2018 Mercedes-Benz Cla in Alexandria, VA - $19,800

Mercedes-Benz introduced the all new CLA-Class back in 2014. The four-door coupe is a style rebel that takes its design cues from the CLS, whose design concept has inspired more than its fair share of imitators since its debut in Detroit in 2003. This vehicle features world-leading aerodynamics, and avant-garde coupe design. With its frameless doors, the four-door coupe seamlessly carries the design of the Concept Style Coupe into series production.

For 2017, the sporty, expressive design of the CLA is now further honed in a facelift involving new front and rear bumpers as well as new light-alloy wheel designs. The facelifted version of the CLA four-door Coupe made its physical debut at the New York International Auto Show earlier this year. In undertaking the facelift modifications, the Mercedes-Benz designers have subtly honed the distinctive look of the CLA. All models now have a new front bumper with a strip that comes in silver, black or chrome. The rear bumper is optionally available with a panel incorporating a trim strip in chrome or black (Night Package) between the tailpipes. The tailpipe trim panels themselves are now integrated flush into the bumper. This adds visual width to the vehicle and ensures a superior high-quality appearance thanks to even and narrow gaps where the panels join.

There is also a new metallic paint available, Lunar Blue. Most of the available wheels now feature a new design – overall, six different wheels are available to chose from. The CLA previously included the latest generation of assistance and safety systems that are, in some cases, only now gradually being introduced in the other model series.

Available in CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC models, power is generated by 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant. Torque for both models is communicated to the street through a seven-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission) automatic.

Control hardware for the CLA consists of a four-wheel independent suspension system featuring a multi-link setup with coil springs, double-tube shock absorbers and a torsion bar – both front and rear.

Inside the passenger cabin, the interior also benefits from numerous enhancements for 2017, among them new seat covers and trim parts, as well as chrome-plated controls. The highlight for the dashboard is a much slimmer-looking freestanding eight-inch media display with a new-style glass cover, standard equipment. The new-style dials and red needles in the instrument cluster make it easier to read the instruments. A rearview camera is now standard equipment.

Meticulous attention to detail is also evident from the silver chrome finish to the controls and to the fascia and switches in the doors for the electrically adjustable seats, as well as from the chrome surround to the stowage compartment in the center console.

New trim elements in sail-look finish, matte black ash wood, or aluminum with honeycomb grain, serve to liven up the interior. There is also a revised range of seat covers: for the optionally available Interior Package there is a new leather upholstery option in beige/black.

Loading becomes easier with the HANDS-FREE ACCESS option. This system allows the trunk lid or liftgate to be opened without any physical contact; all it takes is a motion of the foot in the area of the rear bumper.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 106.3; overall length: 182.3; width: 70.0; height: 56.6
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder – 208 hp at 5,500 rpm and 258 lbs-ft of torque at 1,250 – 4,000 rpm.
Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 24 city/36 hwy. (FWD); 23 city/32 hwy. (AWD)
Cargo capacity: 13.1 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual front/rear head curtain side-impact airbags, dual front seat knee airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, traction control, electronic stability program, active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, ATTENTION ASSIST, Smart Key with KEYLESS-START, alarm system, rearview camera, Bluetooth hands free phone system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, mbrace Connect, remote engine start via mobile app, and advanced tire pressure monitoring system.

Optional safety features include blind spot assist, lane keeping assist, distance pilot DISTRONIC, parking pilot, LED headlights/taillights, LED daytime running lights, KEYLESS GO, HANDS FREE ACCESS, HomeLink garage door opener, and navigation system.

Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 miles

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA four-door coupe starts from $32,400 for the FWD model and $34,400 for the AWD. Destination charges add $925.