(March 5, 2015) INDIANAPOLIS — Mercedes-Benz Vans has introduced the Metris commercial van at the NTEA Work Truck Show here this week. This follows the “Mission: Metris” teaser campaign at SEMA in Las Vegas in November, which featured four custom upfitted Metris concept vans.

The Metris, which launches at U.S. dealers in October, is the U.S. and Canadian sibling to the Vito, which remains the midsize commercial van nameplate for all other global markets.

“We are pleased to debut the Mercedes-Benz Metris at NTEA, which is a major step in launching our midsize commercial van in the U.S. market in October 2015,” said Bernie Glaser, vice president and managing director of Daimler Vans USA. “It is only logical that we adopt the global approach and also expand our successful vans business in the USA. 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.”



Mercedes says the Metris is a right-sized vehicle, 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.

The Cargo Van starts at $28,950, and the Passenger Van starts at $32,500 (excluding $995 destination/delivery charge for both vans).

Because all Mercedes-Benz Vans feature the advantages of top service at dealerships, top levels of safety and ergonomics, and exemplary Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), 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.

Upon launching in October at the 200+ Mercedes-Benz U.S. dealers authorized to sell vans, the Metris will be available with a 4-cylinder gasoline engine that has 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 7-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.

Advanced safety features are a hallmark for any Mercedes-Benz vehicle, and the Metris will feature 6 airbags for the Cargo Van variant and 8 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. 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.