2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA: Evolution Trumps Revolution

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

Mercedes-Benz has released details about the refreshed 2017 CLA bound for next week’s New York International Auto Show.

Changes to the sedan (or “four-door coupe,” if you must) are mainly limited to minor upgrades all around — an exterior facelift both front and rear, increased trim and wheel options, as well as technological improvements.

Outside, the CLA sports redesigned front and rear bumpers, optional trim strips and tailpipe panels that integrate flush with the bumper. High-performance LED headlamps that emit a more natural-colored light are optional.

New light alloy designs bump the number of wheel options up to six for the CLA250 and CLA250 4matic, while two new wheels offerings join the AMG CLA45.

Inside, new seat cover and trim options abound, and chrome-plated controls provide a boost in brightwork. The media center has been redesigned to look slimmer, while new dials and an easier to read instrument cluster round out the more notable changes.

On the tech front, hands-free access is now an option, allowing grocery-laden owners to open the trunk or liftgate by moving their foot underneath the rear bumper. A rear-view camera is now standard equipment on U.S.-bound models.

Another safety feature — Active Brake Assist — has become standard, providing autonomous emergency braking when it’s needed.

Engine choices for the CLA line are a carryover from last year. A direct-injection, turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four makes 208 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque in the CLA250, while the AMG CLA45’s hand-built mill, also displacing 2.0-liters, is rated at 375 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines are mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic, though the AMG’s version now comes with shorter gear ratios for improved performance.

A “Dynamic Select” driving mode is now standard on both drivetrains, modifying the engine, transmission and steering feel to meet the driver’s preference.

[Images: Mercedes-Benz]




Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Robbie Robbie on Mar 16, 2016

    Mercedes is Caddilacking out its reputation.

  • DrGastro997 DrGastro997 on Mar 20, 2016

    I think the keyword for the Hungarian built CLA is simply "fancy looking" and nothing more. A very young doc that joined us last year bought one and is crying with guilt. It rattles, it shakes and it breaks consistently. We warned him like a group of fathers warning their own son (I suddenly feel old) but to no sign of obedience. At least he gets to drive an upgrade when he gets to the service department, via a flat bed or on half an engine, with a C-class or an Infiniti from next door when all MB loaners are out. MB was once great. I think they can do better again, someday.

  • 3-On-The-Tree I’m sure they are good vehicles but you can’t base that on who is buying them. Land Rovers, Bentley’ are bought by Robin Leaches’s “The Rich and Famous” but they have terrible reliability.
  • SCE to AUX The fix sounds like a bandaid. Kia's not going to address the defective shaft assemblies because it's hard and expensive - not cool.
  • Analoggrotto I am sick and tired of every little Hyundai Kia Genesis flaw being blown out of proportion. Why doesn't TTAC talk about the Tundra iForce Max problems, Toyota V35A engine problems or the Lexus 500H Hybrid problems? Here's why: education. Most of America is illiterate, as are the people who bash Hyundai Kia Genesis. Surveys conducted by credible sources have observed a high concentration of Hyundai Kia Genesis models at elite ivy league universities, you know those places where students earn degrees which earn more than $100K per year? Get with the program TTAC.
  • Analoggrotto NoooooooO!
  • Ted “the model is going to be almost 4 inches longer and 2 inches wider than its predecessor”Size matters. In this case there is 6” too much.
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