I test drove a passenger version Metris today (I am after a cargo version). The vehicle drove very well. Seats were firm but comfortable. The engine power was adequate although the truck was empty. Notable positive surprises were the turning radius - this turns tighter than many smaller passenger cars I've driven. That said, it's so tight that turns at the tightest radius will definitely burn tires as there was evident "pushing". The vehicle was surprisingly roomy yet didn't feel too big on the road.
A few complaints I have. The first is a major complaint and held me from purchasing (ordering) a vehicle today. That is the small side mirrors - particularly on the passenger side. With the passenger van this was less of an issue as shoulder checks are possible. However, the mirror is far too small for a commercial van without any side or rear windows. The mirror needs to be taller and include a blind spot mirror although the later could be an aftermarket add on if it didn't reduce visibility on the primary mirror further. Without Blind Spot Assist, I see these vehicles ending up in quite a few side-swipe accidents. I am very comfortable driving commercial vans and trucks and even for me, I was very nervous making passenger side lane changes using the mirrors only. That takes me to my next point.
The dealership had around a dozen cargo vans on order. Not one was ordered with the driver assist package which includes blind spot assist - big mistake in my opinion.
Rear wheel drive only has concerned me from the get go. Even with winter tires, this vehicle unless carrying substantial weight over the rear tires will be a challenge in the winter. Similar to a RWD pickup.
I was not impressed with the rear door hinges. These appear to be cast and as though someone spray painted them. The vehicles on site were showing paint chips on these hinges. I am concerned these will rust quickly. Another design flaw is that if the rear doors are opened fully and someone slides the side door open, these will hit each other causing damage to both doors. This had already been done in the dealership which made me notice the issue.
Disappointed that the vehicle came equipped with Hankook tires on both the passenger and cargo versions. I would have expected a higher quality tire from Mercedes from the likes of Continental, Pirelli or better yet, Michelin.
I was disappointed that the dealer seemed to know little about the vans. I realize they are new. However, I would expect the dealership / sales agent would know more about the vehicle than I do. Little knowledge in terms of paint choices (no paint chips available to assist in choosing colours), little upfitter knowledge etc.
Still a great vehicle but I am hesitant about purchasing in hopes these issues (particularly the mirrors ) will be remedied in the 2017 model (along with Diesel availability and AWD).
Overall, I had very high expectations of this vehicle and had been waiting since March when the vehicle was first announced and left without purchasing (thus disappointed). I may still end up ordering one soon as it still appears to be better than the closest competition (both larger and smaller). However, it won't be without the Drivers Assist Package for sure.
A few complaints I have. The first is a major complaint and held me from purchasing (ordering) a vehicle today. That is the small side mirrors - particularly on the passenger side. With the passenger van this was less of an issue as shoulder checks are possible. However, the mirror is far too small for a commercial van without any side or rear windows. The mirror needs to be taller and include a blind spot mirror although the later could be an aftermarket add on if it didn't reduce visibility on the primary mirror further. Without Blind Spot Assist, I see these vehicles ending up in quite a few side-swipe accidents. I am very comfortable driving commercial vans and trucks and even for me, I was very nervous making passenger side lane changes using the mirrors only. That takes me to my next point.
The dealership had around a dozen cargo vans on order. Not one was ordered with the driver assist package which includes blind spot assist - big mistake in my opinion.
Rear wheel drive only has concerned me from the get go. Even with winter tires, this vehicle unless carrying substantial weight over the rear tires will be a challenge in the winter. Similar to a RWD pickup.
I was not impressed with the rear door hinges. These appear to be cast and as though someone spray painted them. The vehicles on site were showing paint chips on these hinges. I am concerned these will rust quickly. Another design flaw is that if the rear doors are opened fully and someone slides the side door open, these will hit each other causing damage to both doors. This had already been done in the dealership which made me notice the issue.
Disappointed that the vehicle came equipped with Hankook tires on both the passenger and cargo versions. I would have expected a higher quality tire from Mercedes from the likes of Continental, Pirelli or better yet, Michelin.
I was disappointed that the dealer seemed to know little about the vans. I realize they are new. However, I would expect the dealership / sales agent would know more about the vehicle than I do. Little knowledge in terms of paint choices (no paint chips available to assist in choosing colours), little upfitter knowledge etc.
Still a great vehicle but I am hesitant about purchasing in hopes these issues (particularly the mirrors ) will be remedied in the 2017 model (along with Diesel availability and AWD).
Overall, I had very high expectations of this vehicle and had been waiting since March when the vehicle was first announced and left without purchasing (thus disappointed). I may still end up ordering one soon as it still appears to be better than the closest competition (both larger and smaller). However, it won't be without the Drivers Assist Package for sure.
