BMW or Audi counterparts and the GL and Escalade price overlap pretty closely. They aren't going to push their current models down, so they need the CLA and GLA.

[balthazar]

^ The point is, they risk forcing even more incentives as the 'value shoppers' start looking @ & associating MB with 'cheap lux'. This is Buick territory, price-wise. They don't have a successful brand to handle 'cheap lux'? -don't go there then. Of course people will buy it short term, it's a $29K mercedes- why else are they buying?!?!

RE Chevy vs. MB, Chevy's base price spread is 12K ~ 111K, MB's spread is 29K ~ 212K - who's got the larger spread?
Pull the anomaly that the Corvette is out and Chevy's spread is 12K~53K. Mercedes is not Chevy, are they? Why are they down in the bargin basement- it's NOT to go after the so-called 'younger buyer'- that's a fallacy. MB doesn't have an ABA issue relative to the rest of the segment- you guys are reading their marketing spin. A $29K mercedes is there for a single solitary reason- sales volume.

Let's see; a 33K RWD Cadillac ATS, that already out handles the 3-series, or a 'discounted' $29K FWD mercedes.

[Z-06]

Comparing Chevy to MB, to justify existence of GLA, priceless.

[Drew Dowdell]

I have to agree that the market for this type of vehicle is there.... but lets see if MB can grab the sales from it.

[Z-06]

I have to agree that the market for this type of vehicle is there.... but lets see if MB can grab the sales from it.

Yes the market is there. Buick is showing it where Mini and VW (up to a certain extent) failed to. Despite the Encore costing more than Juke, it sold the same volume as the cheap competitor.

All the trishield needs is a more powerful engine and a diesel and it will keep the force going.

I do not think Cadillac needs a bone in this, let it be the standard of the world, instead of diluting the brand like the Germans are for sake of volume. It will be ironic that the Germans will fight Buick at lower end and Caddillac at higher end. GM should look at the big picture here.

[bknight]

their GLK model is just perfect in my opinion but can't find this one really an innovation, it seems like a re-style of the newly released A class, not counting the fact it's back seems pretty ugly but lets hope for a bit more photos on the exterior design, don't know any official data on the BMW x1 sales, but I honestly think this was a bad investment by MB in a market where clearly, at least for me, there is nothing to add, x1 it's exactly the same, a 1series with a new style, can't get the hang of it aswell lol.

[G. David Felt]

I agree with z-06 that I hope Cadillac will let Buick fight MB with the Encore and that GM will give the Encore a step up engine and diesel. Let Cadillac fight MB on the high end.

[smk4565]

GM doesn't have a crossover priced like the GLA, the CLA is $30k, figure they'll add some for the SUV version, every car maker does, so $33k might be the base price, going to over $40k loaded. The Encore starts at $24k, the Cadillac SRX starts at $37k. The GLA competition on price is the Infiniti EX, Acura RDX, but it is smaller than those two, BMW X1 is the only direct competitor, until the Audi Q3 arrives.

CLA and GLA give Mercedes and entry car, and people will buy them. It won't dilute the brand because they will still have the legendary Mercedes build quality and engineering that people want. Mercedes is so strong in the $50-150k space, and their image is so strong, the GLA won't hurt it, it will just make more people like the brand. Mercedes has 10.5 million likes on Facebook compared to BMW's 14 million, they wants some of that younger crowd.

[Drew Dowdell]

Might be room for a Delta based CUV for Cadillac or Buick then.

[smk4565]

Might be room for a Delta based CUV for Cadillac or Buick then.

There would be for Cadillac if the SRX was more expensive, and priced like an X5 or M-class. But then the SRX would have to go back to RWD and share CTS hardware. But they could make an ATS based rear drive SUV also, like how the X3 is.

A Delta SUV makes more sense for Buick it could base around $28k and go up to $35k. Then Buick has a 3rd SUV and something in the middle of the 2 they have now, without just copying an Equinox.

I think there is no shortage of buyers for these small crossovers. Look at CR-V and Rav4 sales, people that have bought them over the past 10 years will eventually trade up into a small luxury crossover. Look at how well the Lexus RX has sold, for what is basically a Camry wagon on a lift kit, people pay over $40k for it. Crossover buyers will buy anything.

[Drew Dowdell]

The SRX is in the GLK/X3 size class and bases at $37k. There is room for a "BRX" starting at $30,995 on Delta. They could do it on Alpha, but being RWD hasn't done the GLK and X3 any favors.... the SRX and Lexus RX outsell them 4 to 1. The buyers of CUVs don't seem to have a preference for their cars being RWD. If they grew up driving CR-Vs, RAV-4s, and Equinoxes.... why would they?

[smk4565]

The SRX is in the GLK/X3 size class and bases at $37k. There is room for a "BRX" starting at $30,995 on Delta. They could do it on Alpha, but being RWD hasn't done the GLK and X3 any favors.... the SRX and Lexus RX outsell them 4 to 1. The buyers of CUVs don't seem to have a preference for their cars being RWD. If they grew up driving CR-Vs, RAV-4s, and Equinoxes.... why would they?

The FWD ones outsell them because they are bigger but also the crowd that grew up on the Rav4 or first Gen Lexus RX keep buying Lexus, they also don't demand better driving dynamics. A GLK is 5 inches shorter in length than an ATS, so it is pretty small. The SRX has over a foot in length on the GLK. But people that want RWD handling are going to buy a 3-series or C-class, the X3 and GLK are going to be less appealing. And the GLK is pretty small and firm riding compared to the Lexus that women buy like crazy.

[Drew Dowdell]

... the question remains. Should Cadillac build what you want them to build.. or should they build what they can sell the most of at the $30k base price? The two are fairly mutually exclusive.

[smk4565]

Cadillac could do a Delta crossover and it would sell, but you risk hurting the brand that doesn't have a lot of image or cache built up, because they lack halo cars. I think Cadillac needs ATS and CTS coupes and a convertible ATS, and a flagship sedan before they mess with another crossover.

[FAPTurbo]

Cadillac could do a Delta crossover and it would sell, but you risk hurting the brand that doesn't have a lot of image or cache built up, because they lack halo cars. I think Cadillac needs ATS and CTS coupes and a convertible ATS, and a flagship sedan before they mess with another crossover.

Why is cache so important? Hyundai isn't having much trouble selling the Genesis or Equus, even though their reputation was just above 'garbage' barely even a decade ago.

Cadillac needs money. Why not build what people want? They did a good job giving people what they wanted with the SRX. Why stop there?

[smk4565]

Cadillac could do a Delta crossover and it would sell, but you risk hurting the brand that doesn't have a lot of image or cache built up, because they lack halo cars. I think Cadillac needs ATS and CTS coupes and a convertible ATS, and a flagship sedan before they mess with another crossover.

Why is cache so important? Hyundai isn't having much trouble selling the Genesis or Equus, even though their reputation was just above 'garbage' barely even a decade ago.

Cadillac needs money. Why not build what people want? They did a good job giving people what they wanted with the SRX. Why stop there?

Cache lets you charge luxury prices for luxury cars. Hyundai has to sell at a discount, and the Equus is only moving about 3,000 cars a year, not really setting the world on fire there. If Cadillac needs money, wouldn't it be nice if the CTS was $50,000 base price and sold better than when it was $35,000 base price? If you have image you can charge more and sell more.