Discover the Mercedes Metris Vans: The Right-Sized Solution for Your Business Needs

Mercedes-Benz Vans USA introduced the Mercedes-Benz Metris to the US and Canadian markets, marking a significant expansion of their commercial van offerings. Unveiled at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis on March 4, 2015, the Mercedes Metris Vans represented a strategic move to capture the burgeoning mid-size commercial van segment. Ahead of its market launch in October 2015, the Metris promised to deliver both Passenger Van and Cargo Van configurations, filling a unique niche with no direct competitors in terms of size and capability.

Positioned as the “right-sized” commercial van, the Mercedes Metris vans were designed to offer an optimal balance of maneuverability and capacity. This mid-size van boasted impressive maximum cargo capacity and payload within a compact footprint, all while maintaining a competitive price point. Mercedes-Benz aimed to set a new benchmark for safety in the segment, equipping the Metris with a comprehensive suite of standard and class-leading optional safety features. With a starting price of $28,950, the Mercedes Metris vans presented the most accessible entry point into the Mercedes-Benz lineup in the United States. Powering these vans was a potent and fuel-efficient 4-cylinder gasoline engine, generating 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth 7G-tronic 7-speed automatic transmission. An optional ECO Start/Stop system further enhanced fuel economy. Mercedes-Benz emphasized its commitment to superior customer service through its dealer network, alongside prioritizing safety, ergonomics, and a low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for all Mercedes-Benz Vans. While the Sprinter full-size commercial van continued its strong performance with new model variations, the V-Class luxury passenger variant was not slated for introduction in the U.S. or Canada.

The debut of the Mercedes-Benz Metris vans followed the intriguing “Mission: Metris” teaser campaign at SEMA in Las Vegas in November 2014. This campaign showcased four customized Metris concept vans, generating anticipation for the official launch. The Metris, known as the “Vito” in other global markets, became the dedicated midsize commercial van nameplate for the U.S. and Canada.

Bernie Glaser, then Vice President and Managing Director of Daimler Vans USA, LLC, stated, “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. 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 Mercedes Metris vans carved out a unique position as a “right-sized” vehicle, bridging the gap between smaller and larger vans. Its core value proposition centered on Mercedes-Benz’s renowned craftsmanship, substantial cargo and towing capabilities, and an attractive price point. Specifically engineered for the demands of bustling metropolitan environments, the Metris offered both agility and ample space. The Cargo Van version started at $28,950, while the Passenger Van began at $32,500, both prices excluding a $995 destination/delivery charge. True to the Mercedes-Benz Vans ethos, the Metris delivered exceptional service through dealerships, prioritizing safety, ergonomics, and outstanding Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) across its operations. Its size allowed for easy navigation in urban parking garages while still accommodating the needs of businesses operating from residential locations. Furthermore, the Metris inherited the robust and durable characteristics synonymous with the Sprinter van.

Competitive data sourced from manufacturer websites, January 2015.

Upon its launch in October 2015, the Mercedes Metris vans became available at over 200 authorized Mercedes-Benz U.S. dealerships specializing in vans. The powertrain featured a high-performance, fuel-efficient 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine was coupled with a refined, efficient 7-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, specifically tailored for the demands of the U.S. and Canadian Mid-Size Commercial Van segment. An optional ECO start/stop system was offered, and the service interval was extended to an impressive 15,000 miles.

Safety remained a paramount concern for Mercedes-Benz, and the Metris vans were equipped with advanced safety technologies. The Cargo Van variant included 6 airbags, while the Passenger Van featured 8 airbags. Standard safety features across all models encompassed ATTENTION ASSIST, Crosswind Assist, and load-adaptive ESP. A range of optional safety enhancements was also available, including Active Parking Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, PARKTRONIC, Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and a rearview camera. The interior design of the Metris incorporated premium elements and a high level of fit-and-finish, mirroring design cues from other contemporary Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Reflecting North American driving preferences, oversized cupholders were integrated into the center console on the dashboard, catering to both long-distance and local driving needs.

In the full-size commercial van sector, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter continued to experience robust sales growth, with a 17.4% year-to-date increase. The 2014 model year Sprinter introduced significant upgrades, including a refreshed front-end design, a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder BlueTEC clean diesel engine, and advancements in safety and infotainment systems.

The 2015 Sprinter model year brought further enhancements:

• Standard Crosswind Assist became standard on all 2500 models.
• Extended service intervals reached up to 20,000 miles, an improvement from the 15,000-mile intervals of the 2014 models.
• An optional Sprinter 4×4 version for both Cargo and Passenger Vans was introduced in Q1/2015, becoming the only factory-produced four-wheel-drive system in the U.S. commercial van market.
• A third roof option, the super high roof, further enhanced interior space, offering a class-leading interior roof height of up to 7 feet.
• A SULEV (Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle) option for the standard 4-cylinder BlueTEC engine marked the world’s first SULEV diesel engine, reinforcing Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to environmental leadership.
• A Super Single heavy-duty package variant was launched in early 2015, providing an alternative to the 3500 dually rear-wheel setup and increasing the loading width between wheels to 48.3 inches.

These advancements solidified the Sprinter’s position as a leader in innovation within the large van segment. Notably, over 75% of Sprinter vans underwent upfitter modifications, ranging from basic shelving to extensive Recreational Vehicle conversions.

To coincide with the launch of the Mercedes Metris midsize commercial van, Daimler Vans USA announced an enhanced Upfitter Program. Recognizing the crucial role of upfitters in meeting diverse customer needs, these program improvements aimed to maximize the Metris’s potential within the U.S. market.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is the distribution, marketing, and customer service arm for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers a comprehensive luxury vehicle lineup, spanning 14 model lines from the CLA-Class four-door coupe to the flagship S-Class. MBUSA also manages the distribution, marketing, and customer service for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and smart products in the U.S. For further information, please visit www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com, and www.smartusa.com. Media professionals can access press resources at www.media.mbusa.com.

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