Mercedes-Benz Vans USA introduced the Mercedes-Benz Metris at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. The Metris, which launches at U.S. dealers in October 2015, 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 LLC. “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.”
The Metris is larger than the small vans and smaller than the large vans. It is designed to thrive in large metropolitan areas with an agile yet spacious presence. 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 characteristics of the Sprinter.
Upon launching in October 2015 at the 200-plus Mercedes-Benz U.S. dealers authorized to sell Vans, the Metris will be available with a powerful and highly efficient four-cylinder gasoline engine that has 208 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a refined, efficient, and robust 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.
Advanced safety features are a hallmark for any Mercedes-Benz vehicle, and the Metris will feature 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 Cargo Van starts at $28,950, and the Passenger Van starts at $32,500 (excluding $995 destination/delivery charge for both vans). For more information, visit the Mercedes-Benz Vans website.
