2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA: A Compact Luxury Coupe
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA aimed to capture a younger, more style-conscious demographic with its sleek, coupe-like design and premium badge at a more accessible price point. It offered a blend of sporty driving dynamics, sophisticated technology, and Mercedes-Benz's renowned build quality within a compact four-door package.
Highlights
- Engine Options: The CLA came standard with a lively 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In the CLA 250, this engine produced a healthy 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing brisk acceleration and a spirited driving experience. The performance-oriented CLA 45 AMG amplified this with a hand-built 2.0-liter turbo-four delivering a potent 375 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, making it a true pocket rocket.
- Safety Features: Mercedes-Benz equipped the 2017 CLA with a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety technologies designed to protect occupants and aid the driver:
- ATTENTION ASSIST: This system monitors driving behavior for signs of drowsiness and alerts the driver with visual and audible cues to encourage a break.
- COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS: This advanced system provided adaptive braking assistance. It could detect an impending collision and either alert the driver or initiate partial braking to mitigate the severity of an impact, or even prevent it at lower speeds.
- Optional Active Parking Assist: This feature could identify parallel parking spots and automatically steer the vehicle into the space with driver control over acceleration and braking.
- Optional Blind Spot Assist: Sensors in the rear bumper monitored the vehicle's blind spots. If a vehicle was detected, a warning light would appear in the side mirror, and if the turn signal was activated, an audible warning would sound.
- Optional Lane Keeping Assist: This system used a camera to detect unintentional lane departures and would gently steer the vehicle back into its lane or provide a steering wheel vibration warning.
- Trims:
- CLA 250: This was the entry-level model, offering a balance of luxury and performance for everyday driving.
- CLA 250 4MATIC: This version added Mercedes-Benz's all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and stability in various weather conditions.
- AMG CLA 45: This high-performance variant was a significant step up, boasting a more powerful engine, sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and aggressive styling cues.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Striking Exterior Design: The CLA's most defining feature was its dramatic, coupe-like profile with a gracefully sloping roofline, frameless doors, and distinctive LED lighting. This styling set it apart from more conventional sedans.
- Premium Interior: The cabin exuded a modern and upscale ambiance with high-quality materials, intuitive controls, and signature Mercedes-Benz design elements like the distinctive air vents and available ambient lighting.
- Infotainment System: The COMAND infotainment system, while not the most cutting-edge by today's standards, offered a well-integrated experience with a central display, rotary controller, and voice commands for navigation, audio, and climate control.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA typically involves an ownership experience that balances everyday usability with a touch of sportiness and luxury.
- Driving Experience: The CLA 250 offers a comfortable yet engaging ride, suitable for daily commutes and weekend drives. The suspension strikes a good balance between absorbing road imperfections and providing a responsive feel. The AMG CLA 45, however, prioritizes performance, resulting in a firmer ride that is more exhilarating but potentially less comfortable for long journeys on rough roads.
- Maintenance: As a luxury vehicle, routine maintenance for the CLA will generally be more expensive than for a non-luxury compact car. Expect costs for oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, and brake services to be higher, reflecting the use of specialized parts and labor. Adhering to the recommended service schedule outlined in the owner's manual is crucial for maintaining the vehicle's performance and longevity.
- Insurance: Insurance premiums for a Mercedes-Benz CLA are generally higher than for comparable non-luxury vehicles due to its premium branding, higher purchase price, and potentially higher repair costs in the event of an accident. Factors such as your driving record, age, location, and chosen coverage levels will significantly impact your specific insurance costs.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA offers many appealing qualities, potential buyers should be aware of a few aspects:
- Rear Seat Space and Access: The coupe-like styling, while attractive, compromises rear passenger comfort. The sloping roofline limits headroom for taller occupants, and the rear doors are smaller, making ingress and egress more challenging than in a traditional sedan. The rear seats are best suited for occasional use or for children.
- Ride Comfort (Especially AMG): As mentioned, the focus on sporty handling, particularly in the AMG CLA 45, can translate to a firmer ride. Those prioritizing a plush and isolated ride may find it less appealing. Even the CLA 250 has a sportier tuned suspension than some other luxury sedans in its class.
- Infotainment System Usability: While functional, the COMAND system, especially compared to newer Mercedes-Benz iterations, can feel a bit dated and less intuitive for some users. The screen is not a touchscreen, relying solely on the rotary controller and buttons, which can take some getting used to.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA is a compelling choice for buyers seeking a stylish and sporty compact luxury vehicle. Its head-turning design, engaging performance (especially in AMG guise), and premium interior appointments make it a desirable option. While rear-seat practicality and ride comfort can be compromises for some, the CLA excels at delivering a distinctive and enjoyable driving experience with the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand.