Mercedes-Benz Metris
After years of success with its full-size Sprinter van, Mercedes-Benz finally brought its midsize model, the Metris, to our shores in 2016. Since then, the Metris, which is available in both passenger and cargo models, has established itself as one of the most capable smaller vans in the segment, offering more space and better driving dynamics than rivals such as the Ford Transit Connect and Ram ProMaster City. On the downside, the Metris tends to cost more than competing models. Additionally, the Metris requires more expensive premium gas, and unlike its larger sibling the Sprinter, it’s not available with all-wheel drive.
After years of success with its full-size Sprinter van, Mercedes-Benz finally brought its midsize model, the Metris, to our shores in 2016. Since then, the Metris, which is available in both passenger and cargo models, has established itself as one of the most capable smaller vans in the segment, offering more space and better driving dynamics than rivals such as the Ford Transit Connect and Ram ProMaster City. On the downside, the Metris tends to cost more than competing models. Additionally, the Metris requires more expensive premium gas, and unlike its larger sibling the Sprinter, it’s not available with all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz Metris Model Lineup
Produced from 2016 through 2023, the Mercedes-Benz Metris is a midsize commercial van that’s available in passenger and cargo versions. It’s the smaller of two vans available from the German automaker, slotting below the full-size Sprinter. The Metris cargo van offers two front seats and an open space in back, while the Metris passenger van can be fitted with one or two rear rows, offering seating for up to eight passengers. An extended-wheelbase version of the cargo van joined the lineup in 2018, extending its length by nine inches and increasing its total cargo area from 183 to 199 cubic feet. Properly equipped, the Metris can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Under the hood, the Metris employs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Its 208 horsepower is routed to the rear wheels (only) via an automatic transmission, which in 2021 was upgraded from seven to nine gears. No hybrid or electric versions have been produced.
As a commercial van, the Metris doesn’t offer the long list of luxuries that you might expect from a Mercedes-Benz. However, it does come with the basics, including keyless entry, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, and a 5.8-inch infotainment display. The passenger van adds one or two rows of rear seats along with rear-seat air conditioning. In 2018, a rearview camera joined the list of standard features, and in 2021, the infotainment display was upgraded to 7.0 inches and added standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Adaptive cruise control also first became available as an option in 2021. Other notable options include parking sensors, heated front seats, navigation, forward collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Buyers should note that from 2017 through 2020, Mercedes-Benz sold a lower-cost variant called the Metris Worker, which isn’t available with some options.