Their sporty proportions and powerful, dynamic design language characterised by sensuously rounded contours make the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake quite unmistakable.
In addition, the CLA Shooting Brake offers a concept that is unique in this class of vehicle: while certain styling elements, such as frameless windows, give the car the character of a coupé, it also offers the versatility and practicality of an estate car.
In undertaking the facelift modifications, the Mercedes-Benz designers have subtly honed the distinctive look of the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake. All models now have a diamond radiator grille in black as standard, plus 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 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 a new paintwork shade, cavansite blue metallic. The range of available wheels has also been significantly extended. There is now a choice of five 45.7 cm (18-inch) light-alloy wheels, all in all, including one in a new 5-twin-spoke design in conjunction with the AMG Line. This is available in two colours (painted black or titanium grey, with a high-sheen finish).
Both the CLA and the CLA Shooting Brake already 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.
Among these are, for example, Active Brake Assist as standard (known until now as COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS), which is able to trigger autonomous braking as a means of reducing the danger of rear-end collisions, as well as the transmission mode selection function DYNAMIC SELECT. With this system the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission and steering at the driver's behest.
The ambient lighting system, which can be individualised by setting any one of twelve colour moods, has been part of the specification since the start.
The interior: slimmer display, new trim parts, chrome-plated controls
The interior also benefits from features such as new seat covers and trim parts, as well as chrome-plated controls. The highlight here is a much slimmer-looking freestanding 20.3 cm (8-inch) media display with a new-style glass cover.
This is available as an option for the Audio 20 USB and Audio 20 CD systems. The new-style dials and red needles in the instrument cluster make it easier to read the instruments.
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 centre console.
New trim elements in sail-look finish, matt black ash wood (in conjunction with Exclusive package), black DINAMICA microfibre (optional in conjunction with AMG Line) or aluminium with honeycomb grain, serve to liven up the interior.
There is also a revised range of seat covers: for the Exclusive package (optional extra) there is a new leather upholstery option in sahara beige/black, while the Urban equipment line is now available with a combination of ARTICO man-made leather/Maringá fabric in crystal grey or black. Customers opting for black can choose between designs with white or blue highlights.