The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris is a sort of "cheat code" among small cargo vans. Its larger dimensions and Mercedes build quality help it easily lead the class where it counts: maximum payload and towing capacity. Buyers will pay significantly more up front and sacrifice fuel economy, but the Metris is in a class above when it comes to work capability and available features.
Nine-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous seven-speed
New tech features include adaptive cruise control and a digital rearview mirror
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration now available
Part of the first Metris generation introduced for 2016
What is the Metris?
Though primarily regarded as a luxury brand in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is known throughout the world for its commercial vehicles as well. The Mercedes-Benz Metris is one of the few utility vehicles for sale here, though its interior is distinctly less dour than the cabins of other compact worker vans. Upgrades for the 2021 Metris further cement its status as the passenger-friendly workhorse.
Enhancements are mostly limited to new features, but every Metris swaps out the seven-speed automatic transmission for a nine-speed unit. While EPA estimates have not been released yet, we expect fuel economy will improve upon the current model's 21-22 mpg combined rating. 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 way, you'll have a clear view of the road behind you, even if the luggage compartment is filled to the roof. The Metris also debuts a pair of new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment systems, both of which offer smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The upgraded system also supports navigation with real-time traffic — a Metris first.
Edmunds says
Though the Mercedes-Benz Metris costs more than its peers, it justifies the premium by providing a nicer driving experience and a more upscale cabin. Refinements and extra features for the 2021 model make its case even more compelling.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris 126" WB Cargo 3dr Minivan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.49 per gallon for premium unleaded in Texas.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mercedes-Benz Metris from 2008-2022.
$977/yr
vs. $1,114/yr for Average Luxury Minivan
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).
1.81x/yr
vs. 3.01x/yr for Average Luxury Minivan
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).
8.9%
vs. 14.4% for Average Luxury Minivan
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Van is borrowed from my mother, who put just under 3,000 miles on it in about 6 months. Taking a trip with the family for 3 weeks, starting in Jacksonville, FL, going through DC, Hershey, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio, Dearborn, Michigan and back through NC before returning home; about , 2,000 miles roundtrip. First leg from Jax to DC, about 750 miles non-stop. After 4 hours needed to get a … seat cushion for extra support. Being based on a cargo van none of the seats are very comfortable, even with the optional "drivers comfort" package; rear seats are atrocious (zero adjustability; about as utilitarian as church pews). However, both kids got their own seats for a change, so little complaining. Otherwise, dated infotainment worked for my needs, and navigation got us where we needed. Powertrain is excellent; much more useable power then expected. Engine and transmission work especially well together to get and keep van moving. Seem-less shifting if left alone; however, use the paddles to downshift and the trans gets confused for a second, not sure if it needs to be in higher or lower gear. Once sorted acceleration is great; cruise control is very responsive. We hit the usual DC area rush hour traffic and the van made it much easier to navigate, much less stress. MPG is impressive, getting about 25 overall on 87 octane, and have been running it the entire trip without issue. Anyone considering one of these keep the commercial roots in mind; any of the minivans or 3 row crossovers would be much better suited for comfort; however, for an overall package, you can't beat the overall utility. Finally, I got stuck in a dead end street, about 2 lanes wide. Not wanting to back up into a busy street I turned that van completely around without backing up; the turn circle is so tight you need to be mindful of curves. Backup camera could be better (limited field of vision, not very wide or deep behind) but the lines are helpful, and kept us from damage. For a commercial van it's quiet and comfortable; very smooth ride even on rough Maryland roads. I also like the ability to sweep out the floor and wipe off the optional MBtex vinyl seats.
This is a functional, versatile van. We love the clean, minimalistic styling inside and outside. Rear wheel drive makes for lighter steering feel. Great towing and load capacity. Very peppy and fuel efficient powertrain. Non-fatigueing, comfortable to drive, seating sits up higher. I have had large vans, and minivans. This a good size. Overall, not a family hauler. A great multi-use … vehicle for camping, day trips, home center purchases and daily driver. We recently got rid of our diesel cars. This runs on regular fuel.
No family could have been more excited the day we bought our Metris from Mercedes-Benz of Fort Mitchell. We have five children who are growing up fast and have dreams of having a European style van that’s more efficiently engineered (narrower, bench seating, rubber floor, less bulky than other vans). It fit perfectly into our narrow garage. We certainly didn’t expect a fancy Mercedes … either. The idea of a utility van outfitted for passengers was perfect. We fully realized this was the first year Mercedes started selling the Metris in the United States, but it had been in circulation as an adaptation of the Sprinter in Europe.
For months, we didn’t see another Metris on the road. Every week, people would ask us what it was and if we liked it. We gave glowing reviews too many families and encouraged people to go check it out. Unfortunately, we now feel obligated to warn people about the problems we’ve had with the Metris. Our experience has gone from elation to sincere regret.
For three years we have had nothing but problems with the Metris. It has spent more days in the maintenance depart at Mercedes-Benz of Fort Mitchell than we can remember. Recurring issues with the doors, the reverse camera, the engine, and more. The three-year warranty just ended a few months ago, and it’s ironic that Mercedes never offered us an extension plan. We believe they know the Mercedes engineering quality of this vehicle is poor and are trying to minimize the cost of these models. Maybe that’s reading into the situation, but the warranty is over and we are on our own.
So we are stuck. Again, the Metris is in the shop for days and days, and we are looking at a $2,500 engine repair that isn’t under warranty. Should we even trust the check engine electronics are accurately diagnosing the vehicle? Should we believe that repairs will solve our problems? Owning a Metris has been costly and disappointing. We hope this review is helpful to others.
I meandered into the purchsae of the Mercedes Metris when I needed to shed my 2006 Meredes R500--Mercedes' since discontinued not-a-minivan, three-row family hauler, which was the closest thing to a minivan in the M-B lineup until now. For most, the Metris would not be a suitable replacement for the luxuriously appointed R-Class with two to four more cylinders than the Metris. However, … in recent years, my needs were for a more utilitarian, practical hauler for people and things (including large things), and I was tired of frequent four-figure repair bills on something as complex as the R-Class. While relatively spartan inside, the vehicle is attractive and functional, with well thought out removable cup holders, lights, power ports, and heating and a/c vents. What you won't get are entertainment screens, premium audio, adjustable rear seats, or even folding rear seats. But all rows hold actual adults with easy ingress and egress (including with the optional 8th seat, which mine has). While the seats don't do tricks, they do come out (but you may find your will to live waning in the process due to their heft), which makes for a cavernous volume when needed--much more so than with minivan fold-flat seats, which still consume space in the vehicle. Acceleration isn't breathtaking, of course, but it is truly excellent in the context of a 2.0L four-banger pulling such a large and capable vehicle. Much like a diesel, it is extremely responsive under light throttle, but flooring the accelerator doesn't produce THAT much more oomph. I towed a 1,500 pound trailer last week, and I was shocked how little I noticed it. Steering is spectacular, likely owing to the rear drive architecture. Its on-centeredness is better than that of my Audi A6. And the overall handling feel is remarkably planted and free of leaning for a vehicle that is so tall and boxy. Mine has the optional additional battery and high output alternator. I have a 3,000 watt power inverter professionally installed and connected to that auxiliary battery, so I can power PA audio gear or other items from the vehicle in locations where power is not available. Besides the clumsiness of removing the seats, my only other gripe is with the infotainment system. I wish M-B offered an upgrade option. The combination of screen size and interface are pretty terrible, and it is such a good looking vehicle that I think M-B could snag more families with a better offering here. Audio system is fine by utility vehicle standards, but certainly lacks the low end of any German carmakers' premium audio system offerings in luxury vehicles. For me, though, it will be used occasionally for family hauling and will mostly be deployed for my small business.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris, so we've included reviews for other years of the Metris since its last redesign.