The 2017 Mercedes-benz Cla-class stands as an appealing entry-level luxury car, offering a blend of style, performance, and technology. This detailed overview explores the standard and optional features available on the CLA-Class, providing potential buyers with a comprehensive understanding of what this model has to offer.
The standard equipment list for the CLA250 model is quite generous, setting a solid foundation for luxury and convenience. It rides on 17-inch wheels and ensures visibility with a rearview camera and automatic wipers. Inside, occupants benefit from dual-zone automatic climate control, ensuring personalized comfort for both driver and passenger. The driver and front passenger enjoy eight-way power front seats, complete with manual thigh adjustment, memory functions, and four-way driver lumbar support, all contributing to a comfortable driving experience. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped, tilt-and-telescoping, further enhancing driver ergonomics. The cabin is appointed with MBTex simulated-leather upholstery and features a versatile 60/40-split folding rear seat for cargo flexibility.
In terms of technology and connectivity, the 2017 CLA250 comes equipped with Mbrace2 emergency communications system for enhanced safety and peace of mind. The Mercedes COMAND tech interface manages the infotainment system, which includes Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls and audio streaming, HD radio for crisp sound quality, a USB port and a media player interface for various media sources, an auxiliary audio jack for legacy devices, and a CD player for traditional media.
For those seeking an elevated experience, Mercedes-Benz offers a range of optional packages. The Premium package enhances convenience and comfort with keyless ignition and entry, heated front seats for colder climates, a blind-spot monitoring system to improve safety during lane changes, satellite radio for broader entertainment options, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system for audiophiles. The Interior package focuses on cabin aesthetics, adding leather upholstery for a touch of luxury, stitched MBTex on the dash and doors for a refined feel, and multicolor ambient lighting to personalize the interior ambiance.
The Multimedia package caters to tech-savvy drivers with a navigation system to guide journeys, voice controls for hands-free operation of infotainment features, and the Smartphone Integration package, which is also available as a standalone option and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
Practicality is further enhanced by the Convenience package, which adds a hands-free power trunk for easy loading and unloading, and auto-dimming driver-side and interior mirrors to reduce nighttime glare. For advanced safety and driver assistance, the Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead and a lane departure warning system to help prevent unintentional lane drifts.
Sporty aesthetics and performance enhancements are available through the Sport package. This package includes special exterior styling elements for a more aggressive look, larger 18-inch AMG wheels for improved handling and visual appeal, and upgraded brakes for enhanced stopping power. For those wanting even more performance, the Sport Package Plus adds a performance-tuned suspension, steering, and exhaust system, taking the CLA250’s driving dynamics to a sportier level. The Night package can be added to either Sport package, introducing 18-inch black AMG wheels and gloss black exterior trim pieces for a distinctive and stealthy appearance.
Beyond packages, a variety of stand-alone options allow for further customization. These include a panoramic sunroof to bring in natural light, bi-LED headlights for improved visibility, an adjustable suspension with Comfort and Sport settings to tailor the ride to driving preferences, an automatic parking system to simplify parking maneuvers, stand-alone blind-spot monitoring, a selection of 18-inch wheel designs to personalize the vehicle’s look, heated front seats as a single option, and a Garmin Map Pilot navigation system, a more basic alternative to the system included in the Multimedia package.
For drivers prioritizing high performance, the AMG CLA 45 represents a significant step up. It boasts a more powerful engine, a different transmission optimized for performance, standard all-wheel drive for enhanced traction, sport tuning of all critical mechanical components including steering, suspension, and brakes, unique AMG styling inside and out, LED headlights as standard, sport seats for better support during spirited driving, and distinctive upholstery combining MBTex simulated leather and Dinamica simulated suede.
Almost all of the CLA250’s optional features are also available on the AMG CLA 45, allowing for personalization even at this higher performance level. Additional AMG-specific options include the AMG Dynamic Plus package, which further enhances performance with its own adaptive suspension, a limited-slip differential for improved cornering, and a special Race mode added to the car’s adjustable drive settings. The AMG Dinamica Interior package adds simulated-suede trim to the dash and steering wheel rim, enhancing the sporty interior ambiance.
Under the hood, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive, with optional 4Matic all-wheel drive for enhanced all-weather capability. Performance is brisk, with Edmunds testing showing a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds, commendable for an entry-level luxury vehicle. Fuel economy is EPA-estimated at 29 mpg combined (24 city/36 highway) for the front-wheel-drive model, slightly lower with all-wheel drive. Real-world testing by Edmunds averaged 28.4 mpg over a 20,000-mile long-term test.
The AMG CLA 45 features a significantly more potent version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 375 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a specialized seven-speed, AMG-tuned transmission and sport-tuned all-wheel drive. Despite its high performance, the AMG CLA 45 achieves a surprisingly reasonable EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway).
In conclusion, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class offers a compelling entry point into the luxury car segment, with a wide array of standard features, extensive customization options, and powerful engine choices ranging from the efficient CLA250 to the high-performance AMG CLA 45. Whether prioritizing fuel economy, luxury features, or exhilarating performance, the 2017 CLA-Class provides a variety of configurations to meet diverse buyer preferences.
