The first generation Mercedes-Benz CLA (factory index C117 for the four-door coupe and X117 for the Shooting Brake wagon) was debuted in January 2013 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Built on the front-wheel-drive MFA (Modular Front Architecture) platform shared with the A-Class W176 and B-Class W246, the vehicle featured a sleek coupe-like silhouette with frameless side windows and a remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.23. In 2015, the lineup expanded with the introduction of the five-door CLA Shooting Brake wagon. The interior echoed the A-Class design with a free-standing display and circular air vents.

The powertrain range consisted of 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engines alongside 1.5-liter, 1.8-liter, and 2.1-liter turbodiesel units. Transmission choices included a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (7G-DCT), with both front-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive available. A mid-cycle facelift in 2016 refreshed the LED headlights, front and rear bumpers, and front grille while adding updated infotainment features such as Apple CarPlay integration. High-performance AMG CLA 45 variants produced between 360 hp and 381 hp from a hand-built 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.