CLA 250e shooting brake, ownership?
Discussion
As a company car, needing to tow a min of 1500Kgs with a degree of practicality the CLA 250e shooting brake looks a good idea. Previously I have had 2 earlier C350e estates so have an idea of what it will be like, but any experiences to share?
Asking about refinement and general ownership. Is the high lipped boot a real pain?
I have kids, but we are erm....vertically challenged as a family so generally fit in most cars with ease, but high backed solid seats, does it make it feel like a cave in the back?
Also is it poor to drive? OK the C350e was hardly the last word in sports car handling, but it was rear wheel drive and this will be my first FWD car for almost 25years.
Merc c class and BMW 330e touring are all considerations, but the CLA250e is nearly £80 a month cheaper on tax to me, or nearly 2 tanks of fuel for the TVR cheaper.
Asking about refinement and general ownership. Is the high lipped boot a real pain?
I have kids, but we are erm....vertically challenged as a family so generally fit in most cars with ease, but high backed solid seats, does it make it feel like a cave in the back?
Also is it poor to drive? OK the C350e was hardly the last word in sports car handling, but it was rear wheel drive and this will be my first FWD car for almost 25years.
Merc c class and BMW 330e touring are all considerations, but the CLA250e is nearly £80 a month cheaper on tax to me, or nearly 2 tanks of fuel for the TVR cheaper.
It won't be as refined as your C350e but it will feel more agile. Ride won't be as luxurious, given it doesn't have airmatic. If you want a PHEV that provides some level of "fun", you better off going with the BMW 330e.
The 1.3 petrol engine is worse than the 2.0 petrol in the C350e, in terms of noise, but on the plus side, some of those with the same hybrid setup in the A250e are reporting 40+ miles at 50mph on battery alone in a single trip, so if you charge it up regularly, you won't have to hear the engine :-)
I looked at the configurator, can't seem to see any interior choices (in terms of light colours) that would make the interior feel less cramped.
The 1.3 petrol engine is worse than the 2.0 petrol in the C350e, in terms of noise, but on the plus side, some of those with the same hybrid setup in the A250e are reporting 40+ miles at 50mph on battery alone in a single trip, so if you charge it up regularly, you won't have to hear the engine :-)
I looked at the configurator, can't seem to see any interior choices (in terms of light colours) that would make the interior feel less cramped.
raspy said:
It won't be as refined as your C350e but it will feel more agile. Ride won't be as luxurious, given it doesn't have airmatic. If you want a PHEV that provides some level of "fun", you better off going with the BMW 330e.
The 1.3 petrol engine is worse than the 2.0 petrol in the C350e, in terms of noise, but on the plus side, some of those with the same hybrid setup in the A250e are reporting 40+ miles at 50mph on battery alone in a single trip, so if you charge it up regularly, you won't have to hear the engine :-)
I looked at the configurator, can't seem to see any interior choices (in terms of light colours) that would make the interior feel less cramped.
Is that first hand experience or perceived from reading press reviews?The 1.3 petrol engine is worse than the 2.0 petrol in the C350e, in terms of noise, but on the plus side, some of those with the same hybrid setup in the A250e are reporting 40+ miles at 50mph on battery alone in a single trip, so if you charge it up regularly, you won't have to hear the engine :-)
I looked at the configurator, can't seem to see any interior choices (in terms of light colours) that would make the interior feel less cramped.
I'm curious about this too. Currently have a F30 330e which has been a great car but with the price difference between a new 330e and CLA250e being around £120 a month, between upgrade price and BIK tax, I don't know if its worth it. Worried about the 1.3 being a bit rough keen to get a test drive before I commit.
Have you looked at the VAG group hybrids? Some such as the Octavia also fall into the 6% BIK tax band. Let us know if you mange to get a drive in one.
Have you looked at the VAG group hybrids? Some such as the Octavia also fall into the 6% BIK tax band. Let us know if you mange to get a drive in one.
markcoopers said:
Is that first hand experience or perceived from reading press reviews?
I should have been clearer. A friend traded in his C350e for an A250e (as he wanted much more range on battery plus the modern interior and fancy tech) and when he gave me a lift in the A250e, he was enjoying the new car overall, but we both agreed that the ride and refinement seemed to be a step down from the C350e. Just remember that all the A-class based PHEVs are spectacularly cheap on BIK.
As in a 40% tax payer only shelling out 70-80 quid a month. A 330e is around double that, as is my X1 PHEV. (Which, assuming the towing capacity is fine, is probably the best choice for towing, as it's AWD)
As in a 40% tax payer only shelling out 70-80 quid a month. A 330e is around double that, as is my X1 PHEV. (Which, assuming the towing capacity is fine, is probably the best choice for towing, as it's AWD)
I have a Diesel engined CLA Shootingbrake so can comment about the car in general.
I hate the high lip on the boot, it’s quite a stretch to get things out of the boot. A C class/E class estate is a lot easier to retrieve stuff from.
I’m not long in the leg but the rear seats won’t fold without pulling the drivers seat forward first.
The wing mirrors seem quite small and rear vision through the vehicle isn’t helped by the high backed seats and small-ish rear window.
The lane assist feature is annoying. It can be turned off but has to be done every time. I don’t mind too much the vibration through the steering wheel when you get near a solid white line but the hard jab on the brakes on occasion is really annoying.
Fortunately is a lease car so I’ve only got a year of it.
Doggydog.
I hate the high lip on the boot, it’s quite a stretch to get things out of the boot. A C class/E class estate is a lot easier to retrieve stuff from.
I’m not long in the leg but the rear seats won’t fold without pulling the drivers seat forward first.
The wing mirrors seem quite small and rear vision through the vehicle isn’t helped by the high backed seats and small-ish rear window.
The lane assist feature is annoying. It can be turned off but has to be done every time. I don’t mind too much the vibration through the steering wheel when you get near a solid white line but the hard jab on the brakes on occasion is really annoying.
Fortunately is a lease car so I’ve only got a year of it.
Doggydog.
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