The new Mercedes-Benz Metris: an attractive upgrade for the everyday van
A proven expert for various trades, commerce, and services: the success of the Mercedes-Benz Metris is based on its versatility, flexibility, and balanced price to performance ratio. Now with extensive updates, the new Metris is even more attractive. Highlights include enhanced driver assistance systems, the comfortable and efficient 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, and a refreshed design. The new generation Metris will arrive in Canadian dealerships in the first quarter of 2021 and will start at $39,170.
Since its launch, the Mercedes-Benz Metris has represented the epitome of a multipurpose mid-size van. As a result of its versatility, the Metris has become an established and trusted partner for SMEs, in particular those with up to five vehicles. More than 70 percent of all Metris vehicles are used in such capacity.
With its industry leading levels of safety and ergonomics, ease of use, maneuverability, and exemplary Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), the Mercedes-Benz Metris continues to set benchmarks in its segment. The mid-size van can easily fit into a parking garage in most metropolitan areas, and can also meet the needs of those who utilize a van for daily driving or professional trades. The Metris shares many of the rugged characteristics of the Sprinter which allows it to take on various terrains and driving conditions.
Maximum comfort with exemplary efficiency: the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission
For the first time ever, the highly efficient 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is now available on all Metris variants. Characterized by increased efficiency and lighter construction, the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with torque converter replaces the seven-speed automatic transmission. The broad ratio spread of gears from one to nine allows for a clearly perceptible reduction in engine speed and contributes to a high level of energy efficiency and ride comfort.
Drivers can use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to select drive programs "Comfort" and "Sport", and thus tailor the shifting behavior to their driving requirements. Alternatively, they can shift manually in "M" mode using DIRECT SELECT steering wheel gearshift paddles.
A diverse range of options
The versatile Metris is available in two wheelbases; the 126" standard or passenger wheelbase, and the 135" long wheelbase for cargo variants. The range of variants make it ideal for a large variety of trades and use cases. As a cargo van, it reliably meets all requirements in goods and freight transportation. Almost as frequently, the Metris is used as a capable mobile parts store and service vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz Metris is also an apt people-mover; in its passenger form, the Metris comfortably seats up to eight.
Due to its varied use as a commercial vehicle, the optional equipment offering for the updated Metris is particularly diverse and includes a myriad of options for window and door variants, in addition to roof rails and carrier bars. The standard load compartment with wooden floor can be optionally upgraded to a durable yet light-weight plastic flooring. Other options like a rail system for load anchoring or lashing rails on the sidewall and interior paneling provide the Metris Cargo Van maximum functionality.
The Metris Cargo Van can be configured with 16" or 17" steel wheels as standard, with the option to upgrade to light-alloys. The Metris Passenger Van comes standard with 17" light-alloy wheels.
The standard Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the Metris Cargo Van is 6,384 lbs or 2.9t. This can be optionally upgraded to a GVWR of 6,393 lbs or 3.1t, resulting in a Maximum Towing Capacity of 5,000 lbs.
Driving Assistance Systems: safe support
The new Active Brake Assist can detect the risk of a collision with a vehicle driving ahead, and initiates a visual and audible warning if there is a collision risk. If the driver responds, the assistant builds up brake pressure appropriate to the situation. If there is no intervention, the system provides support with active braking maneuvers. In city traffic, Active Brake Assist can also react to stationary obstacles and crossing pedestrians.
Available for the Metris for the first time, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC can maintain a set distance to the vehicle traveling ahead and assists to relieve the driver when driving on the highway or in stop-and-go traffic. The system accelerates the vehicle by itself and brakes with a maximum of half the vehicle's braking power in order to maintain a safe distance. If the system recognizes that stronger braking is necessary, drivers are visually and acoustically warned, so that they – if necessary – can slow down the vehicle. The Metris also includes the HOLD function, which allows the brakes to be engaged without the need for the driver’s foot to remain on the brake pedal.
A tire pressure loss detection system is standard equipment for the Metris. The Metris can be individually equipped with additional assistance systems, such as Active Parking Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist.
Digital rearview mirror: clear visibility to the rear in all conditions
The refreshed Metris’ digital interior rearview mirror is a special highlight in its segment. Used in the same way as a conventional rearview mirror, the digital rearview mirror transmits the image from the HDR camera in the rear window to the mirror's display and functions even if the trunk or load compartment are full to the roof. The advantage: the view of what is happening behind the vehicle is not restricted by head restraints, passengers, or other obstacles. The camera mounted on the inside of the rear window conveys a field of vision, which is twice as wide as a conventional inside rearview mirror, which is limited due to the window area.
The digital inside rearview mirror also provides great benefit when visibility is poor: the camera copes perfectly with multi-story parking decks and in the rain, transmitting a sharp image to the screen. The digital inside rearview mirror's image processing ensures that dark and light image sections are displayed in a balanced way.
Via the familiar anti-dazzle toggle, the digital inside rearview mirror can be switched from the camera image to the analogue view.
Intuitive infotainment
The Metris update also extends into the range of infotainment systems. The new Audio 30 and Audio 40 infotainment systems meet many customer requirements. Both options have a 7-inch touchscreen with Smartphone Integration via Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, and SiriusXM. With the Audio 40 system, the integrated navigation can be controlled via the screen.
The navigation system, which features 3D city and landmark views, is intuitive and presents information and navigation prompts in a comprehensible, easy to understand way. The screen has a further function: on the Audio 30 and Audio 40 it also serves as a display if the 180° reversing camera has been selected and displays the traffic area behind the Metris. Image signals from the reversing camera are conveyed digitally and the image is sharper than ever. The Bluetooth® interface has been significantly improved with audio streaming, hands-free functionality for distraction-free calling while driving and USB interfaces for charging mobile devices.
Refined interior and exterior design
The designers have further refined the distinctive and dynamic design of the Mercedes-Benz Metris. For instance, the new Metris can be identified by the restyled radiator grille which is optionally available. The Mercedes star is centrally positioned in the radiator grille and surrounded by three black grained louvres. A radiator grille in a chrome design is also available as an option for all Metris models, and feature louvres guilded in a chrome finish.
The designers have also updated the Metris interior. The robust and elegant "Caluma" fabric replaces the previous "Tunja" fabric. The refresh brings new air vents in a sporty turbine look on the left- and right-hand edge of the instrument panel. In conjunction with the optional Chrome Package, the central dashboard is now framed by an element in a high-quality piano-lacquer look. With this option, the frames of the new air vents are fashioned in chrome.
An expanded range of colours
Metris customers now have a host of new configuration options for the exterior of all models. The colour palette for metallic paint finishes has expanded to include Graphite Grey and Selenite Grey. The well-loved Hyacinth Red metallic from Mercedes-Benz passenger cars was also added to the selection list for all Metris models. Equally new is the optional Steel Blue paint finish.
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About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing, and service of Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG passenger vehicles and Mercedes-Benz Vans. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,050 people in 17 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of seven Mercedes-Benz own retail operations and 52 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 35,396 vehicles in 2020. This positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the seventh consecutive year.
For more information, please contact:
Lucas Dias 416-847-7466 lucas.e.dias@mercedes-benz.ca
Further information from Mercedes-Benz Canada is available at media.mercedes-benz.ca
