The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA stands out as an entry-level luxury car that combines style, performance, and technology. This model year offers a range of features and options designed to cater to diverse preferences. Let’s delve into what makes the 2017 CLA a compelling choice.
The standard CLA250 model comes well-equipped with features aimed at comfort, convenience, and technology. Exterior features include 17-inch wheels, automatic wipers, and a rearview camera for enhanced visibility. Inside the cabin, you’ll find dual-zone automatic climate control ensuring a comfortable environment for both driver and passenger. Eight-way power front seats with manual thigh adjustment, memory functions, and four-way driver lumbar adjustment provide customizable comfort for the driver. The tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a touch of luxury and adjustability.
For seating surfaces, the CLA250 utilizes MBTex simulated-leather upholstery, which is durable and easy to maintain. The 60/40-split folding rear seat adds versatility for cargo and passenger configurations. Staying connected is easy with Mbrace2 emergency communications system, the Mercedes COMAND tech interface, Bluetooth connectivity, HD radio, a USB port, a media player interface, an auxiliary audio jack, and a CD player.
Mercedes-Benz offers several optional packages to further enhance the 2017 CLA250. The Premium package adds keyless ignition and entry for convenience, heated front seats for cold climates, a blind-spot monitoring system for added safety, satellite radio for entertainment, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system for audiophiles. For a more luxurious interior feel, the Interior package includes leather upholstery, stitched MBTex on the dash and doors, and multicolor ambient lighting to personalize the cabin ambiance.
Technology upgrades are available through the Multimedia package, which features a navigation system and voice controls for easier operation of infotainment functions. Smartphone integration is also available, either as part of the Multimedia package or separately, and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration of smartphone features with the car’s system.
Practicality is addressed with the Convenience package, offering a hands-free power trunk for easier loading and unloading, and auto-dimming driver-side and interior mirrors to reduce glare. For advanced safety and driver assistance, the Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control and a lane departure warning system.
For those seeking a sportier aesthetic and driving experience, the Sport package adds unique exterior styling elements, 18-inch AMG wheels, and upgraded brakes. Taking sportiness a step further, the Sport Package Plus includes performance-tuned suspension, steering, and exhaust enhancements. The Night package can be combined with the Sport packages, adding 18-inch black AMG wheels and gloss black exterior trim pieces for a more aggressive look.
Stand-alone options for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 provide further customization. These include a panoramic sunroof for an open and airy feel, bi-LED headlights for improved visibility, and an adjustable suspension with Comfort and Sport settings to tailor the ride quality. An automatic parking system simplifies parking maneuvers, and blind-spot monitoring can be added as a stand-alone option if not included in a package. A variety of 18-inch wheel designs are available to personalize the car’s appearance. Heated front seats are also offered individually, as is the Garmin Map Pilot navigation system, a more basic navigation option compared to the system in the Multimedia package.
Stepping up to the AMG CLA 45 model brings significant performance and styling upgrades. The AMG CLA 45 boasts a more powerful engine, a different transmission, and standard all-wheel drive (4Matic). It also features sport tuning of key mechanical components such as steering, suspension, and brakes, resulting in a more dynamic driving experience. Unique exterior and interior styling cues differentiate the AMG model, along with LED headlights, sport seats, and special upholstery combining MBTex simulated leather and Dinamica simulated suede.
Most of the CLA250’s optional features are also available on the AMG CLA 45, allowing for a high degree of customization. Furthermore, the AMG CLA 45 offers exclusive options. The AMG Dynamic Plus package enhances performance with its own adaptive suspension, a limited-slip differential, and a 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 for a sportier interior ambiance.
Under the hood, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive is standard, with optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. Performance is brisk, with Edmunds testing showing a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds, impressive 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. Edmunds’ long-term testing averaged 28.4 mpg, demonstrating real-world fuel efficiency close to EPA estimates.
The AMG CLA 45 elevates performance significantly with a hand-built, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 375 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. It uses a specialized seven-speed, AMG-tuned transmission and sport-tuned all-wheel drive as standard. Despite its high performance, the AMG CLA 45 still achieves a respectable EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway).
In conclusion, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA offers a compelling blend of luxury, technology, and performance in a compact package. Whether you choose the well-equipped CLA250 or the high-performance AMG CLA 45, the 2017 CLA provides a range of options to suit various needs and preferences within the entry-level luxury segment.
