The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 stands as an appealing entry point into the world of luxury vehicles, offering a blend of style, performance, and technology that caters to discerning drivers. This guide delves into the standard and optional features, performance specifications, and overall value proposition of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class CLA 250, providing a comprehensive overview for potential buyers and enthusiasts alike.
Standard Equipment: Luxury at its Foundation
The CLA 250 comes generously equipped right from the base model, ensuring a premium experience from the moment you get behind the wheel. Standard features designed for comfort, convenience, and safety include:
- Wheels and Visibility: 17-inch wheels provide a stylish stance, while automatic wipers ensure clear visibility in inclement weather. A rearview camera enhances safety and ease of parking.
- Climate Control and Seating: Dual-zone automatic climate control allows personalized comfort for both driver and passenger. Eight-way power front seats with manual thigh adjustment, memory functions, and four-way driver lumbar adjustment offer exceptional seating customization.
- Steering and Upholstery: A tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a touch of luxury and ergonomic adjustability. MBTex simulated-leather upholstery provides a durable and elegant interior surface.
- Practicality and Connectivity: 60/40-split folding rear seats offer versatility for cargo and passenger needs. Mbrace2 emergency communications system provides an added layer of safety and assistance. The Mercedes COMAND tech interface, Bluetooth connectivity, HD radio, a USB port, a media player interface, an auxiliary audio jack, and a CD player ensure comprehensive infotainment options.
Optional Packages: Tailoring Your CLA 250 to Perfection
Mercedes-Benz offers a range of optional packages to elevate the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class CLA 250 experience further, allowing owners to customize their vehicle to their specific preferences:
- Premium Package: Enhances convenience and comfort with keyless ignition and entry, heated front seats, a blind-spot monitoring system, satellite radio, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system.
- Interior Package: Adds an extra layer of luxury with leather upholstery, stitched MBTex on the dash and doors, and customizable multicolor ambient lighting to set the mood.
- Multimedia Package: Integrates advanced navigation with a navigation system and voice controls. It also includes the Smartphone Integration package, which is also available separately and adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
- Convenience Package: Increases practicality with a hands-free power trunk and auto-dimming driver-side and interior mirrors.
- Driver Assistance Package: Focuses on advanced safety features with adaptive cruise control and a lane departure warning system.
- Sport Package: Gives a more athletic appearance and driving feel with special exterior styling, 18-inch AMG wheels, and upgraded brakes.
- Sport Package Plus: Builds upon the Sport Package with performance-tuned suspension, steering, and exhaust for a more dynamic driving experience.
- Night Package: Adds a distinctive and aggressive aesthetic to the Sport packages with 18-inch black AMG wheels and gloss black exterior trim pieces.
Stand-Alone Options: Fine-Tuning Your Choices
Beyond packages, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class CLA 250 offers a selection of stand-alone options for highly personalized customization:
- Panoramic Sunroof: Brings an open and airy feel to the cabin.
- Bi-LED Headlights: Provide enhanced visibility and a modern lighting signature.
- Adjustable Suspension: Allows drivers to choose between Comfort and Sport settings for adaptable ride dynamics.
- Automatic Parking System: Simplifies parking maneuvers in tight spaces.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring: Enhances safety by alerting drivers to vehicles in their blind spots (also available in the Premium Package).
- Wheel Designs: A variety of 18-inch wheel designs to further personalize the vehicle’s appearance.
- Heated Front Seats: Provide added comfort in colder climates (also available in the Premium Package).
- Garmin Map Pilot Navigation System: Offers navigation functionality as a less comprehensive alternative to the Multimedia package’s system.
Performance and Engine: Efficient Power
Under the hood, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing quick and smooth gear changes. Front-wheel drive is standard, while 4Matic all-wheel drive is available as an option for enhanced traction and all-weather capability.
Performance figures are respectable for an entry-level luxury car, with Edmunds testing recording a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.4 seconds. Fuel economy is also a strong point, with EPA estimates of 29 mpg combined (24 city/36 highway) for the front-wheel-drive model. The all-wheel-drive version has slightly lower fuel economy ratings. In real-world testing, Edmunds averaged 28.4 mpg over a 20,000-mile long-term test, demonstrating the CLA 250’s efficiency in everyday driving conditions.
AMG CLA 45: Stepping Up the Performance
For those seeking a significant boost in performance, the AMG CLA 45 represents a substantial upgrade. It features a more powerful, hand-built turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 375 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The AMG CLA 45 also includes a specialized AMG-tuned transmission, sport-tuned all-wheel drive, and performance enhancements to the steering, suspension, and brakes. Unique styling cues, LED headlights, sport seats, and distinctive upholstery further differentiate the AMG model. Most of the CLA 250’s options are also available on the AMG CLA 45, with additional AMG-specific options like the AMG Dynamic Plus package for even more track-focused performance.
Conclusion: A Well-Rounded Luxury Choice
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 offers a compelling package for those seeking a luxury sedan with a sporty edge. Its comprehensive standard equipment, extensive options for customization, efficient yet spirited engine, and available all-wheel drive make it a versatile and desirable vehicle in its class. Whether you prioritize comfort and technology or performance and style, the CLA 250 provides a solid foundation with ample opportunity to tailor it to your individual needs and preferences.
