New Mercedes van coming out... The Metris...

[myke]

Saw it when I went to the Sprinter site. Coming in the fall. Gasoline, 4 cylinder, RWD. No MPG data as of yet.

Cargo volume is 186 cu. Looks like a great size; in between a compact cargo van and full size cargo van.

If mercedes isn't doing a diesel compact cargo, then nobody is most likely... Still says 15,000 mile service intervals though...

 

[LeeRevell]

Looks like they are copying the Dodge Grand Caravan.  Same van for twice the money.

 

[myke]

Really? Maybe I should look into the DGC also. But I think the metris has more cargo volume and headroom... and not it's not twice as much... 22k vs 29k... not that i can afford either anyway... lol...

 

[minimotos95]

looks like a chrysler to me too, 202" overall length is the same.
But it can't be because it's rear wheel drive with a 2.0 turbo that's not available in the Chrysler vans. split rear doors like most full size vans.
I like it, but $30,000 base price for the cargo version.

 

[David]

Looks like they are copying the Dodge Grand Caravan.  Same van for twice the money.

Dodge Caravan is not RWD last I looked.

a quick search on Google for a picture with a person to judge the size.. It looks a bit small to me, but might be pretty sweet if it had a high top, diesel engine and a stick shift..

 

[LeeRevell]

Details. Size and styling very similar. Parts for the Chrysler/Dodge aren't bad for price. Wonder about this new MB?
I'd be looking at towing limits to. With RWD that may give it the edge over the Dodge. Good that the price isn't too high. MB must be looking to the American mass market rather than just the high rollers.

 

[sisterearth]

hey I may be able to afford one in about 15 years Peace!

 

[myke]

Maximum Payload 2,502 lb
Towing Capacity 4,960 lb
Cargo Volume 186.0 cu ft
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 6,724 lb

Turning Radius (wall to wall) 38.7 ft
Overhang front/rear 35.2 in / 41.1 in
Cargo Length (without partition) 105.4 in
Cargo Length (with partition) 111.5 in
Maximum Cargo Width 66.3 in
Cargo Floor Width (btw. wheelhouse) 50.0 in
Minimum Cargo Height 53.8 in
Maximum Cargo Height 55.0 in
Side Door Opening Width (at floor) 37.8 in
Headroom (driver/passenger) 39.6 in

Overall Height 75.2 in
Overall Length 202.4 in
Overall Width (without mirrors) 75.9 in
Overall Width (with mirrors) 88.3 in
Wheelbase 126.0 in

Engine 4-Cylinder
Fuel Type Gasoline
Displacement 2,000 cc
Horsepower 208 hp
Rated Torque 258 lb-ft
Transmission 7-speed automatic
Drive Shaft Rear-wheel drive

 

[LeeRevell]

As I thought, nearly identical interior dimensions to the GC. Better towing rating, as my FWD GC is rated 3,500lbs with tow package.

 

[Simran]

It may say Mercedes on it but it is not the Mercedes that we have all grownaccustomed to. Mercedes is following the footsteps of every other car maker out there and has began to build in the US. They are cutting corners like crazy to build for the masses.
I've got 2 Mercedes cars. One is 39 years old; still running strong and the doors still close like and old refrigerator with no door or window leaks. It has electric windows and I've never had any issues with ANY of the windows. I just put new shocks in it the other day and it drives and rides like a dream. My 95 is the same way. They were both made in Germany.
I hate to sound like the old days are better; but in this case it is true. Mercedes is beginning to build for the investors now like everyone else. These newer ones are designed in Germany but built in the US and not near the vehicle. Their depreciation shows it too.

 

[ZoNiE]

Chrysler and Mercedes got a divorce. This is NOT a Chrysler. It looks more like it will fit in the Transit Connect/Nissan NV200 market.

 

[LeeRevell]

Chrysler and Mercedes got a divorce. This is NOT a Chrysler. It looks more like it will fit in the Transit Connect/Nissan NV200 market.

Doesn't mean there isn't still some design bleed-over.  Styling and internal dimensions are nearly identical to the GC.  RWD a plus, 4-banger less so, if you intend to load it with camping/living appliances.  My GC's 3.8L V6 is fairly spry but a load does bog it down some.  And this MB has the same low ground clearance, so I wonder how they handle the driveshaft issue without needing a tunnel?  Limited wheel travel?
Split rear doors is good, wish the Chrysler/Dodge minivans had kept that feature. 

I am interested in reading some owner/driver reviews once this is in the market for awhile.