Mercedes-Benz Metris

Though primarily regarded as a luxury brand in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz also sells a fair amount of commercial vans. The Metris is Mercedes' entry-level model. It's smaller and less capable than the Sprinter, but in return it has a lower price and better fuel economy. You can get the Metris in a Passenger or Cargo version to best suit your needs.

There are a few notable changes on the 2021 Metris. For starters, Mercedes has replaced the previous seven-speed automatic transmission with a nine-speed automatic. We'd normally expect marginally better fuel economy and acceleration from having more gears, but the Metris' EPA combined fuel economy estimate has actually dropped 2 mpg compared to last year.

We're more impressed with the van's additional features. On the safety front, adaptive cruise control is now available, as is a digital rearview mirror. At the flip of a switch, the mirror displays an image beamed in from the rearview camera. This gives you a clear view of the road behind you, even if the cargo compartment is filled to the roof. The Metris also debuts a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The upgraded system also supports navigation with real-time traffic — a Metris first.

Overall, these changes further enhance the Metris and make it a great pick for a small commercial van. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our full in-depth take on the van's performance, utility and more.

Which Metris does MatoCar recommend?

The Mercedes-Benz Metris is a small commercial van configurable for hauling cargo or people. In its Cargo guise, the Metris is available in either a 126- or a 135-inch wheelbase. In its Passenger van configuration, only the 126-inch wheelbase is available. Every Metris is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (208 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Cargo vans have two seats while Passenger vans can seat five, seven or eight passengers. Highlighted standard features include:

Cargo

• 16-inch steel wheels
• 7-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Five-speaker audio system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility
• Air conditioning
• Cloth upholstery
• Power front windows
• Crosswind assist (helps the driver stay on course in windy conditions)

A myriad of options can be added on their own, like navigation or a sliding driver's side door, or grouped into packages. Packages range from adding utility to driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Metris and the vehicle in front) and parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking). For extra personalization, Mercedes-Benz also offers options like ladder racks and custom-fit shelving. Highlighted option packages include:

Driver Efficiency

• Extra storage tray
• Fog lights
• Cruise control
• Extra keys

Safety

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Blind-spot assist (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Heated, electrically adjustable mirrors
• 4.2-inch digital display with trip computer
• First aid kit

Cargo Protection

• LED lighting in the cargo area
• Full-height plastic paneling
• Floor- and wall-mounted tie-down rails with additional anchor points

Passenger Includes most of the standard equipment from the Cargo and adds:

• Seating for seven (five and eight passenger options are available)
• Side windows for second and third row
• Plastic flooring
• Rear windows with defroster and wiper

Like the Cargo version, the Passenger offers options on their own or in packages. Passenger versions can also be upfitted to offer a mobile office environment, wheelchair access or to convert the Metris into a camping van, complete with a pop-up roof and sleeping for four people. Highlighted option packages include:

Premium Exterior

• Body-color painted bumpers
• Black roof rails
• Chrome grille

Enhanced AC

• Automatic climate control
• More powerful air conditioner

Premium Interior

• Chrome interior accents
• Rear reading lights
• Full carpeting
• Footwell lighting

Active Distance Assist Distronic System

• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Mercedes-Benz and the car in front)
• Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)