Topic: First Drive: 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris

[mixmanmash]

The premise that the Sprinter was higher quality than the old school E-250 or Savanna/Express is interesting given the track record. They rusted and had myriad electrical and mechanical issues. They were more expensive though.

That applies to the first generation units that were built until MY2006. 

[johngenx]

Post 2006 Sprinters are better.  But, the main reason for buying a Sprinter is the head room for camper conversions - you can stand up fully without issue unless you're in the NBA.

The diesels are frugal, no doubt.

Resale is terrible - that makes owning one easier too.  If they had Toyota build quality, they'd be priced like Toyotas in the used market.  So, you give away, but you get...

NO WAY I'd buy a new Metris  (stupid name)

[tazcubed]

So I get that the cargo van is a thing, but what's the value of this as a 7 passenger cargo van? Seems like a lot of money compared to a fleet of Odysseys.

Is it just bigger esp 3rd row?

What market are they aiming for? I'd say (other than trades people), those with expensive SUVs, more cargo capacity, those wanting a higher brand name than the likes of Dodge are all potential customers. Given a top of the line Ford Explorer is past $50K mark, the Benz would be a consideration. The question that is unclear from the article (and I've not looked to see if there's an answer anywhere else) is whether the passenger seats are easily removable, or can sheet goods simply slide underneath (I think the Odyssey does that).

I certainly would like to see a larger diesel engine and AWD. I would assume this is rear-drive? Personally, I'd pick this over a Transit for the price differential.

Umm, didn't the article mention that the passenger version is aimed at the shuttle industry?

BTW, only the older Odyssey allowed the sheets to slide underneath.

The Transit is larger than the Metris and more in line with the Sprinter.  If you mean Transit Connect, then the Metris is larger.

Yes, I DID read the article and how it's aimed primarily as a limosine/transporter. However, some niche vehicles tend to draw interest from elsewhere. Certainly for those who find SUVs getting long in the tooth, or those who are looking for multi-purpose (work and family), this might do the job nicely. Also, I wasn't referring to the Transit Connect, but the bigger brother Transit - depending upon how it's configured it can be a close match. The Transit Connect also looks nice - as a transporter, but it's less clear about being able to carry sheet goods flat, let alone vertically (and I've not looked to see if the seats are removable). The bigger Transit may work, but I'm looking at what other options are out there as well. Perhaps any of these may work, but how easily what is wanted/needed may be a cost/time issue to get converted. Right now, I'm just looking at options.

[HeliDriver]

Judging by the number of Mercedes-Benz Sprinters we see here in the GTA, it’s apparent many in the trade are not adverse to ...

I'm averse to improper usage.

[safristi]

So I get that the cargo van is a thing, but what's the value of this as a 7 passenger cargo van? Seems like a lot of money compared to a fleet of Odysseys.

Is it just bigger esp 3rd row?

What market are they aiming for? I'd say (other than trades people), those with expensive SUVs, more cargo capacity, those wanting a higher brand name than the likes of Dodge are all potential customers. Given a top of the line Ford Explorer is past $50K mark, the Benz would be a consideration. The question that is unclear from the article (and I've not looked to see if there's an answer anywhere else) is whether the passenger seats are easily removable, or can sheet goods simply slide underneath (I think the Odyssey does that).

I certainly would like to see a larger diesel engine and AWD. I would assume this is rear-drive? Personally, I'd pick this over a Transit for the price differential.

Umm, didn't the article mention that the passenger version is aimed at the shuttle industry?

BTW, only the older Odyssey allowed the sheets to slide underneath.

The Transit is larger than the Metris and more in line with the Sprinter.  If you mean Transit Connect, then the Metris is larger.

..

" the sheets to slide underneath"....definitely a RUGBY TRANSPO...you naughty boyo..

 IS there anywhere Merc Benz won't GO to get a dime?

[vasyapirh]

...  Also very surprised that AWD isn't offered from the beginning...

Thats because they are not targeting this for consumer (you cannot even build it on consumer website, you configure it on benz vans website). This is targeted to be a fleet vehicle for hotels/airports etc... and trades.

[OliverD]

And AWD is not common at all in this class to begin with. Ford and Ram don't offer it, GM did offer it on the 1500 versions of its vans but those have been discontinued. So the Sprinter 4x4 is the only commercial van that offers AWD.

[dkaz]

Man I managed to price out a Metris to $47k. Another $2k if I want metallic paint. For a lot of features you get in the $35k range with the Sienna LE, Odyssey EX, Sedona SX, and Town & Country. All prices + freight, PDI, and taxes.

[dkaz]

VEHICLE AND MODEL
MSRP (Standard Features) $37,900
POWERTRAIN
2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged gas engine with direct injection (208hp/258Ib-ft)
APPEARANCE
Exterior: Navy Blue$0
Interior: Black Tunja fabric $0
PACKAGES
Luxury Interior Package $940 - Adds comfort suspension, illuminated vanity mirrors, carpet, reading and footwell lighting, upgraded interior trim
Cold Weather Package $630 - Adds heated front seats and auxiliary electric heater (for when the engine is cold)
Comfort Seat Package $520 - Upgraded front seats with adjustable lumbar and rear pockets
Deluxe Appearance Package $990 - Adds body painted bumpers and 17" alloy wheels
Driving Assistance Package $1,660 - Adds heated side mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel, rain sensing wipers, bunch of driving aids
Convenience Package $690 - Adds cruise control, MID with steering wheel controls, centre console with storage, two additional keys
OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES
3-seat bench, 1st row with folding outer seat$460 - 8 seater option
Roof rails$460
Rear view camera $730
Electric sliding door, driver's side $1,700 - Base Metris only has passenger side door which is power sliding by default.
Anti-theft security alarm$380
SUMMARY
*Estimated Build: $47,060

[Solstice2006]

Cold Weather Package $630 - Adds heated front seats and auxiliary electric heater (for when the engine is cold)
Comfort Seat Package $520 - Upgraded front seats with adjustable lumbar and rear pockets
Deluxe Appearance Package $990 - Adds body painted bumpers and 17" alloy wheels
Driving Assistance Package $1,660 - Adds heated side mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel, rain sensing wipers, bunch of driving aids
Convenience Package $690 - Adds cruise control, MID with steering wheel controls, centre console with storage, two additional keys

Thats all I would even consider (more than enough).  Around $4500 in options.  Still more capable than an Odyssey EX. 

[rcheung28]

Cold Weather Package $630 - Adds heated front seats and auxiliary electric heater (for when the engine is cold)
Comfort Seat Package $520 - Upgraded front seats with adjustable lumbar and rear pockets
Deluxe Appearance Package $990 - Adds body painted bumpers and 17" alloy wheels
Driving Assistance Package $1,660 - Adds heated side mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel, rain sensing wipers, bunch of driving aids
Convenience Package $690 - Adds cruise control, MID with steering wheel controls, centre console with storage, two additional keys

Thats all I would even consider (more than enough).  Around $4500 in options.  Still more capable than an Odyssey EX.

Keep in mind, adding the Driving Assistance Package automatically adds Luxury Interior Package for $940 more. 

[Solstice2006]

Cold Weather Package $630 - Adds heated front seats and auxiliary electric heater (for when the engine is cold)
Comfort Seat Package $520 - Upgraded front seats with adjustable lumbar and rear pockets
Deluxe Appearance Package $990 - Adds body painted bumpers and 17" alloy wheels
Driving Assistance Package $1,660 - Adds heated side mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel, rain sensing wipers, bunch of driving aids
Convenience Package $690 - Adds cruise control, MID with steering wheel controls, centre console with storage, two additional keys

Thats all I would even consider (more than enough).  Around $4500 in options.  Still more capable than an Odyssey EX.

Keep in mind, adding the Driving Assistance Package automatically adds Luxury Interior Package for $940 more. 

Remedy, delete driver assistance pkg.  My Odyssey has none of that anyway. 

[johngenx]

No standard heated mirrors?  What?  I've never heard of any MB product in decades that didn't have heated mirrors standard.  Wow, they're really getting chintzy.

[micha]

It's a commercial vehicle.. of course nothing is standard.. I wonder what is standard on base trucks these days.. Tooscoops? Cord?

[Fobroader]

No standard heated mirrors?  What?  I've never heard of any MB product in decades that didn't have heated mirrors standard.  Wow, they're really getting chintzy.

That is very cheap on their part, I havent had a vehicle without them in years.

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

[mmret]

No standard heated mirrors?  What?  I've never heard of any MB product in decades that didn't have heated mirrors standard.  Wow, they're really getting chintzy.

That is very cheap on their part, I havent had a vehicle without them in years.

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

Seems to be the case with the Sprinter as well. I think its a commercial vehicle thing.


You can get some wild options on these though. Want two alternators and dual HVAC? Done!

[dkaz]

I wouldn't get a car without heated side mirrors again. You can get the heated mirrors as a $280 standalone option.

I priced a new one at $41,740. I unclicked the $1,700 driver side door which is very expensive, but without it, it's kind of a deal breaker.

Luxury Interior Package $940 - Adds comfort suspension, illuminated vanity mirrors, carpet, reading and footwell lighting, upgraded interior trim
Cold Weather Package $630 - Adds heated front seats and auxiliary electric heater (for when the engine is cold)
Convenience Package $690 - Adds cruise control, MID with steering wheel controls, centre console with storage, two additional keys
OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES
3-seat bench, 1st row with folding outer seat$460 - 8 seater option
Roof rails$460
Anti-theft security alarm$380
Heated Side Mirrors $280

[rrocket]

http://sprinterlife.com/our-home

I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a good used Sprinter cargo van for cheap that I can build out.

That's a good idea.  But I wouldn't want to live in a dump like that when there are so many awesome RVs based on the Sprinter platform.

[johngenx]

http://sprinterlife.com/our-home

I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a good used Sprinter cargo van for cheap that I can build out.

That's a good idea.  But I wouldn't want to live in a dump like that when there are so many awesome RVs based on the Sprinter platform.

And they're very expensive.

[rrocket]

http://sprinterlife.com/our-home

I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a good used Sprinter cargo van for cheap that I can build out.

That's a good idea.  But I wouldn't want to live in a dump like that when there are so many awesome RVs based on the Sprinter platform.

And they're very expensive.

I see used for $35K or so.  So yea..not cheap.  But very nice.  The previous owner of my shop had one and claimed he got 20MPG highway with it.