overview
The Mercedes-Benz Metris has served as a staple for shoppers who need a van in the city but want above-average ability and dexterity. Its mainstream alternatives, namely the discontinued product Ram City ProMaster and is about to be discontinued Ford Transit Connect, less capable and less refined – albeit less expensive. The German van offers more than twice the towing capacity of its rivals, plus more horsepower, more torque and obviously more refinement in the form of available air suspension and better furniture. Even so, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the Metris will meet downfall similar to its rivalswhen production is set to ends after the 2023 model year—evidence that being at the top of the class does not guarantee the longevity of the market. People looking to buy a brand new passenger or cargo van should do so now, before they’re gone forever, and we think they should choose Mercedes over Ford or Ram.
What’s new for 2023?
There are no changes to the Mercedes-Benz Metris 2023, which represents the nameplate’s final production year in the United States.
Price and which one to buy
Due to the vastly different missions of Metris’ cargo and passenger vehicles, shoppers will have similar varied requirements. However, we think the passenger car’s removable seats make it a more versatile option. It comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, automatic emergency braking, crosswind assist, etc. We’ll opt for automatic climate control, integrated navigation, and more. engine, Comfort air suspension, power sliding doors and power front seats.
Engine, transmission and performance
All Metris trucks are powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends torque to the rear wheels. Mercedes vans excel when it comes to towing capacity and payload. Metris can tow up to 5000 pounds. For reference, the Ford Transit Connect, an indirect competitor, has a maximum towing capacity of 2000 pounds. The Metris can also handle payloads of up to 2425 pounds, while the Transit Connect can carry 1550 pounds. The the last Metris passenger car we tested proven to be able to shuttle people and goods afterwards. Actually, it’s faster than The lighter Transit Connect we’ve tested in the same acceleration test. The last Metris we drove was also easy to use, offering handling with a higher level of refinement than is typical of its kind. Its steering was very light and we could easily maneuver into tight spaces. Plus, the car is easy to control at highway speeds. The optional air suspension allows for adjustment of the vehicle’s height and will provide an even smoother ride.
Real-world fuel economy and MPG
The Metris cargo van variants are rated at up to 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway while the passenger van version is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on freeway. We never got a chance to test the Metris on our 75 mph highway fuel economy route, so we can’t rate its real-world mpg. For more information on Metris fuel economy, visit EPA’s website.
Furniture, amenities and merchandise
The Metris passenger van can accommodate up to eight passengers, one more passenger than the Transit Connect. The second and third rows can be reconfigured or removed to accommodate different numbers of people and cargo. The cabin is not as luxurious as a typical Mercedes cabin, but the design is pleasant and the accommodation offers a reasonable level of comfort. We found the lower seat cushion to be too small for passengers with wider rear seats, and we were disappointed by the lack of visibility in the steering column. The Metris does a great job of blocking road noise from entering the cabin. Its interior is quieter than the interior of other vans in this class when traveling on the highway. While the passenger car has up to 38 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats, the cargo van has a volume of up to 199 cubic feet on the long-wheelbase version.
Infotainment and connectivity
A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is available on every Metris. It replaces the tired 5.8-inch screen that used to be standard. Unlike the old system, the new system finally adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to the list. The van also features better radio reception and integrated navigation with live traffic information.
Safety features and driver assistance
Each Metris comes with standard and optional driver assistance technology including crosswind assist and driver attention monitor. For more information on Metris crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) web pages. Key safety features include:
- Standard automatic emergency braking system
- Standard blind spot monitoring
- Lane keeping assist available
Warranty and maintenance coverage
Other trucks outdo the Metris when it comes to warranty coverage: Transit Connect offers a longer powertrain warranty, and the NV200 has one of the best powertrain and limited warranties in its class.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- No free periodic maintenance
