The Car Connection Mercedes-Benz Metris Overview
It looks like the box it came in, but the Mercedes-Benz Metris is a well-equipped commercial and passenger van that offers more space than a conventional minivan.
The Metris has its roots in the European-market Mercedes V-Class or Vito, but a number of features and trim configurations have been revised for consumers in North America.
With the Metris, Mercedes-Benz has a relatively versatile package configurable in myriad ways—from overlander to urban runner.
MORE: Read our 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris review
Only one engine and transmission combination is offered on the Metris, but it's well-suited to the van's intended use. It's a turbo-4 rated at 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and it sends power to the rear wheels via a 7-speed automatic; a powertrain that's shared with several Mercedes passenger cars globally. That combination makes the Metris surprisingly entertaining to drive, even though it has clearly been set up with cargo and passenger hauling in mind rather than carving through a winding canyon road.
The Metris is available as either a cargo van with an unfinished area behind the front seats and no side windows, or as a passenger van with seating for up to eight in three rows. All models ride on the same 126-inch wheelbase and their bodies stretch to just over 202 inches. That puts them right between the big Sprinter and smaller models like Nissan NV200. For many users, the Metris' combination of more usable interior room than small vans and its superior in-town maneuverability may make it the "sweet spot" among commercial vehicles.
The van's body offers a choice of liftgate or barn-style rear doors, as well as sliding doors on both sides of the body. On the passenger model, those sliding doors can be power-operated.
As it shares its platform with a model that can be outfitted as a decidedly upscale executive-oriented vehicle overseas, the Metris may surprise some commercial buyers with its comfortable and well-outfitted interior. Materials and features are definitely several steps down from what you'll find in a Mercedes E-Class sedan, but the Metris is sturdy and can be optioned up with some nice comfort and convenience features. Notable options include heated seats, navigation, and a system that can automatically parallel park the Metris.
On the safety front, the Metris offers far more features than its rivals. The passenger model includes eight airbags and all variants can be ordered with automatic emergency braking designed to mitigate or avoid a frontal collision.
