The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 stands as an appealing entry point into the world of Mercedes-Benz luxury, offering a blend of style, performance, and technology in a compact package. This model year boasts a range of standard features and customizable options designed to cater to diverse preferences and needs. Let’s delve into what makes the 2017 CLA 250 a noteworthy contender in the luxury car segment.
Standard Equipment: Setting the Foundation for Luxury
The CLA 250 comes generously equipped right from the base model. Exterior features include stylish 17-inch wheels and practical automatic wipers, enhancing both aesthetics and convenience. A rearview camera is standard, a crucial safety feature for modern driving. Inside, the cabin prioritizes comfort and convenience with dual-zone automatic climate control ensuring personalized temperature settings for driver and passenger. Eight-way power front seats, complete with manual thigh adjustment, memory functions, and four-way driver lumbar support, provide a high degree of adjustability for optimal driving posture. The tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel further enhances driver comfort and control.
The interior is appointed with MBTex simulated-leather upholstery, offering a premium feel. Practicality is addressed with a 60/40-split folding rear seat, expanding cargo space when needed. For emergency assistance and connectivity, the CLA 250 includes Mbrace2 emergency communications. Mercedes’ COMAND tech interface manages the infotainment system, which includes Bluetooth connectivity, HD radio, a USB port, a media player interface, an auxiliary audio jack, and a CD player, ensuring a wide array of entertainment options.
Optional Packages: Tailoring Your CLA 250
Mercedes-Benz offers a variety of packages to elevate the CLA 250 beyond its already impressive standard features. The Premium package adds keyless ignition and entry for enhanced convenience, heated front seats for colder climates, a blind-spot monitoring system to bolster safety, satellite radio for expanded entertainment, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system for audiophiles.
For those seeking a more luxurious interior ambiance, the Interior package delivers leather upholstery, stitched MBTex on the dash and doors, and multicolor ambient lighting, allowing for personalized cabin aesthetics. Technology enthusiasts will appreciate the Multimedia package, which includes a navigation system, voice controls, and the Smartphone Integration package, offering seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (also available as a standalone option).
The Convenience package further enhances everyday usability with a hands-free power trunk, simplifying cargo access, and auto-dimming driver-side and interior mirrors to reduce glare. For advanced driver assistance, the Driver Assistance package incorporates adaptive cruise control and a lane departure warning system, contributing to a safer and more relaxed driving experience.
Sporty aesthetics and performance upgrades are available through several packages. The Sport package features unique exterior styling, 18-inch AMG wheels, and upgraded brakes for enhanced visual appeal and stopping power. Stepping up to the Sport Package Plus adds performance-tuned suspension, steering, and exhaust to the Sport package features, sharpening the driving dynamics. The Night package complements the Sport packages with 18-inch black AMG wheels and gloss black exterior trim pieces for a more aggressive and distinctive look.
Stand-Alone Options: Further Customization
Beyond packages, a range of stand-alone options allows for highly individualized configurations. A panoramic sunroof brings in more natural light and fresh air. Bi-LED headlights offer improved visibility and a modern appearance. An adjustable suspension with Comfort and Sport settings allows drivers to tailor the ride to their preferences. The automatic parking system simplifies parking maneuvers. Blind-spot monitoring can also be added as a stand-alone option. A variety of 18-inch wheel designs provide further personalization. Heated front seats are available individually, as is the Garmin Map Pilot navigation system, a more affordable alternative to the full navigation system in the Multimedia package.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is powered by a responsive turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for daily driving and confident acceleration. A seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission ensures smooth and efficient gear changes, and front-wheel drive is standard, with 4Matic all-wheel drive available as an option for enhanced traction and all-weather capability.
In terms of performance, the CLA 250 demonstrates respectable agility. Edmunds testing recorded a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.4 seconds, which is considered quick for an entry-level luxury vehicle. Fuel economy is also a strong point, with EPA-estimated ratings of 29 mpg combined (24 city/36 highway) for the front-wheel-drive model. The all-wheel-drive version has slightly lower fuel economy figures. Real-world testing by Edmunds in a long-term test yielded an average of 28.4 mpg, demonstrating the CLA 250’s commendable fuel efficiency in everyday use.
The AMG CLA 45: A Step Up in Performance
For those seeking significantly enhanced performance, the AMG CLA 45 variant represents a substantial upgrade. It features a more potent turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 375 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. This model comes standard with a specialized seven-speed, AMG-tuned transmission and sport-tuned all-wheel drive. Beyond the powertrain, the AMG CLA 45 boasts sport-tuned steering, suspension, and brakes, unique styling elements, LED headlights, sport seats, and distinctive upholstery. Optional performance enhancements for the AMG CLA 45 include the AMG Dynamic Plus package with adaptive suspension, a limited-slip differential, and a Race mode, and the AMG Dinamica Interior package for interior trim upgrades.
Conclusion: The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 – A Well-Rounded Luxury Choice
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 successfully combines Mercedes-Benz luxury and refinement into a smaller, more accessible package. Its comprehensive standard equipment list, extensive optional packages, and stand-alone options allow buyers to tailor the vehicle to their specific desires. With a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, and the availability of all-wheel drive, the 2017 CLA 250 is a compelling choice for those seeking an entry-level luxury car that doesn’t compromise on features or driving experience.
