2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA


Mercedes sent the CLA and its Shooting Brake counterpart to the plastic surgeon for a light refresh and these are the results.

The differences are subtle on the outside with new bumpers, a diamond radiator grille and new alloy wheel designs as Mercedes didn’t want to mess too much with the successful design of its compact model.


The cabin now benefits from new upholstery options and trim parts, as well as chrome-plated controls while on the technology front Mercedes added a slimmer-looking freestanding eight-inch media display.

Other new tech features include the Active Brake Assist safety system, the Hands Free Access system which allows the tailgate to be opened without any physical contact and the optional LED High Performance headlamps which offer a color temperature closer to daylight than traditional xenon headlamps.


US models will be available with two petrol engines: the turbocharged 208 hp 2.0-litre in the CLA 250, mated exclusively to the seven-speed DCT gearbox and a choice between front- and all-wheel drive, and the updated turbocharged 375 hp 2.0-litre in the range-topping CLA 45 AMG. The latter needs just 4.1 seconds for the 0-60 mph procedure, with a limiter top speed of 155 mph and a front mechanical limited-slip differential available in conjunction with the Dynamic Plus pack as an option.

As for that sleek-looking Shooting Brake version, Mercedes is keeping it away from the US market again. European customers will be able to choose between a much wider range of diesel and petrol engines, with the most fuel efficient model to be the CLA 180 d which offers 109 hp and 89 g/km of CO2.


Also new for Europe is the CLA 220 4Matic version, which combines a 184 hp 2.0-litre petrol engine with all-wheel drive while the Shooting Brake is now offered with the 122 hp 1.6-litre petrol unit in the CLA 180 version.

Mercedes claims that they were able to make the CLA 45 AMG more aerodynamic, thanks to the new design of the spoiler lip on the boot lid, the front apron with splitter inserts and the rear diffuser which features four vertical fins. An optional aerodynamics pack is available to those who want more visual presence, including a larger front splitter, additional flics, a black AMG spoiler lip and a pair of winglets over the air outlets on either side at the back.


Regular models gain a new color option, Cavansite blue metallic with Mercedes offering a choice of five 18-inch alloy wheel options. AMG models can be upgraded to 19-inch cross-spoke design alloy wheels.

The 2017 Mercedes CLA is expected to hit the US showrooms in the third quarter of 2016 while customers in Europe will be able to order one from this April.