2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris

Since the cargo Van is a particular version offered in the Mercedes-Benz Metris lineup, there are no further trims available within this. However, there are two different body lengths available - a 126-inch wheelbase and the 135-inch wheelbase version. It is certainly the most luxurious cargo van available around, and even with the base trim, the van is very well equipped and comes with the following features.

Which trim should you buy?

Mercedes-Benz has saved us from the confusion of deciding which trim to buy because there is only one offered. There are a lot of optional extras that can be availed. Between the different wheelbase options, we preferred the short wheelbase because it already has much better cargo capacity than any of its rivals. And since the van is already much more expensive than its rivals, we prefer staying away from the options list. 

Mercedes has provided its cargo van with a turbocharged engine so that even with the high power output that it offers it does not fall back much in terms of fuel efficiency. With combustion-engined cars, this has always been a trade-off, but we can note that the Mercedes Benz has an EPA estimated fuel efficiency rating of 19 MPG in the city, 23 on the highway, and 21 combined. It also has a huge fuel tank that can hold 18.5 gallons.

Although the Metris has very decent fuel efficiency, it delivers the same kind of range as its competitors even with a much larger tank. Rivals like Nissan and Ford have much better fuel efficiency with their less powerful engines. But since transport costs get higher due to lower fuel efficiency, this is a matter of concern. 

When it comes to the interior, Mercedes has always set standards that its rivals have to follow. Things are no different even with their commercial vehicles, and one can see that the interiors are built to excellent standards. The material quality is unrivaled, and the design is also amazing. There is also abundant space inside the cabin, and the driving position is also nice.

The van is also provided with a lot of features, some of which are completely missing from its rivals. Ingress and egress are also supremely easy, and the two passengers that the van can seat will travel in utmost comfort. Rear visibility is limited, and it may take some time adapting to. Cargo capacity is on a league of its own at 183 ft.³.

The cabin of all cars in this category is quite spacious, but the rivals offer slightly better interior space. The Mercedes has instead concentrated on providing that much more space in the cargo area, and that is definitely a strategy that works really well in the segment. It is almost surprising that the Metris has nearly double the cargo space of the Ford Transit Connect. Some standard features include:

• Height adjustable driver seat
• Leather steering wheel
• Multifunction Steering Wheel with a trip computer
• Outside temperature display
• Climate control
• Parking sensors

What’s there to keep you entertained?

When it comes to infotainment options, there is plenty on offer. The two infotainment screens - a 7.0-inch screen, which is available as an option, and a driver information display, which is also digital. The sound system was also decent, and the optional infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto starting from this year.

These are features unheard of in the segment. Some standout features of the infotainment system include: 

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• AM/FM
• Satellite radio
• USB and Aux port
• 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot
• Bluetooth
• Built-in navigation with live traffic information
• 5-speaker sound system

The Mercedes-Benz Metris is stunning without a doubt. Although it is only a van that is not exactly designed to entice buyers with its design, it is definitely the most good-looking van that we have seen. When equipped with body-colored bumpers and so on, it looks truly worthy of carrying the three-pointed star proudly on its front grille. The van weighs 4,123 lbs and stands 5.4 inches above the ground.

The Mercedes-Benz Metris is much larger and much heavier than all of its competitors, often making it feel like it is in a different category. Even with the short wheelbase version, it is a much larger vehicle and offers much greater cargo capacity. In terms of weight, the Mercedes is rather on the heavier side and weighs 4,123 lbs. Nissan manages to offer the most ground clearance of the lot at 6.1 inches. Some standout features include:

• 16-inch steel wheels
• Fog lamps
• Front air dams
• External rearview cameras
• LED headlamps and tail lamps
• Black colored bumpers

When it comes to safety, every Mercedes has always kept up a standard of its own. But being a commercial vehicle, the Metris has not received a safety rating from NHTSA or the IIHS yet. It comes with most of the advanced safety features available in the market today as standard features and several more as options. Some of the standout safety features include: 

• Active brake assist with Distronic Plus active cruise control
• Attention assist
• Crosswind assist
• Blind-spot assist
• Automated emergency braking
• Lane-keeping assistance

2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo Van Vs. 2021 RAM Promaster City Tradesman

The RAM Promaster City Tradesman is an excellent van that has a lot of strengths of its own. Starting with, it has better acceleration than the Mercedes, but that is not the parameter that has to be impressive in this category. The Mercedes has much better towing and payload capacity. The van from Mercedes has better luxury along with better cargo space, making it a desirable option in the competition.

2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo Van vs. 2021 Nissan NV200 S

The Nissan NV200 S is one such Van that is only impressive if you’re after its low price tag. The Mercedes, being priced quite heavily, is one of its disadvantages but definitely does offer that much more mechanically as well as in terms of build quality and features. Hence for someone for whom these parameters are important, the Mercedes is the better pick.

2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo Van Vs. 2021 Ford Transit Connect Cargo

The Ford Transit Connect Cargo is an excellent small van but suffers in terms of cargo space and interior space due to its smaller size. It is much lighter but at the cost of practicality. It offers a better range but not so much more that it justifies as a better pick. Hence, we would pick Mercedes over this too.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo Van is an excellent van that presents a lot of reasons for one to choose it over its competitors. But at the same time, its price is much heavier than the rest of its competition and is a matter of concern for somebody who was looking for a commercial vehicle. As long as someone can afford it, we definitely recommend that they buy this van since it is that much more capable and worth the extra cost.