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2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA is a mid-cycle refresh with revised front and rear styling. It also gains a slimmer, wider 8-inch center display and a standard rearview camera, while its engines and transmissions carry over.
About the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA
1st generation CLA (C117), 2014-2019 in the US; 2017 is the mid-cycle refresh year.
Mercedes-Benz positions the CLA as a compact four-door with coupe-like style, sporty road manners, and an upscale feel in a smaller, more attainable package than a C-Class. The core appeal is visual drama, a strong turbo engine, sporty front seats, and advanced safety and infotainment touches wrapped in a sleek fastback shape. It is aimed more at buyers who value design, badge appeal, and nimble daily driving than roomy rear-seat comfort.
The CLA 250 is the core, front-wheel-drive model, pairing coupe-like styling with a 208-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed automatic, and driver aids such as automatic emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor. The CLA 250 4MATIC has the same engine and main cabin features but adds all-wheel drive for extra traction.
What changed, by category
Styling
Mercedes revised the front and rear exterior styling, updated the gauge graphics and cabin trim details, and added LED headlamps to the options list.
Safety
The rearview camera became standard across the CLA lineup.
Tech
A slimmer, wider 8-inch center display replaced the previous screen. Remote start became standard, while smartphone integration and hands-free trunk access joined the options list.
2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Dbl Clutch | Auto, 7-Spd Dbl Clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 208 hp | 208 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 27.1 in | 27.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA a redesigned model?
No. The 2017 CLA is a mid-cycle update of the first-generation model, not a full redesign. Its main changes are refreshed exterior styling, revised interior details, a wider center display, and more standard or optional equipment.
Does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA have a standard rearview camera?
Yes. A rearview camera became standard across the 2017 CLA lineup; it had been optional for 2016.
Did the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA get a new engine?
No. The CLA 250 and CLA 250 4MATIC retain the 208-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and seven-speed automatic transmission. The 4MATIC model continues with all-wheel drive.
What technology changed in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA?
The 2017 CLA received a slimmer, wider 8-inch center display and standard remote start. Smartphone integration and hands-free trunk access were also added as options.
What does the 2017 CLA add over the 2016 model?
The 2017 CLA adds refreshed front and rear styling, updated gauges and interior trim, a wider 8-inch center display, a standard rearview camera, and standard remote start. It also adds optional LED headlamps, smartphone integration, and hands-free trunk access, while the main powertrains remain unchanged.
2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
4.0
2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA
(108 reviews)
“Mercedes is the best brand of vehicle in terms of driving performance on the market. You can't go wrong with a Mercedes.”
“It is a beautiful vehicle. Performs very well. Is comfortable to ride in. Spacious in the front and the trunk.”