Mercedes has released images and details of its facelifted CLA saloon and CLA Shooting Brake, prior to the cars’ public debuts at the New York motor show later this month.
The styling changes to the CLA range are rather subtle overall but the car also introduces updates to the interior trims, connectivity options and engine selection.
Design and kit changes
In regards to the styling, the differences with the 2016 facelift include a redesigned grille with diamond-shaped elements, a redesigned front bumper with new silver, black or chrome highlights and new lightweight alloy wheels. The rear bumper is also now optionally available with a panel incorporating a trim strip in chrome or black between the tailpipes.
Blue metallic also joins the CLA’s list of body paint finishes as part of the facelift’s updates. Other new options include LED headlights, a hands-free boot opening function and extra designs for the 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the facelifted CLA now has red needles for the instrument displays, updated and smarter trim panels, new seat upholstery options and new chrome plating for certain controls.
The optional eight-inch infotainment screen has also been updated and has a ‘slimmer’ appearance, according to Mercedes. Crucially, the list of interior options now includes smartphone integration through Apple’s CarPlay or Google’s Android Auto.
New and updated engines
Updates for the CLA’s engine line-up includes an 182bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine for the new, four-wheel drive 220 4MATIC model. Also new is a 120bhp 1.6-litre petrol unit for the 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY edition that exclusively joins the CLA Shooting Brake estate.
The king of performance in the facelifted CLA’s line-up is the CLA 45 4MATIC AMG specification, which now has extra power. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine used for this model has increased its output by 21bhp to 376bhp in total. This leads to a 0-62mph sprint time of 4.2 seconds, or 4.3 for the Shooting Brake.
The most efficient CLA remains the 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY which uses a 107bhp 1.5-litre petrol unit that records 80.7mpg combined and a CO2 output of just 89g/km for the saloon version.
