Officially introduced last year at NTEA’s The Work Truck Show®, the Mercedes-Benz Metris offers both Passenger Van and Cargo Van versions without any competitors in the same size or cargo category. The Metris mid-size Commercial Van is positioned as “right-sized,” with corresponding maximum cargo capacity and payload on a small footprint and matching price positioning. The Metris is the benchmark in terms of safety, with a high level of standard safety features, as well as class-leading safety options.
THE HISTORY
The Metris, which launched in the US in October 2015, is the US and Canadian sibling to the “Vito,” which remains the mid-size commercial van nameplate for all other global markets. “The Mercedes-Benz Metris is a major step in launching our mid-size commercial van in the US market,” says Bernie Glaser, VP and managing director, Daimler Vans USA, LLC. “It is only logical that we adopt the global approach and also expand our successful vans business in the US.
“Our SEMA ‘Mission: Metris’ presence with four distinctive van concepts was an effective way for us to hit the ground running to announce the nameplate ‘Mercedes-Benz Metris’ and to show off its unmatched versatility, size, and safety. And now, we can’t wait to offer our customers and upfitters both the Sprinter and Metris Vans as a full-line vans brand: Mercedes-Benz Vans,” continues Glaser.
The Metris is a right-sized vehicle: It is larger than the small vans and smaller than the large vans. Its value proposition includes superior craftsmanship, high cargo/towing capacity, and an attractive price. It is designed to thrive in large metropolitan areas with an agile, yet spacious presence.
WHAT’S DRIVING IT
The Metris is equipped with a powerful and highly efficient 4-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine that has 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, mated to a refined, efficient, and robust 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive. This powertrain application, with optional ECO start/stop, was developed specifically for the US and Canadian markets to meet the needs of the mid-size Commercial Van Segment and comes with a service interval of up to 15,000 miles.
BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY
Advanced safety features are a hallmark for any Mercedes-Benz vehicle and the Metris features six airbags for the Cargo Van variant and eight airbags for the Passenger Van variant. All models will feature standard ATTENTION ASSIST, standard Crosswind Assist, and standard load-adaptive ESP. Optional safety features will include Active Parking Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, PARKTRONIC, Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and a rearview camera.
THE RIDE
Metris has the payload, durability, and versatile cargo space you’d expect from a larger model, but its size and maneuverability set it apart. With a combined 23 mpg, Metris is built to work for long periods without service or maintenance, offering one of the lowest costs of ownership in its class.
Many of the interior features are taken from other recent automotive entrants into the Mercedes-Benz lineup, such as premium touches and overall fit-and-finish. Large cup holders have also been added to the center console on the dashboard to meet North American customer needs of long-haul or local driving.
Metris isn’t just made for uptime support, it’s also made for driver support. Sliding side doors open up to 37.8 inches for easier access to cargo. And, with 186 cubic feet of cargo volume, Metris is spacious enough to stow more than 75 sheets of 4×8-ft plywood. This means less labor to load and less loads to carry.
Choose between standard 270-degree and 180-degree opening rear doors or a single flip-up tailgate to get the best option for your needs. Continuing to make life and loading easier, Metris’ factory partition with extended loading feature is a great attribute for quick, easy loading.
FEATURES
Top service at dealers, safety/ergonomics, and exemplary Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) are key pillars for all Mercedes-Benz Vans. Because all Mercedes-Benz Vans feature these advantages, the Metris shines in all areas. It can easily fit into a parking garage in a large metropolitan area and can also meet the needs of those who work out of their homes. In addition, it carries many of the rugged characteristics of the Sprinter.
The Metris can adapt to virtually any business or job requirement, from HVAC to carpentry, courier to general contracting, and taxi to luxury limousine—Metris has you covered. It’s small when it needs to be and big where it counts.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Find out more about the Metris and other Mercedes-Benz products and services, visit www.mbvans.com.
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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS: APRIL 2016 ISSUE
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