The options do ratchet the price a bit. I just ordered one. I put in only the options I thought I needed. The Comfort package (nicer seats and oddly 2 extra master keys), the efficiency package (cruise control, back up camera, fog lights, nav system), active safety ( multi function steering wheel, all the safety equipment standard on MB sedans), premium appearance package (roof rails, body color trim, alloy wheels), and Eco stop start. I also put in a trailer hitch and the overhead panel.
Yeah, it's pretty much loaded.
you can get an interior appearance package (comfort suspension, carpeting, a few rear passenger convenience items, and pointless chrome trim); I didn't want it because I didn't want a carpeted floor. This Metris is going to double as a work cargo van. If you are going with it as a family hauler, you would probably want it- it's only $690 anyway. There's also auto climate control (which I hate) for $550, and power sliding doors (which I see as pointless) for $1480, and an alarm for $315. Also metallic paint for $900.
Mine came to an MSRP of $40,500 and I managed to get it for dealer invoice (37,792). Pricey? Yeah, but it's the best minivan on the market. Should get combined in the very high 20s or low 30s. All the safety I have bought from Mercedes (previously used to very used) for all my years as a driver. And the long term durability of a commercial van, which is what the Metris is.
The Metris is not a TRansit Connect competitor, or a Fiat Doblo (Ram Promaster City) competitor. Mercedes sells such a vehicle, it's called the Citan, it is FWD and priced about like those vans in Europe. Pricing it against them is not quite fair.
The Sprinter is mid priced in its segment (comparably equipped with a diesel) it sits slightly above the Promaster and slightly below the Transit in price. I suspect that of comparable vans were sold here, this would be likewise competitive.
That being said, if you are looking for a luxury van, this ain't it. Mercedes-Benz stands for engineering excellence, and this van is that. They also sell luxury cars, among a huge product portfolio, also with excellence in engineering, but this isn't one of them.
