Used 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris

Smaller than the mighty Sprinter, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris is better described as a midsize utility van. Larger and more capable than the pint-sized Ram ProMaster City, Ford Transit Connect and Nissan NV200, the Metris reminds us of a taller, more modern version of the old short-wheelbase Ford and Chevy full-size vans. Starting just below $27,000, the Metris comes in a number of configurations, including a basic work truck, standard cargo van and upscale passenger van. To make the Metris more appealing to small businesses, Mercedes-Benz has partnered with a number of specialty upfitters including Gruau, Knapheide and Smartliner. Through the company’s Master Solutions program, customers can work with highly trained experts to add shelving, racks, refrigeration and anything else a rolling workshop might need.

One might expect a vehicle, even a boxy work van, carrying the Mercedes-Benz name to be of quality design and sterling ability. In the case of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris van, one would be correct. Easily superior to the mini work vans from Ram, Ford and Nissan, the Metris offers a nice blend of power, acceleration, fuel economy and maneuverability. In fact, unlike the larger Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana, the Metris is almost fun to drive. For such a tall vehicle, the Metris shows amazing balance, and the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, while no rocket, delivers lots of low-end torque generously doled out by a 7-speed automatic transmission complete with paddle shifters. As one would expect, the lightly insulated cargo van feels like driving around in a bass drum, but the passenger van is impressively quiet, with large comfortable seating for up to eight people.

As a utility van, the biggest asset the Metris offers is interior space. This, it has in spades. There’s 186 cubic feet in which you can cram boxes, barrels, flowers, plants, short trees…you get the point. Plus, the Master Solutions program lets you customize the interior with rows of locking boxes for tools, racks for hardware and replacement parts, or even replace the entire back of the van with a giant refrigerator. Passenger vans offer three rows of seats for up to eight passengers. The control layout is simple, lacking the more advanced features from the luxury division, but still unmistakably Mercedes.

Considering the peculiar styling of some of its competitors — not to mention the big-daddy Sprinter — you’d expect the Metris to look a little funky. Instead, it’s a sleek box on wheels, with a big honkin’ Mercedes-Benz badge in the grille. It’s utilitarian, of course, with base models coming with black bumpers. Cargo versions have one sliding door on the passenger side, while passenger versions get dual sliding doors with power sliders as an option. You can choose between a liftgate or barn doors in the rear, and passenger models get glass side windows instead of the cargo model’s metal panels.

MASTER SOLUTIONS
Upfitters make a living converting vans to suit the needs of their owners, be they electricians, plumbers, delivery services or the local ice cream person. Through the Master Solutions program, buyers work directly with upfitters in the showroom, allowing any modifications to be rolled into the vehicle’s financing.

TOWING & PAYLOAD CAPACITY
Look past the Metris’ 4-cylinder engine and you’ll find a well-constructed rear-drive work van with the ability to tow nearly 5,000 pounds and haul payloads up to 2,500 pounds. That’s more than you find in any of the Metris’ smaller rivals.

The passenger and cargo Metris models come with the same 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 7-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. The tilt steering wheel also features shift paddles to manually control the transmission. There are standard 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, power accessories, and an audio unit with Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs and a 3.5-inch monochrome screen. In the cargo area there’s a wood floor with six D-rings for securing cargo, or five additional seats for passenger models. Safety is a primary concern, with systems to aid with crosswinds and driver drowsiness, plus a bevy of airbags.

"Luxury" isn’t on the menu, but you can get body-colored bumpers, black Leatherette seating material, heated front seats, a rearview camera, cruise control, and active safety systems like blind-spot monitoring, collision-prevention assist and lane-keeping assist. An Active Parking Assist feature helps in parallel parking, useful in tight urban areas. The available navigation system is on the basic side; it’s not the COMAND system you’ll find in Benz passenger cars. Passenger vans can opt for 8-passenger seating with a 2nd-row bench, and for dual power sliding doors as well. Automatic climate control and idle-stop are on the options list.

The only engine available for the 2018 Mercedes Metris van is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine that makes 208 horsepower and a healthy 258 lb-ft of torque. It doesn’t sound like much, but we found this engine and its 7-speed automatic transmission plenty worthy to power this van. Unlike the bigger Sprinter, there’s no available diesel, nor is all-wheel drive available. Mercedes-Benz recommends premium fuel, but doesn’t require it. Maybe best of all, the Metris can tow up to 4,960 pounds, easily topping rivals like the Ram ProMaster City, Ford Transit Connect and Nissan NV200.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
208 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/24 mpg