Available

5,7,8 Passenger Van

Overview

Luxury is a staple of Mercedes-Benz, but the brand’s line of Metris city vans trades a bit of vanity for versatility. It’s available as a hollowed-out cargo van with a short or long wheelbase as well as a passenger van with flexible seating that will hold up to eight people. Mercedes provides all models with a four-cylinder powertrain that helps them tow up to 5000 pounds, which is an impressive amount compared with what the competition can pull. Along with bountiful active safety technology, the Metris boasts a large touchscreen with contemporary features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Although the Metris isn’t as refined as the company’s snazziest offerings, it’s still one of the most sophisticated and capable vans on the market, which earned it an Editors’ Choice award.

What’s New for 2022?

Mercedes updates the 2022 Metris lineup with new features and better technology. Every model now has a modern infotainment system and newly standard driver-assistance features. The cargo and passenger vans have higher gross vehicle weight ratings, too. Other changes include a new grille, 16- and 17-inch rims, improved interior materials, and a nine-speed gearbox to replace the seven-speed automatic.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

All Metris vans are motivated by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends torque to the rear wheels. The Mercedes vans excel when it comes to towing and payload capability. The Metris can tow up to 5000 pounds. For reference, the Ford Transit Connect, a main rival, has a towing maximum of 2000 pounds. The Metris can also handle a payload of up to 2425 pounds, while the Transit Connect can carry 1550 pounds. The last Metris passenger van we tested proved able to shuttle people and cargo posthaste. In fact, it was quicker than the lighter Transit Connect we tested in the same acceleration tests. The last Metris we drove was easy to live with, too, delivering handling that has a higher level of refinement than is typical for this class. Its steering was light, and we could easily maneuver into tight spaces. Plus, the van was very controllable at highway speeds. The optional air suspension allows for adjustable ride heights and should proffer an even smoother ride.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

According to the EPA, cargo van variants of the Metris are good for 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway while the passenger van version is rated at 19 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Once we have the chance to test a Metris on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, we can evaluate its real-world mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Metris passenger van can seat up to eight passengers, which is one more than the Transit Connect. The second and third rows can be reconfigured or removed to accommodate different numbers of people and amounts of cargo. The cabin isn’t as plush as that of the typical Mercedes, but the design is pleasant, and the accommodations offer a reasonable degree of comfort. We found the bottom seat cushions to be too small for passengers with wider posteriors, and we’re disappointed that the steering column lacks the ability to telescope. The Metris does a great job of keeping road noise out of the cabin. Its interior is quieter than that of other vans in this class during highway travel. While the passenger van has up to 38 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats, the cargo van boasts up to 199 cubes on the long-wheelbase version.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes on every Metris. It replaces the tired 5.8-inch screen that used to be standard. Unlike the outgoing system, the new one finally adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to the roster. The van also features better radio reception and built-in navigation with live traffic information.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2022 Metris hasn’t been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Still, every model comes with standard and optional driver-assistance technology that includes crosswind assist and a driver-attention monitor. Key safety features include:

•  Standard automated emergency braking
•  Standard blind-spot monitoring
•  Available lane-keeping assist