Mercedes-Benz Metris: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz Metris is a midsize commercial van offered for cargo or passenger duty. It is known for fitting between compact work vans and full-size vans, with easier maneuvering than a Sprinter and useful hauling strength.
The Metris followed one basic idea throughout its 2016-2023 U.S. run: provide serious work-van capability without the bulk of a full-size van. Rear-wheel drive, a turbocharged gas engine, and cargo or passenger layouts defined every model year. Updates improved the transmission, touchscreen, and safety technology, but the practical middle-size formula stayed the same.
Strengths
- Its midsize footprint is easier to maneuver than a full-size Sprinter while still providing useful working space.
- The 2023 Metris could tow up to 5,000 pounds, giving it substantial capability for a van of this size.
- The long-wheelbase cargo model provided as much as 199.2 cubic feet of cargo room in 2023.
- Cargo and passenger layouts let the same basic van serve businesses, shuttle operators, or mixed-use owners.
- Mercedes included work-focused safety aids over the years, including Crosswind Assist and load-adaptive stability control.
- The 2021 update brought a smoother nine-speed automatic and a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Who it's for
The Metris fits small businesses, tradespeople, delivery operators, shuttle services, and families who need more working room than a compact van without moving up to a full-size Sprinter. It makes the most sense for buyers who value towing and load-carrying ability over carlike fuel economy or luxury.
Mercedes-Benz Metris lineup
The lineup centered on cargo and passenger duty rather than a long ladder of feature-based trims. Pick the Standard model with the 126-inch wheelbase when easier maneuvering matters most, or the Long model with the 135-inch wheelbase when extra cargo room is the priority; the longer cargo version joined the family for 2018. The Base model covered the straightforward end of the final lineup, while earlier WORKER Cargo and WORKER Passenger versions served as lower-cost alternatives. For used-van shoppers, body length and cargo-versus-passenger layout matter more than the trim badge.
Mercedes-Benz Metris generations
From 2016 to 2023, the Metris spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation — W447 arrived for 2016.
1st Generation — W447 (2016–2023)
The first and only U.S. Metris generation was a midsize van sold in cargo and passenger versions. It used a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive throughout its run, with a major transmission and touchscreen update for 2021.
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2023
A digital instrument display and forward collision mitigation became standard. This was the final U.S. model year.
2022Trim changes
Carried over with the 9-speed automatic and 7-inch touchscreen introduced for 2021.
2021Mid-cycle update
Added a 9-speed automatic, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an updated grille, revised cabin trim, and higher weight ratings.
2020
Carried over with the same engine, 7-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive, and core model range.
2019
The fuel-saving automatic stop-start system became standard on non-WORKER models; the rest of the lineup was largely unchanged.
2018Trim changes
Cargo models gained a long-wheelbase version with more load space.
2017
Lower-cost WORKER Cargo and WORKER Passenger models joined the lineup.
2016New generation
The Metris launched in the U.S. as a new midsize cargo and passenger van with a turbo 2.0-liter engine, 7-speed automatic, and rear-wheel drive.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz Metris.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz Metris a cargo van or a passenger van?
It was sold in both forms. Cargo models use an open work area, while the Passenger Van has three rows for up to seven people and removable rear benches for mixed passenger-and-cargo duty.
How does the Metris compare in size and purpose with the Sprinter?
The Metris is the smaller, easier-to-maneuver work van. It was designed to fit between compact vans and the full-size Sprinter while still offering serious cargo, payload, and towing capability.
What is the Mercedes-Benz Metris known for?
It is known for combining a manageable mid-size footprint with work-van capability. Rear-wheel drive, strong towing and payload for its class, flexible cargo and passenger layouts, and Mercedes safety features define it.
Who is the Metris a good fit for?
It suits delivery routes, service work, shuttle duty, organizations, and families that value space and removable seating over a plush minivan feel. Its smaller footprint also helps in garages, cities, and low parking structures.
Does the Metris come as a hybrid or diesel?
No. U.S.-market Metris vans covered here use a gasoline-powered, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. No hybrid or diesel version appears in the 2016–2023 U.S. lineup.
Is the Metris all-wheel drive?
No. The U.S.-market Metris uses rear-wheel drive throughout its run. It was not offered with AWD in the lineup covered here.
How many generations of the Metris were sold in the U.S.?
One North American generation was sold from 2016 through 2023. The 2021 refresh brought the main mid-cycle updates, including a nine-speed automatic and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.