Stuttgart’s luxury compact sedan saw a refresh this week at the New York International Auto Show with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA-class. While still maintaining the look of the last CLA, subtle changes have been made to the front and rear bumpers, as well as the interior to hone the distinctive look of the CLA. All CLA models now have a new front bumper with trim available in silver, black or chrome. A similar package can be applied to the rear bumper which has the option for a panel betweeen the tailpipes which comes in chrome, or black if you choose the Night Package. Furthermore, the tailpipe trim panels themselves are now integrated flush into the bumper which adds visual width to the vehicle. In addition to the new body design and six new wheel choices, Mercedes added a new metallic paint color to the lineup called Lunar Blue.
The 2017 CLA continues to offer many of the safety and technology features that were on the vehicle from the start. The current CLA includes assistance and safety systems that are gradually being introduced into other Mercedes-Benz cars. Some of these include Active Brake Assist, as well as DYNAMIC SELECT which allows the driver to adjust vehicle characteristics at the touch of a button, as the system alters the engine, transmission and steering feel.
The CLA will also continue to have its ambient lighting system, which affords the driver a choice of 12 ‘color moods’. Loading your new CLA becomes easier with optional HANDS-FREE ACCESS as a part of the Premium Package. This system allows the trunk lid or tailgate to be opened without touching the vehicle; simply requiring a motion of the foot by the rear bumper.
Updates to the interior of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA include new seat covers and chrome-plated controls. The updated infotainment system features a new, slimmer-looking, freestanding 8-inch media display with a new-style glass cover that comes standard with the car in the US. Also refreshed is the instrument cluster which has new red needles and restyled dials for easier viewing.
Last, but not least, are the optional all-new LED High Performance headlamps. These LEDs use a softer color of light than traditional xenon lamps to ease the strain on the drivers eyes. Additionally, the tail lights adjust to light conditions in order to help other drivers at night by reducing harshness and glare.
The 2017 CLA will come with a four-cylinder engie that delivers an output of 208 horsepower and is paired with the 7G-DCT automatic transmission. It is available in both front-wheel drive or with optional 4MATIC. According to Mercedes, the CLA will hit 60 in 6.9 seconds (6.8 with AWD) and go all the way up to a top speed of 130 mph.
The 2017 CLA is scheduled to reach dealers the third quarter of 2016.
To see the CLA’s bigh brother, the C-Class, in action, check out our review below:
