Baby steps: Mercedes confers small updates upon the 2017 CLA-Class (pictures)

Not all Mercedes-Benz vehicles need to be brought into the 21st century with facelifts.

Being one of its most recent releases, the CLA didn't get hit with too many design branches on its way down the refresh tree.

The main update to the 2017 CLA is an update to both front and rear bumpers.

The rear bumper now features integrated exhaust pipes, and on the whole, its drag coefficient is slightly better.

The CLA 250 remains powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Output is pegged at 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is an option.

The most prominent interior update is a new 8-inch display, which appears much slimmer than before.

A backup camera is also now standard equipment for all CLA-Class vehicles, as is Mercedes-Benz's active brake assist.

Europe also gets a wagon-like variant of the CLA called the CLA Shooting Brake.

We don't get this in the United States, because we have the GLA-Class, and apparently buyers are fine with that.

But, hot damn, this is one gorgeous compact wagon.

Too bad we'll never see it in the US.

Speed freaks will geek out over the Mercedes-AMG CLA45.

This one's also packing a turbocharged I-4, but output is up to 375 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.

Both vehicles utilize the same transmission -- a seven-speed, dual-clutch unit.

The changes are the same here as on the CLA 250, although LED headlights are standard equipment on the CLA45 (optional on CLA 250).

While there's no word yet on pricing, all 2017 CLA-Class models will be available in the US in the third quarter of 2016.