Mercedes CLS tweaked, though the end may be near

Mercedes-Benz's midsize coupe is getting a sporty face-lift that includes a new grille and bumper.

The mild makeover for the 2022 model year comes as consumer demand for cars continues to slide across the industry. With the increasing focus on sporty crossovers in the U.S., the CLS' days could be numbered.

The brand plans to jettison several car models in the U.S., former Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Nicholas Speeks told dealers last summer. According to people familiar with the plans, vulnerable vehicles include the CLS along with the coupe and convertible versions of the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class.

With styling a key CLS feature, it's difficult to compete with the new wave of crossovers that offer the same luxury appointments and similar performance with more interior space and actual cargo capacity, said Sam Fiorani, a vice president at AutoForecast Solutions.

The updated CLS 450 4Matic features a mild-hybrid powertrain. The 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers 362 hp. The engine is combined with a 48-volt electrical system paired with an integrated starter-generator that can add up to 21 hp. The CLS 450 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

The exterior offers a new radiator grille with a Mercedes-Benz hallmark — a three-dimensional star pattern with chrome-gloss surfaces, a louver in high-gloss black with chrome inlay and the integrated Mercedes star.

The interior receives a redesigned multifunction steering wheel with capacitive sensors, as well as new paint, upholstery, trim and wheel options.

The 2022 CLS arrives at U.S. dealerships early next year. Pricing was not disclosed.