Now comes a Mercedes Benz entry, the newest Metris.

Y'all are good. The Metris isn't a luxurious minivan. Yes, it is a Mercedes, but when you had been anticipating the Metris to function as the proverbial Mercedes Benz of minivans, it is not. At least not the way the brand is understood by most of America. Think of it not an S class for soccer moms.

The back-drive Metris is fundamentally a rechristened form of the Spanish-built Mercedes-Benz Vito that's popular in Europe and elsewhere for resort-space shuttle, vanpool, and freight-hauling obligations, and it is likely to be found in substantially exactly the same fashion on those coasts. Mercedes does sell an elaborate variant of the Vito known as the V class, but understanding how few customers exist for this type of high-dollar matter here (given the brand's encounter using the R class), there are not any plans to bring that version here.

Drives Just Like a Tremendous Cclass
Although we just could drive a few dozen miles each to Metris freight and passenger versions, it took just a couple of hundred yards to collect some opinions. The driving position feels somewhat more using the steering wheel dropping low instead of high and level, like that of a C class than the usual Sprinter, a la buslike wheels located in bigger vans. And external visibility is outstanding.

Better still, with rear-wheel drive as well as a completely independent suspension--distinctively tuned for freight and passenger uses--the Metris shows astonishingly energetic dynamics, offering a tight ride, degree cornering, and clear feel through the steering wheel as well as the brake pedal, credits we haven't felt in a van this size, nicely, perhaps ever. And despite our evaluation vehicles being preproduction versions, the Metris is unusually quiet. It is a spectacular accomplishment, especially to get a cargo van.

Infant Sprinter Packaging
Loading hefty material bulky and/or is eased by accessible 270-degree-opening, barn-style doors in a level load floor as well as the rear which is just higher than the knees of one while also being broad enough to adapt a pallet.

Simply because the Metris is garage-friendly does not make the seven- or eight-passenger version suitable for modern families, particularly next on the market. While the motorist grasps a fantastically contoured steering wheel and fiddles with switches and classy controls cribbed in the C class parts bin, from the B pillar back, the Metris feels like it came from an earlier age when passengers wanted seats seats and, well. They don't recline or fold to the ground although they may be removed. Spend any moment in the next row and you will understand that armrests really are a greatly underappreciated component of any car, as well as the lack thereof drives Metris passengers to brace themselves from the tough, plastic-lined sliding doors. Additionally showing the functional function of the Metris are its fixed rear windows, loud back-seat air conditioning, as well as the dearth of leather seats and an accessible sunroof. There is no center console to support iPads or bags. Need back-seat entertainment? Look out child, the window.

Mercedes says that fully half of all Metris vans will be passenger versions, but the majority of those are likely to attend limo businesses, together with the remainder planning to shuttle and cab services. Mercedes is totally prepared to offer them to customers that are private, but that likely will not occur frequently.

Cheapest Way right into a Brand New Mercedes!
No matter setup, all Metris versions can come with load-adaptive equilibrium control and crosswind help, along with various airbags (six in the freight model, eight in the passenger variant). Discretionary on all are a handsfree parking system, hill-start assist, Lane Keeping Support, Crash Prevention Support, Blind Spot Support, parking sensors, a rearview camera, and engine stop-start. A button on the dashboard permits the powertrain to be changed among Manual modes, and Eco, Relaxation.

Come October, the Metris will soon be offered through the exact same dealer network that services and sells Sprinters. Costs will begin at $29,945 for the freight version--making it the most affordable new Mercedes Benz you can purchase--while passenger variants will begin at $33,495. Choices you'll find over 100 of them, and come a la carte. Greatly optioned, do not be surprised to find costs rise past $40 significantly more than some of its rivals, K. In this respect, as well as in its manner that are driving, the Metris is quite definitely a Mercedes Benz.

https://youtu.be/nKnbMgwz7fY
2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris van Video