2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris a garage-sized hauler

Mercedes-Benz has officially entered into the growing market of mid-sized cargo vans with the garageable Metris. The Metris is a new, right-sized van offering from Mercedes-Benz that is larger than small vans and smaller than 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. Its size and garageability allow this mid-size van to fit easily in parking garages and navigate the streets in busy metropolitan areas. In addition to its sophisticated, sleek design, it carries many of the rugged characteristics of the larger Sprinter.

The Metris is available with a powerful and highly efficient 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a refined, efficient, and robust 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive. This powertrain application, with optional ECO start/stop, was developed specifically for the U.S. and Canadian markets to meet the needs of the Mid-Size Commercial Van Segment, and also comes with a service interval of up to 15,000 miles.

Boasting car like handling, the Metris cargo van takes a 4’ x 8’ piece of plywood with ease. It is also the only other cargo van that offers consumers three different rear door choices to access the cargo area. Buyers can choose the regular twin rear doors with a 180 degrees of opening; twin rear doors with an impressive 270 degrees of opening (they are held open to the sides of the van by magnets – novel!), or a one-piece rear hatchback door.

Inside the van, 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 cupholders have also been added to the center console on the dashboard to meet North American customer needs of long-haul or local driving.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 126.0; overall length: 202.4; width: 75.9; height: 75.2

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder – 208 hp/258 lbs-ft of torque

Transmission: 7-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 21 city/24 highway

Cargo capacity: 186.0 cubic feet

Payload capacity: 2,502 lbs

Towing capacity: 4,960 lbs

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted airbags, window airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, load-adaptive electronic stability program, brake assist system, trailer stability assist, Bluetooth hands free phone system, crosswind assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, and automatic headlights.

Optional safety features include: navigation system, rear view camera, fog lamps, PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, blind spot assist, rain sensor, lane keeping assist, and first aid kit.

Warranty

Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile

Roadside Assistance: 4-year/50,000 mile, 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris cargo van starts from $28,950. Destination charges add $925.