Launched in the United States five years ago, the Mercedes-Benz Metris, aka North America’s V-Class, has been refreshed with modest visual revisions and added equipment. For the new model year, the Metris has received an updated grille, which retains the star logo in the middle and is surrounded by three black grained louvers. The chrome design look can be ordered as an option.
Inside, the Tunja upholstery has been
replaced by the Caluma fabric, and there are new air vents with a sporty
turbine look on each side of the instrument panel. The central dashboard can be
framed in piano-lacquer, with the optional Chrome Package, giving the air vents
a chrome finish.
The digital rearview mirror provides clear
visibility in all conditions, although drivers can switch from the camera image
to a normal mirror view at the push of a button. The new Audio 30 and Audio 40
infotainment systems, both offered with a 7-inch touchscreen display with
smartphone integration, are also part of the revisions, alongside the LTE
module aimed at small and medium-sized companies.
Another novelty is the introduction of the
nine-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the old seven-speed unit.
It’s available in all variants of the 2021 Metris and is hooked up to the same
engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, rated at 208 HP and 350 Nm of torque.
Joining other safety systems, such as the
Blind Spot, Lane Keep, and Active Parking, as well as standard tire pressure
monitoring, the Active Brake Assist and Active Distance Assist Distronic can
automatically brake the vehicle if it detects the risk of a collision and can
maintain the distance to the car in front respectively. The emergency call
system and Breakdown Management are also available.
Mercedes-Benz will start bringing the 2021
Metris at U.S. dealers in the first half of 2021, with two wheelbase lengths
for the cargo variants, 3.2-3.4m, and a 126-inch wheelbase
for the passenger variant. Pricing will be announced in due course.
