Back in January of 2013, Mercedes-Benz->ke187 pulled the sheets on the CLA Class->ke3130 at the North American International Auto Show.->ke222 The car was a bit of a gamble for the German automaker, combining a compact, entry-level platform with four doors and a fastback coupe roofline. The formula ended up working and the CLA went on to be a smash hit, selling in record numbers across the globe. Alongside more pedestrian specifications was the hotrod AMG->ke8 model, which packed in aggressive styling, driver-oriented interior amenities, sharper suspension, and a serious power boost. Last year, the AMG CLA45 got even more underhood performance, and now, Mercedes is giving it a refresh with new body components and new cabin equipment.

Overall, it’s a pretty mild update for the four-door coupe,->ke141 but considering the car’s popularity, not to mention last year’s horsepower infusion, Mercedes didn’t need to do much to keep the buyers rolling in.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Mercedes-AMG CLA45.

Exterior

Mercedes says it originally intended for the CLA45 to resemble the much larger (and far more imposing) CLS 3 AMG, and on balance, the similarities are abundantly obvious. This still holds true as we enter the 2017 model year, even down to the slew of minor exterior styling tweaks rendered for the latest CLA refresh.

As far as performance is concerned, Mercedes says the CLA45 now boasts better aerodynamics and a lower coefficient of drag than the outgoing model. Aesthetically speaking, the new model is every bit as aggressive as before, boldly declaring its sporting intensions compared to the lesser CLA trim levels.

In front, there’s a new fascia, which is dominated by a standard radiator grille finished in silver chrome and bisected by Merc’s tri-pointed star. There’s also a new “A-wing design” front bumper with matte titanium grey inserts and high-gloss black canards in the corners.

LED headlights are now standard, with projectors for the low beams and reflectors for the high beams. The lights use a color temperature that supposedly matches natural daylight, easing eyestrain for the driver when compared to typical xenon lights. They LEDs also consume less energy than xenon or halogen bulbs. Meanwhile, the turn signals, daytime running lights, and corner lamps all use multifunctional fiber-optic cables.

There’s a new bumper in back as well, complemented by a new design for the trunk-mounted AMG lip spoiler and rear diffuser. The exhaust pipes are integrated directly into the bumper. LEDs are once again used in the taillights, which now offer “automatic intensity control,” which reduces glare for following vehicles using three different settings – daytime, nighttime stationary, and nighttime driving.

More aggression and downforce can be had with the optional AMG Aerodynamics package, which adds a larger front splitter, additional canards, a new rear spoiler, and black accents for the faux vents in the corners of the rear bumper.

Paint options include Jupiter Red, Cirrus White, Night Black, Cosmos Black, Northern Lights Violet, Polar Silver, Mountain Grey, Orient Brown, and Designo Polar Magno Silver. Joining these is a new metallic hue called Lunar Blue.

Styling packages include bits and pieces in high-gloss black with the AMG Night package, plus composites galore with the AMG Exterior Carbon-fiber package.

There are two new wheel designs for the alloy rollers. Standard equipment includes 18x8.0-inch ten-spoke pieces in either titanium grey of high-sheen black, or you can opt for the larger 19x8.0-inch cross-spoke pieces in matte black titanium with a high-sheen rim.

Interior

Like the exterior, the CLA45 comes equipped with aggressive cues in the cabin as well, lest you forget its performance-oriented disposition. That means steel sport pedals with grip-enhancing rubber bumps, an AMG-specific flat-bottomed steering wheel, and AMG-specific instrumentation.

Not a whole lot changed inside for the 2017 model year – the look and layout is basically identical to the previous model, and you still get x-cross air vents, highly bolstered sport seats, and tons of red contrast stitching. There’s a silver finish for the center console controls and door-mounted electrically adjustable seat controls, as well as a few bits with a matte painted finish. AMG logos abound. Depending on which upholstery option you go for, color combos include either black and red, or black and silver.

Convenience is upped thanks to hands-free access to the cargo area, an option that’s available through the Premium Package. Just swing your foot around the rear bumper to pop the trunk.

Infotainment is enhanced thanks to the new optional Smartphone Integration package, which offers voice-activated control via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A rear-view backup camera is added to the list of standard equipment, as is a slimmer-looking freestanding 8-inch infotainment display screen.

Further interior upgrades come with the optional AMG Dinamica Interior Package, which throws in Dinamica trim pieces and Dinamica wrapping for the steering wheel. Also expect a full leather package, a carbon fiber trim package, and a slew of AMG-branded goodies, from floor mats to bucket racing seats.

Drivetrain

Last September, the CLA45 got a significant drivetrain upgrade, including more power, the AMG Dynamic Select driving mode feature, and shorter gear ratios for the AMG Speedshift dual-clutch automatic transmission. Understandably, this 2017 model year refresh soldiers on without anything new under the hood.

That means you still get a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which produces 375 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and 350 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. There’s an eco-friendly start/stop feature, and an ear-hole-friendly active exhaust flap (the exhaust flap is part of the optional AMG sport exhaust).

The muscle is routed through a standard 4Matic AWD system, which usually operates with 100 percent of the torque in the front, but can split 50/50 front to back when needed.

A run from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.1 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph.

Making the stop are AMG sport brakes, which come with drilled and slotted rotors sized at 13.8-inches in front and 13-inches in the rear. Adding that last bit of zing is the option for red paint on the calipers.

Chassis And Handling

As previously stated, the CLA45 is equipped with the Dynamic Select system, which lets the driver choose between various settings that alter the engine, transmission, and steering for either comfort or sportiness.

AMG tuned the four-wheel independent suspension, which uses struts and wishbones in front, and a four-link set-up in the rear. The steering is rack-and-pinion with electromechanical power assist. There’s also three-stage electronic stability control.

One very cool feature is the predictive braking technology. Quickly lift off the throttle, and the pads will automatically move closer to the rotors for a more immediate response if needed. The system will also automatically apply friction to the rotors in the rain to clear the surface of water, and it’ll hold the car in place to prevent rollback when starting on a hill.

The standard wheel and tire package gets 235/40 R18 rubber, while the larger optional wheels get 235/35 R19 tires.

Further options include adaptive suspension, as well as a mechanical limited-slip front differential as part of the Dynamic Plus package.

Safety

The CLA45 was already outfitted with a variety of passive and active safety technology, and the new model carries these over unaltered. Some of the more interesting features include Active Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes when detecting a possible collision, and Attention Assist, which monitors driving behavior and issues a visual and audible warning if distracted driving is detected.

Prices

Mercedes has yet to release exact pricing for the 2017 AMG CLA45, but considering the mild nature of this refresh, I wouldn’t expect a significant price increase over the current $50,000 MSRP. $52,000 should be about right.

Look for more details when the car debuts at the 2016 New York International Auto Show. Dealer deliveries are expected by the third quarter of 2016.

Competition

Audi S3 Sedan

As is tradition, the big three German makes can’t resist a little friendly competition, which means Audi has an obvious answer to the CLA45. Anyone looking for a compact luxury sedan with four rings on the nose will get into the S3 sedan, and like the Merc, there’s a turbo four-cylinder under the hood, and an AWD system making the grip. Output is rated at 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, which means the Audi is a little slower to 60 mph, with 4.4 seconds required to hit the benchmark. However, pricing is lower too, starting at $42,500.

Read the full review here.

BMW M2

While still small and luxury-laden, the M2 is undoubtedly the sportiest pick here, offering just two doors and routing torque exclusively to the rear axle. A turbocharged inline six-cylinder offers 365 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque at full chat, which is good enough for a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Best of all, you can row your own with a six-speed manual gearbox. Pricing starts at $52,695.

Read the full review here.

Conclusion

Given the power boost that the CLA45 got back in September, this relatively mild refresh from Mercedes is entirely justified. A few tweaks to the aesthetics and some updated features in the cabin are all you really need when there’s a 375-horsepower four-banger under the hood.

All told, this is a fantastic entry into the Mercedes-AMG brand. It’s an accurate representation of models higher up the performance-house food chain, yet it comes at a relatively low price point (at least I expect it too). Sure, it’s not exactly understated or terribly refined, but thus is the AMG way.

If you want class and elegance, look elsewhere. This is a car that’s all about gaudy carbon fiber and full-throttle blasts just to hear the exhaust pop and burble between shifts. And that’s just fine with me.