CLC or B Class

[BaldGuy]

I have my 73 year old partners mum interested in a Mercedes and She likes the look of the CLC, however due to her being 5 foot nothing, I fear that the driving views may not be good in the CLC, I know the seats can be adjusted up/down etc etc

Thoughts from CLC owners?

or

Do we go for a B class that has the higher driving position?
She's been driving a Saab convertible 1.8T for many years (53 plate with 20k miles!) so she is used to a bit of go.... I was thinking of a 180K in both models..

I've set up a drive of both at Mercedes Benz World in a week or so, but would like to hear from anyone with these models for advice/thoughts...

Many thanks

Greg

 

[A140driver]

I'd say, perhaps controversially, that the B-class is better in this instance and that they are generally very capable cars. If she wants one with a bit of go my advice would be to go for a B200 CDI.
In terms of driving, my mum has driven a few C-class coupes over the years with no problems and she's not much taller, as long as it is an auto she should be fine as regards driving it.

 

[A210AMG]

Hello

For a car that is probably easier to get in and out of and a better view of the world the B class would be my vote. The 200cdi is great I'm amazed at the auto box in our its so so smooth 7speed, 55mpg. Just to add my wife is 5 ft nothing and she fits in / can drive it fine

I was so impressed with the wife we drove to Europe in it this summer, loads of room inside also and the 'secret' cubby in the boot is huge.

I guess its down to her? the CLC looks 'cooler' depends on needs / how she find it

 

[BaldGuy]

Great to hear A210 that you were "so impressed with the wife" LOL

 

[killwilly]

I'm only a spring chicken by comparison (69), but I love my CLC, a great fun car and surprisingly comfortable. Will probably go for an A or B class when I'm really, really old.

My advice would be get her to test drive both.

 

[Gazza55]

Hi Greg
I have a 2007 B class 180cdi..great car, roomy, good boot, easy driving seat
my missus is 5'2 and loves it......so do i when im not in the racer!
Some people think its like a a class er no look at the space inside!

 

[Noodle-Pulp]

B-Class definitely for the vertically challenged.
Having said that - get her to try both.

 

[BaldGuy]

Cheers all... I have set up a drive of both for her, my preference is the CLC as it looks more sporty but its not for me!!!

 

[Gazza55]

Boy racer meets Lady racer!!!!!!!

 

[markjay]

Like others said, I think that the B-class will be the more suitable car and the practical/logical choice.

But what the heck... she is in her seventies... if she likes the youthful looks of the CLC and can live with it on day to day basis (visibility, entry, etc) then good on her - I am sure she deserves it. Go for it!

 

[Noodle-Pulp]

if she likes the youthful looks of the CLC and can live with it on day to day basis (visibility, entry, etc) then good on her - I am sure she deserves it. Go for it!

yup - rear vis is pretty dismal - why they didn't learn any lessons from the C Sport Coupe is anyone's guess..although... isn't parktronic now standard on the CLC?

 

[finisterre]

I have my 73 year old partners mum interested in a Mercedes

Greg

so she will be over ninety then?

 

[BaldGuy]

LOL.... I may have no hair but I dont do "grab a granny" for a girlfriend!!!

 

[st4]

I'd wager she'd want the CLC, after a Saab drop top she will be used to a lower car and a coupe type car.

Ideally, a CLK even might be the best bet.

 

[grober]

The Brazilian CLC production line stops at the end of this year. The present B class has a couple of more years production before the new model comes out.

 

[Merco]

I'm with Markjay - she sounds like a fiery old bird - as long as she can reach the pedals, let the groovy Granny loose on the CLC and blow the blue rinse outta her hair!!

 

[Smatt]

We have both the (pre CLC) c-coupe & the B!

Although our B200T is the faster car, the C230-coupe I have is definitely the sportier drive with firmer suspension, more direct steering & of course slightly more dynamic looks. It is still practical, being a hatchback. Not so easy to get in & out of the back seats especially in a car park if there is not much room to open the longer doors.

The B is ultra practical- lots of interior space, luggage room, easy to get in/out, nice high driving position.

The CLC is rear wheel drive, the B is fwd. The 9-3 is also fwd, so it will be less of a departure. This makes the B class much easier to get moving on snow/ice & avoids embarassing wheels spinning & lack of progress over winter.
If you are getting autos, the B is a CVT box, the CLC is traditional 5 speed.
There is more rear headroom & space in the B.
The B has 5 seats & seatbelts. CLC has only 4 belts.

Really depends on what she wants out of the car, how agile is she, is she going to have rear passengers often?
I would agree go for a 200 engine for a bit of go.

How about a 3 door A class? These look sporty, but retain much of the functionality & space of the B, plus can be v nippy...

 

[BaldGuy]

Thanks Smatt for the great write up.... She is a born again 50 something, very mobile with no health issues whatsoever.... At the moment and after your write up it looks like the B may fit her better... She never has people in the back to my knowledge and 4 times drives a year drives down to the south of France..

Lets see what she likes and I'll report back... the drives are set up for the 30th...

 

[Chris Akabusi]

The CLC is really quite a low driving position, but i've really enjoyed mine. Selling if you are interested!

 

[BaldGuy]

Thanks Chris... One option she does want if we go with the CLC is the Pano roof..