2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA Arrives With New Face, More Refined Interior

After three years on the market, Mercedes-Benz has given the CLA a facelift.

Making its live debut at the upcoming 2016 New York Auto Show, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 and Mercedes-AMG CLA45 now feature a new front bumper with a silver, black or chrome trim strip. The rear bumper is optionally available with a panel incorporating a trim strip in either chrome or black (Night Package) between the exhaust tips. Additionally, the tailpipe trim panels are now integrated flush into the bumper, adding visual width to the four-door coupe.

On sale in the U.S. since 2013, the German automaker has also added a new color to the CLA lineup, a metallic paint shade called Lunar Blue. The majority of the available wheels have a new design with six choices to choose from for the CLA250.

Under the hood of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine outputting 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The powerplant is mated to a standard 7G-DCT and is available in both front-wheel drive or optional 4MATIC.

SEE ALSO: 2016 New York Auto Show Coverage

The more powerful Mercedes-AMG CLA45 also has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an impressive 375 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The CLA45 model also receives improved aerodynamics to further reduce its coefficient of drag with the AMG front bumper sporting a new A-wing design with front splitter inserts in matte titanium grey and high-gloss black flics. There is also a new AMG lip spoiler on the trunk lid.

Buyers can opt for an AMG Aerodynamics package that adds a larger front splitter, additional flics, a black AMG lip spoiler as well as black accents over the simulated air outlets on the rear bumper.

Inside, the CLA models benefit from a slimmer-looking, freestanding eight-inch media display with a new-style glass cover as standard equipment in the U.S. The instrument cluster receives new-style dials and red needles, making it easier to read compared to its predecessor. The German automaker has also added a revised range of seat covers, while the optional Interior package gets a new leather upholstery option in beige/black.

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