Mercedes-Benz Metris - A Handyman’s Dream

With the approval of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, commercial vehicle tax deductions are more favorable than ever. If you’re in the market for a new commercial vehicle and you work in an industry where you need to haul tools and materials through small alleyways and city streets while getting 22 mpg, look no further than the Mercedes-Benz Metris.

What is The Metris?

For my review this issue, Mercedes-Benz of Lynnwood was kind enough to loan me a 2018 Metris Cargo van. After driving it for a few days, I can say I’m impressed!

Since its release in 2015, the Metris has been positioned as a mid-size commercial van. It’s smaller than its Sprinter brother, but bigger than vehicles like the Nissan NV200 and Ford Transit Connect.  Because of this, the Metris is able to boast an 186 cubic-foot cargo space, 5000 lb towing capacity, qualify for the 100% depreciation tax benefit with its 6,750 lb GVWR weight, and still astoundingly get 22 mpg. It really is an all-in-one package if you need a mid-size commercial vehicle. Imagine the impact 22 mpg could have on your bottom-line instead of the 10-14 mpg older full-size vans and trucks get!

Driving Dynamics and Review

The Metris is powered by a 2.0 liter inline 4 turbo engine. This little power plant pumps out 208 hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque to the rear wheels. Mated with a 7 speed automatic, the Metris got up to speed plenty fast enough for a work truck. The steering in the Metris was very responsive and I feels like you’re driving a C300 instead of a cargo van. I was able to make u-turns, maneuver through traffic, and cut through tight alley ways with ease. Parallel parking was also simple with the standard equipped back-up camera.

One thing I did desire was larger side mirrors. A small factor, but one that was noticeable as I had the model with no side or rear windows. Another concern that many people have brought up is the required use of premium gas. Mercedes has mitigated this issue with the 2018 model, as the Metris is now capable of taking any type of gasoline you use. Since the fuel tank is only 18.5 gallons, I was able to fill up the Metris with just $50.

Being a work van, the interior of the Metris is nothing extraordinary. The dashboard is made of standard plastic material, and the seats, while comfortable, are simply seats. If you live in a cold climate, heated-seats are an option that is available and the steering wheel is made of high quality material that is nice to grip. The standard stereo has good acoustics, and does have bluetooth capability which is a nice touch for calls between job sites. At the end of the day though, the main focus of the Metris design is functionality, and that is something it does well.

With regards to price, the Metris starts at just $26,570. A price-tag that I was shocked to discover was that low. From my perspective, if you’re looking at purchasing a new commercial vehicle, it doesn’t make sense to not consider the Metris! Make sure to stop by Mercedes-Benz of Lynnwood to check-out the 2018 model!