The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris van stands as a versatile and capable option in the mid-size van segment, offering a blend of Mercedes-Benz engineering and practical functionality. Whether you’re considering the Metris for cargo hauling or passenger transport, understanding its features and available options is crucial. This guide delves into the specifics of the 2018 Metris, providing a comprehensive overview for potential buyers and enthusiasts alike.
Power and Performance Under the Hood
At the heart of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris is a robust turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This powerplant delivers a solid 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for city driving and highway cruising, even when loaded. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission, efficiently channeling power to the rear wheels. This combination ensures a responsive and confident driving experience, making the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris a capable workhorse and a comfortable daily driver.
Standard Features: Foundation of Functionality
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris comes well-equipped with a range of standard features designed for convenience and practicality. Exterior highlights include 17-inch steel wheels and automatic headlights, ensuring visibility and durability. Remote locking and unlocking adds a touch of modern convenience, while air conditioning keeps the cabin comfortable in varying climates. Inside, drivers benefit from wheel-mounted shift paddles for a more engaging driving experience, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and a five-speaker audio system with a USB port for entertainment.
However, standard features are not uniform across the Metris lineup and vary depending on the specific model you choose.
Metris Worker Models: Stripped Down for Core Utility
For those prioritizing pure functionality and value, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris Worker models offer a more basic, work-focused configuration.
Worker Cargo: Purely Business
The Worker Cargo model, designed for maximum cargo capacity, comes standard with 270-degree swing-out rear cargo doors, enhancing accessibility in tight loading docks and urban environments. While it features a simpler monochrome display as standard, a 5.8-inch color screen is available as an option, bridging the gap to higher trim levels.
Worker Passenger: Basic People Moving
The Worker Passenger version adds features essential for passenger transport. This includes a rearview mirror for enhanced driver awareness, rear air conditioning to keep passengers comfortable, and an upgraded nine-speaker audio system for improved in-cabin entertainment. Like the Worker Cargo, it also has the option to upgrade to the 5.8-inch color screen. All 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans, including Worker models, are equipped with sliding rear doors as standard, a key feature for passenger and cargo van practicality.
Upgrading Your Metris: Option Packages and Standalone Choices
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris truly shines in its configurability, offering a range of option packages and standalone features that allow buyers to tailor the van to their specific needs and preferences. The availability and combination of these options are strategically structured across the Worker, Cargo, and Passenger models.
Convenience and Utility Packages: Enhancing Practicality
For the Worker Cargo, the Convenience package is a popular choice, adding practical features like automatic wipers, heated mirrors, a rearview camera for safer maneuvering, cruise control for comfortable highway driving, the aforementioned color display, and LED cargo area lighting for improved visibility when loading and unloading in low-light conditions.
Building upon the Convenience package, the Utility package for the Worker Cargo further enhances functionality with roof rails for added carrying capacity, a rearview mirror (likely for models where it’s not standard), a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel for a more premium feel and enhanced control, a driver information display for vehicle data at a glance, a heated rear window for improved visibility in cold climates, blind-spot monitoring for increased safety, rails on the cargo floor and sides to aid in cargo management, and tie-downs to secure loads effectively.
Appearance and Comfort Packages: Stepping Up Style and Refinement
The Worker Passenger offers the Appearance package, which combines the Convenience package with alloy wheels for a more stylish exterior, body-colored bumpers for a more integrated look, roof rails, a rear liftgate instead of swing-out cargo doors (potentially depending on configuration), a heated rear window, and simulated leather upholstery for a touch of interior upgrade.
For enhanced passenger experience in the Worker Passenger, the Comfort package includes all the features of both the Utility and Appearance packages, and notably adds power-sliding rear doors, significantly improving passenger access and convenience.
Premium and Driver-Focused Packages: Elevating the Driving Experience
Moving beyond the Worker models, the Cargo and Passenger versions of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris offer even more refined option packaging. The Cold Weather package is a practical addition for colder climates, including heated front seats, a heated windshield washer system, and an upgraded heater for enhanced comfort in winter conditions.
The Premium Safety package combines the Utility package with advanced safety features such as lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automated parallel parking, providing a significant boost to driver assistance and safety.
For drivers prioritizing comfort, the Driver Comfort package includes a comfort-tuned suspension for a smoother ride and upgraded seats with lumbar support, ideal for long drives and daily use.
Standalone Options: Further Personalization
Beyond packages, a wide array of standalone options allows for highly specific customization of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris. These include a trailer hitch for towing capabilities, rear privacy glass for enhanced security and passenger comfort, chrome interior trim for a touch of elegance, and a backup alarm for increased safety in commercial settings.
MasterUpfitter Program: Tailored Solutions for Businesses
For businesses with specialized needs, Mercedes-Benz’s MasterUpfitter program offers extensive customization options for 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo vans. This program enables buyers to work with certified upfitters to modify the van to meet specific business requirements, from shelving and racking systems to refrigeration units and specialized equipment installations.
Conclusion: The Versatile 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris presents a compelling option in the mid-size van market, offering a blend of Mercedes-Benz quality, versatile configurations, and a wide range of features and options. From the no-frills Worker models focused on core functionality to the more refined Cargo and Passenger versions with premium packages, the Metris can be tailored to suit a variety of needs. Whether you’re seeking a capable cargo hauler, a comfortable passenger van, or a customizable platform for your business, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris deserves serious consideration.
