The C117 CLA was Mercedes-Benz entering a segment it had avoided for decades — the premium compact coupe.
Revealed at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the CLA was an immediate sensation. Its swooping roofline and aggressive stance defied expectations for an entry-level model.
The CLA 45 AMG, producing 355 hp from a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, became the world's most powerful production four-cylinder at launch.
A Shooting Brake estate variant followed in 2015, broadening the lineup's appeal to buyers who wanted style without sacrificing practicality.
Production timeline
- 2013C117 CLA revealed at Detroit Auto Show
- 2013CLA 45 AMG announced
- 2015CLA Shooting Brake introduced
- 2016Mid-cycle refresh
- 2019Production ends, C118 successor introduced
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