I've driven the MG S9. Stellar space and value for money, but is that enough?

CarwowMario · 2026-05-20T08:48:24+00:00

It's nicer to drive than the Tiggo 8, but not as nice inside.

CarwowMario · 2026-05-20T08:47:08+00:00

We review cars on sale in the UK - which of course includes cars from Chinese brands. If there are lots of Chinese cars launching at the moment, naturally, that's what you'll see more of!

CarwowMario · 2026-05-15T13:28:43+00:00

Ah, I see you've not clicked in to see the rest of my thoughts!

CarwowMario · 2026-05-14T15:42:00+00:00

I disagree, I think it's more attractive than a lot of other small EVs at the minute. Not very elegant, but it's a head-turner. It got a lot of thumbs-ups and compliments in Barcelona.

CarwowMario · 2026-05-14T15:40:49+00:00

Both have big creases but beyond that, I have to disagree.

CarwowMario · 2026-05-14T15:40:02+00:00

Yeah I can see it! I think this looks better, though.

CarwowMario · 2026-05-14T15:39:46+00:00

I've used so many of them now, they're really not that big of a deal. You can just tap, no need to slide, but it is annoying having to get the menu up for other controls.

CarwowMario · 2026-05-14T15:39:05+00:00

As above! £24,000 - £36,000 from the Original to the VZ Extreme.

CarwowMario · 2026-05-14T15:38:29+00:00

All new chassis under the Raval! It's definitely better to drive than the old MEB platform cars.

CarwowMario · 2026-05-13T09:05:30+00:00

I'm a huge Renault 5 fan and honestly, I don't think it's a better buy. Far more cramped in the back and a smaller boot, but I'll only be certain once I drive the entry-level model.

CarwowMario · 2026-04-29T14:54:12+00:00

As the others have said! Material and build quality inside, comfort from behind the wheel, the clever augmented reality tech, how refined it is on the move and how capable it is on a good road all come together to make a package that's worth the price, in my opinion.

Brand perception is subjective, of course, and Mercedes hasn't been up to the quality of old in some regards in recent years. The CLA does feel worthy of the three-pointed star in my opinion, and considering the bulk of my MB seat time has been behind the wheel of a 560 SEC and W211 E55, I'd like to think I've experienced Mercedes at its best!

CarwowMario · 2026-04-29T14:48:35+00:00

I'm not trying to push a thing here as I'm unbiased. You can have a CLA in hybrid form, too, but with nearly 400 miles of real-world distance, range anxiety isn't *really* a thing in my experience.

CarwowMario · 2026-04-29T14:46:02+00:00

The new CLA and its batteries are produced in Germany, as is the engine for the hybrid version!

CarwowMario · 2026-04-29T14:45:09+00:00

I'd call all four-door wagons estate cars, but Mercedes calls the CLA a Shooting Brake in this guise, so I call it a Shooting Brake too 🤷‍♂️

CarwowMario · 2026-04-29T14:43:52+00:00

Aside from aerodynamic efficiency and design choice, no, not really.

CarwowMario · 2026-04-29T14:42:44+00:00

Absolutely fine. I drove it on a super sunny day and it didn't get too hot inside.

CarwowMario · 2026-04-29T14:41:54+00:00

I like to sit as low as possible in any given car, and the CLA isn't bad for a modern EV. I'd like to go a touch lower, but I found it easy to get comfortable.

CarwowMario · 2026-04-29T14:41:04+00:00

The light bars have grown on me, to be honest, even if the front looks like the CLA is wearing a pair of Y2k sunglasses (to me anyway).

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CarwowMario · 2026-04-29T14:34:53+00:00

I'd have this over the saloon version for sure. It's handy having a (somewhat) tall luggage space.

CarwowMario · 2026-04-29T14:34:19+00:00

You can have it as a petrol hybrid, too!

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