Mercedes-Benz Vans USA introduced the Mercedes-Benz Metris van to the US and Canadian markets, marking a significant expansion of their commercial vehicle lineup. Unveiled at the NTEA Work Truck Show on March 4, 2015, the Metris aimed to capture the burgeoning mid-size commercial van segment. Launching in October 2015, the Mercedes-Benz Metris van was offered in both Passenger Van and Cargo Van configurations, carving out a unique space in the market with no direct competitors in its size and capability class.
Bernie Glaser, Vice President and Managing Director of Daimler Vans USA, LLC, emphasized the strategic importance of the Metris, stating, “It is only logical that we adopt the global approach and also expand our successful vans business in the USA.” The “Mission: Metris” campaign at SEMA 2014 had already generated buzz with custom concept vans, effectively pre-announcing the nameplate and showcasing the vehicle’s versatility. The Metris was designed to complement the larger Sprinter van, offering a comprehensive range for Mercedes-Benz Vans and solidifying their position as a full-line vans brand.
The Mercedes-Benz Metris van distinguished itself as the “right-sized” solution for businesses. Positioned between smaller city vans and full-size behemoths, the Metris provides an optimal balance of maneuverability and cargo capacity. Its dimensions are perfectly suited for navigating dense urban environments, including fitting into standard parking garages, while still offering substantial space for cargo and passengers. Compared to smaller vans, the Metris boasted significantly enhanced payload and cargo volume, while remaining more agile and fuel-efficient than larger vans like the Sprinter. This strategic positioning addressed a critical need for businesses seeking a van that was both practical and efficient.
The value proposition of the Mercedes-Benz Metris van extended beyond its size. Mercedes-Benz emphasized superior craftsmanship, robust cargo and towing capabilities, and a competitive price point. The Cargo Van version started at an attractive $28,950, while the Passenger Van began at $32,500 (excluding destination/delivery charges). This pricing strategy made the Metris the most accessible entry point into the Mercedes-Benz vehicle family in the US market, further enhancing its appeal to a broad range of businesses.
Key to the Mercedes-Benz Metris van’s appeal was its powerful and fuel-efficient 4-cylinder gasoline engine. Producing 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, this engine, paired with a smooth 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, delivered ample performance for commercial applications. The powertrain, specifically developed for the US and Canadian markets, also offered an optional ECO start/stop function to further enhance fuel economy. Mercedes-Benz also highlighted extended service intervals of up to 15,000 miles, contributing to reduced downtime and lower total cost of ownership.
Safety was paramount in the design of the Mercedes-Benz Metris van. The Cargo Van variant came standard with 6 airbags, while the Passenger Van featured 8. Furthermore, the Metris included a suite of standard safety systems such as ATTENTION ASSIST, Crosswind Assist, and load-adaptive ESP (Electronic Stability Program). A comprehensive list of optional safety features was also available, including Active Parking Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, PARKTRONIC, Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and a rearview camera. These advanced safety technologies underscored Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to driver and passenger protection, setting a new benchmark in the mid-size van segment.
To illustrate the “right-sized” advantage of the Mercedes-Benz Metris van, the original press release included a comparison table against competitors:
| Vehicle | Length (in) | Width (in) | Height (in) | Advantage Metris |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 233.3 | 79.7 | 96.3 | |
| Mercedes-Benz Metris | 202.4 | 75.9 | 74.8 | |
| Ford Transit Connect | 189.7 | 72.2 | 72.6 | Metris: 880+ lbs (+54%) more payload and 45% more cargo volume |
| Nissan NV200 SV | 186.3 | 68.1 | 73.7 | Metris: 1000+ lbs (+73%) more payload and over 50% more cargo volume |
| RAM C/V Tradesman | 202.8 | 78.7 | 69.0 | Metris: 700+ lbs (+39%) more payload and 29% more cargo volume |
This table clearly demonstrated the Metris van’s superior payload and cargo capacity compared to smaller vans like the Ford Transit Connect and Nissan NV200 SV, while maintaining a more compact footprint than the larger RAM C/V Tradesman and the full-size Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
While the Mercedes-Benz Metris van represented a new entry into the mid-size segment, the Sprinter van continued to thrive in the full-size market. Mercedes-Benz highlighted ongoing enhancements to the Sprinter, including increased service intervals, the addition of standard Crosswind Assist, and the introduction of a Sprinter 4×4 variant. These updates reinforced the Sprinter’s position as a leader in the full-size van segment and showcased Mercedes-Benz’s overall commitment to innovation and meeting diverse customer needs across the commercial van spectrum.
Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz Vans USA announced an enhanced Upfitter Program to coincide with the Metris launch. Recognizing the crucial role of upfitters in customizing vans to specific business requirements, this program aimed to streamline the upfitting process and maximize the Metris van’s potential across various industries.
In conclusion, the Mercedes-Benz Metris van was strategically introduced to fill a crucial gap in the commercial van market. Its “right-sized” approach, combining maneuverability, ample cargo space, robust performance, and Mercedes-Benz’s renowned safety and quality, positioned it as a compelling option for businesses seeking a versatile and efficient commercial vehicle. The Metris van, alongside the continued success of the Sprinter, solidified Mercedes-Benz Vans’ commitment to providing comprehensive and innovative solutions for commercial transportation needs in the US and Canadian markets.
