NEW FOR 2016:
– All-new model.
Having turned the commercial van business on its hardhat with the Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz is now taking aim at the smaller end of the spectrum with a new entrant. The Metris is an intermediate-sized van that bridges the gap between full-size vans like the Transit and ProMaster, and small models like the Transit Connect and NV200. It’s roughly the same size as a Honda Odyssey, allowing the Metris to fit into a standard household garage, while offering up more space and payload than its smaller rivals.
The Metris runs on a rear-wheel-drive platform with fully independent suspension and comes powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine that develops 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It is paired to a beefed-up version of Benz’s 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission and it even offers paddles for manual shifting; an idle-stop function is available as an option to boost city fuel economy.
Inside, the Metris has a driving position that’s more car-like than the Sprinter, and drivers interface with controls that are similar to the latest C-Class. Materials are commercial grade – which is to say that few soft-touch materials are used.
Two configurations of Metris will be offered: a passenger van with seven or eight seats (manually removable), or a cargo van that can be equipped with rear doors that open 180 or 270 degrees. Though you won’t find high-end rear-seat entertainment systems or a panoramic sunroof, the Metris can be had with plenty of active safety technology including standard Crosswind Assist, and available active parking assist, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring.
The Metris Cargo Van features black plastic bumpers, single side sliding door, mirrors, door handles, 17-inch steel wheels, hill-start assist, air conditioning, tilt steering column, automatic headlights, power windows, tire pressure monitor, manually adjustable front seats, cloth upholstery, 12-volt power outlet, five-speaker AM/FM stereo system with 5.8-inch TFT display, USB port, Aux-in port, SD memory card slot, and Bluetooth.
The Cargo Lighting Package adds LED ceiling lamp, illuminated exits, footwell lighting, illuminated vanity mirrors, and comfort overhead control panel.
The Extended Cargo Package adds sidewall lashing rails on waist rail, load securing rail system, washable interior trim, and tensioning straps.
The Basic Window Package adds fixed window in sliding door, privacy glass, rear door glass with washer/wiper, and rearview mirror.
The Passenger Van adds top-hinged tailgate, second sliding door, child locks for sliding door, removable second and third-row seats, roof trim, fixed side windows, interior rear-view mirror, rear air conditioning unit in D-pillar, rear tinted glass, rear overhead lights, assist handle, and additional 12-volt power outlets; suspension tuning is specific to Passenger Van.
An exclusive to the Passenger Van, the Luxury Interior Package adds comfort suspension, overhead control panel, reading lights in rear grab handles, illuminated vanity mirrors, front footwell lighting, luxury trim on rear doors, front and rear carpets, and chrome interior accents.
The following packages are available for both Passenger and Cargo Van configurations:
Convenience Package adds multifunction steering wheel, trip computer, two additional master keys, centre console with storage, instrument cluster display, and cruise control.
The Cold Weather Package adds heated front seats and auxiliary heating.
Driving Assistance Package adds leather-wrapped steering wheel with chrome trim, heated power adjustable side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring system, lane-keeping assist, overhead console with dual reading lamps.
The Deluxe Appearance Package adds 17-inch alloy wheels and body-colour bumpers.
The Comfort Seat Package adds front comfort seats with lumbar support. Passenger Van models also receive rear seatback storage net.
