The Mercedes-Benz Metris: Keeping You and Your Cargo Safe

If you are looking for a gently used passenger or cargo van that is safe and fun to drive, you need to find a Mercedes-Benz Metris for sale near West Chester. This model's reputation as a dependable people or light cargo hauler is backed by the Mercedes-Benz reputation for fine craftsmanship. The Metris has a great pedigree as it follows in the footsteps of its European variant, which has been happily plying the streets of Europe and Asia for a few decades. This means it is not exactly a newbie in the world of vans.

The Metris invokes a metro-style appearance designed for urban environments. The Metris is leaner in appearance than the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter but still more versatile than an SUV. While primarily designed for businesses, it can also appeal to individuals. It fills a market gap for those with large families who are driving their kids to sports practice, shop owners in need of a light-duty hauler, and shuttle van operators. In 2018, the USPS even purchased a large fleet of right-hand drive Metris models to replace some of its delivery vehicles.

A Van By Any Other Name

First introduced to the American market in 2016, the Metris was envisioned as a practical light-duty metro van. Smaller in stature than the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, it offers the versatility of being either a utility or passenger van (the passenger versions have easily removable seating). Any European seeing this vehicle might argue that it is, in fact, a Mercedes-Benz Vito. This is due to a rebranding. While this van is known as the Vito in Europe because it is built in Vitoria, Spain, it would seem that market research showed the name was less appealing to shoppers in the United States who didn't understand the original connection.

This Mercedes-Benz van got its start in Europe in 1996 to replace the old cabover MB100. Popular for its size and versatility, it was even used in China to serve as part of the standard ambulance fleet. In 2008, England adopted a version of the Vito as part of its official London black cab fleet. Rear wheel steer capability was added to comply with the strict Conditions of Fitness requirements. Another popular variant in Europe is a Euro-style camper version, aptly named the Marco Polo. It is wildly popular with adventurers throughout the EU. Why the American debut of the Metris took so long, considering the Vito models have a long success story in Europe and Asia, is anyone's guess.

The Mercedes-Benz Metris: Comfort and Safety Features

The Metris competes with rivals like the Ford Transit Connect, Ram Promaster City, and Nissan NV200 in the United States. It is considered a more refined and comfortable passenger and light cargo hauler than its rivals. This more plush ride can be further enhanced with the available comfort, safety, and technology packages. Considered easy to maneuver, nimble, and quiet on the highway, the Metris is at the top of its class. This is no surprise, as the Mercedes-Benz emblem carries its own weight.

In terms of comfort, the van's low platform makes it easy to enter and exit, and its refined suspension offers a smooth ride no matter the road conditions. True to its Mercedes-Benz heritage, road noise is not in play while driving the Metris. Seating is comfortable and roomy, as the Metris has more interior space than most of its counterparts. Even when loaded with luggage and passengers, it maintains its smooth ride and steady steering.

The final 2023 model has a host of safety and driver-assist features designed to keep everyone safe and out of harm's way. The Metris is equipped with front and side airbags. Notable driver assist features include Crosswind Assist, Attention Assist®, Active Brake Assist, Lane-Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Assist. These features are not commonly found on commercial vans and help set the Metris apart from the competition when it comes to staying safe on the road.

The Mercedes-Benz Metris Experience

The Mercedes-Benz Metris was designed as an easy-to-use and responsive light utility or passenger van. It has both a cargo van and a passenger van option. Many shoppers opt for the passenger van version as the rear row seating was cleverly designed for easy removal, making it a very versatile van. When the rear cargo area is empty, you can fit four-foot by eight-foot sheetrock or plywood panels in it. The dash, storage, and infotainment package are also all up to par with what you would expect in a Mercedez-Benz vehicle.

In the front dash, you will find options including built-in navigation, automatic climate control settings, and a seven-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enabled. Easy-reach cup holders and a large center bin complete the front dash offerings. The front seats provide comfortable seating and optional power seat adjustment. A cold climate package adds heated front seats and heated side mirrors to the Metris, which is perfect for colder days in West Chester. Hill Start Assist is also available in this model.

The Metris is powered by a capable 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Its nine-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and seamless shifting. If you need occasional towing capability, the Metris outperforms its competitors with the ability to haul 5,000 pounds and can handle payloads up to 2,668 pounds. Once again, it outperforms its competitors in its hauling capabilities.

Thanks to its sturdy suspension and capable and responsive steering, the Metris drives equally smoothly in the city and on the highway. Crosswind Assist keeps the Metris straight and true on the highway, even on windy days. The Metris presents itself with style on the exterior with a pronounced grill-mounted Mercedes-Benz emblem. It is a step above its competition in both style and function. The Mercedes-Benz Metris is worth a test drive if you're in the market for a versatile and dependable van.

The Metris Is What a Versatile Van Should Be

The EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2023 Metris make it a practical choice to run as well, as it is listed at 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. Considering its economical fuel rating for a van and its overall versatility to serve as the family van, utility workhorse, or transport services vehicle, it came as some surprise when Mercedes-Benz announced it was discontinuing production of the Metris in 2023. It would seem that decisions by its competitors to do the same created a domino effect for this market segment. Ford and Ram have also pulled their compact van options from the United States market, leaving this segment vacant for the near future.

The upside for those who own or are shopping for a Metris is that its European cousin, the Vito, is still alive and thriving in Europe and Asia. This means parts for the Metris should still be obtainable for years to come. You can still find a late-model used Mercedes-Benz Metris for sale near West Chester today. A test drive will convince most van shoppers that the Mercedes-Benz Metris is a superior model in its segment. It will undoubtedly become a Mercedes-Benz classic.