Living in the diverse climates of Quebec and British Columbia, Canada, and owning a fleet that includes a Metris Cargo, a Metris 8-passenger, and a Sprinter 144′ 4×4 crew van, we’ve gained unique insights into the capabilities of each vehicle. Surprisingly, our Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, often envisioned as the ultimate winter vehicle, frequently sits idle during the snowy months. The true winter warrior in our lineup? It’s the Mercedes Metris minivan. Equipped with quality winter tires, this van has proven to be remarkably unstoppable. From countless ski trips around Quebec to extensive winter journeys across to British Columbia, the Metris has consistently delivered, never faltering in challenging conditions.
Initially, the idea of “stow and go” seating in minivans seemed appealing. However, the reality often involves smaller, less comfortable seats. Furthermore, folding these seats away sacrifices valuable passenger space, defeating the core purpose of a people mover. In contrast, our Metris 8-passenger van excels on family trips, comfortably accommodating a full load of eight passengers along with luggage like hockey bags, all while confidently navigating snow-covered roads. The expectation was that the Sprinter 4×4 would become our primary vehicle for snowy conditions, but the Metris has consistently outperformed in real-world winter scenarios. It’s worth noting that a fully loaded Metris 8-passenger naturally offers enhanced stability and traction in snow compared to the cargo version, which is a logical advantage.
Having a history with VW T3 vans and numerous T4 Eurovans in various configurations, including TDI and TDI syncro models imported from Europe, the arrival of the Mercedes Metris in North America (known as the Vito in Europe, and previously owning a 2000 Vito Westfalia) was a welcome sight. While modern minivans with all their premium features are excellent choices for many families, the Metris offers something different. It’s a distinctly European, no-nonsense, and comfortable people mover. Yes, the seats don’t fold flat, and certain features might seem basic compared to luxury minivans. In our 8-passenger model, accessing the middle seat from the driver’s side can be a bit awkward, cupholders are absent in the middle row, and the passenger-side mirror’s functionality is limited. Despite these minor quirks, the Metris excels at safely transporting our family. Its very German design philosophy might be misunderstood by some, but for those who appreciate European practicality and reliability, the Metris is a truly exceptional vehicle.
For those in Ontario seeking expert advice, Karl at Cornwall Freightliner-Mercedes comes highly recommended. This family-run dealership provides a refreshingly old-fashioned service experience, where the owner is directly involved in sales and delivery. While you might not find fancy frills, you will find honest and helpful service.
If considering maximizing passenger capacity, a double bench seat for the front of the Metris is an option. The only consideration is the absence of an airbag for the middle front occupant. While some of our European VW vans featured a 3-seat front configuration without issues, safety preferences remain a personal choice.
Wishing you the best in your vehicle search. The Mercedes-Benz Metris, this “Benz Minivan”, might just be the surprisingly capable and practical choice you’ve been overlooking.
