Mercedes-Benz is adding to its work-van lineup by introducing a new midsize variant called the Metris. Making its world debut at the 2015 National Truck Equipment Association's Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, the 2016 Metris will be offered in one wheelbase length (126 inches) but will come in either cargo and passenger van configurations.
The cargo versions will start at $29,945, including destination, while the passenger van will start at $33,495. Standard features include six airbags in the cargo vans and eight airbags in the passenger van along with crosswind assist. Optional features include Eco stop-start capability, parking assist, collision prevention assist and other safety technology.
Metris vans will be offered with one turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a seven-speed transmission that will produce 208 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque. Additionally, service intervals for the Metris are reported to be every 15,000 miles. Maximum payload capacity for the cargo version is 2,500 pounds, while passenger vans can carry just less than 1,900 pounds. Max towing for the Metis is just less than 5,000 pounds.
There's no doubt the fully loaded seven-passenger Metris people-hauling van will appeal to large families but to date there is no "minivan" premium trim package; we're guessing it's only a matter of time.
The Mercedes-Benz strategy, it seems, is to fill the Class 1 and 2 commercial segments first, then roll out more diverse variations as time goes on.
To see the most up-to-date specification chart, click .
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