Mercedes previews midsize Metris van with SEMA customs
Wed, 05 Nov 2014The custom vehicles at the SEMA Show tend to all be about speed and style, plus a few off-roaders thrown in for good measure, but Mercedes-Benz is taking advantage of the event this year to give its future midsize commercial van for the US a sneak preview.
The Mercedes Metris goes on sale in the US and Canada sometime next fall, and much of the rest of the world already knows the van as the Vito. Sitting below the Sprinter in the brand's commercial lineup here, North American customers will get the vehicle in its long-wheelbase, rear-wheel-drive guise with passenger and cargo configurations both available.
Mercedes isn't talking about pricing or powertrains yet, but the company has several custom versions on display at SEMA to give folks an idea about what's possible from the new van. HQ Custom Design (pictured above) gives a good impression of what a stock version looks like with its luxury executive shuttle version.
Rado imagines a version for a fire chief that features a striking red paint job with a white stripe down the side, black wheels and emergency lights on top. The interior is set up up as a mobile command center. Also, Garmin turns the Metris into a mobile golf pro shop complete with a small putting green and a device to analyze a player's swing.
Finally, regular Mercedes tuner Renntech is usually associated with getting big power from the brand's vehicles, but it switches gears for its take on the Metris with a custom party machine that features a fireworks-effect paint job and pop-up roof that reveals a DJ booth and TV screens.
Check out the gallery for an idea about the Metris in the US, and scroll down to read all about them.
MISSION METRIS: A FIRST GLIMPSE AT THE NEW MIDSIZE VAN FROM MERCEDES-BENZ AT SEMA 2014
"Mission Metris" is a showcase of 4 midsize project vans at SEMA 2014 in Las Vegas
o M-B Vans enters the US commercial midsize van segment in fall 2015, offering both
passenger and cargo versions without any competitors in the same size category o Introduction of the "Mercedes-Benz Metris" nameplate for the US and Canada o Pricing and specifications to be announced in 2015
o Neither a Freightliner version nor the Mercedes-Benz V-Class are planned
Sprinter large commercial van sales are up 17.3% YTD in 2014 in the US, the second largest global vans market for Mercedes-Benz
o MY2015 Sprinter enhancements include optional 4x4 (Q1/2015 intro) and super high roof, and standard equipment now includes Crosswind Assist on 2500 models and extended service intervals up to 20,000 miles
o Fuel-efficient 4-cylinder BlueTEC clean diesel powertrain has a 50% take rate. o 75% of all M-B Sprinter vans are upfitted
MONTVALE, N.J. – Mercedes-Benz Vans USA is introducing "Mission Metris," a showcase of 4 new midsize Project Vans at SEMA 2014 in Las Vegas. Designed to be a first glimpse at the new midsize commercial van entry into the US and Canada in fall 2015 for customers and upfitters alike, production versions of the cargo and passenger versions will be shown at a later date in 2015. This occasion also marks the introduction of the new "Mercedes-Benz Metris" nameplate for the US and Canada, whereas "Vito" will remain the midsize commercial van nameplate for all other global markets.
"We are pleased to reconfirm our September announcement at the IAA Truck Show in Hannover that we will launch a midsize commercial van in the US market in fall 2015," said Bernie Glaser, Vice President and Managing Director of Daimler Vans USA, LLC. "It is only logical that we take a global approach and also expand our successful vans business in the USA. Our SEMA "Mission Metris" presence with 4 different van concepts will be an effective way for us to hit the ground running to announce the nameplate 'Mercedes-Benz Metris' and to show off its unmatched versatility, size, and safety."
Representatives from Mercedes-Benz and the following companies will be on hand to showcase their respective creative concepts:
RENNtech: Party/DJ Van
A definite show-stopper van, this van offers a mobile DJ van that looks as good as it sounds. Featuring a clamshell style roof that opens and acts as a backdrop for a DJ, this van is true form and function in one package.
HQ Custom Design: Luxury Van
Luxury Van conversions are nothing new for Mercedes-Benz vans. This design is an ideal example of an inspired executive shuttle van that also offers the best in audio/visual that is surrounded by the finest craftsmanship and attention to detail.
RADO: Fire Chief Concept Truck
Because Vans offer some of the finest dimensions for mobile command units for various local or national government agencies, this concept is a rolling communications center that could transport a Fire Chief to all locations in many situations.
Garmin: Mobile Golf Pro Shop
Golf lovers will love this rolling Pro Shop that features a high-tech golf simulator and infotainment system designed for both personal and merchandizing usage. Offering a Mobile Performance Center, this concept offers technology that helps players evaluate their golf game and simulate potential outcomes.
In the US large van segment, Sprinter sales continue to be brisk, up 17.3% YTD. Model year 2014 brought new major enhancements such as a fresh and confident new front end exterior design, 4- cylinder BlueTEC clean diesel powertrain that already plays a similar role as its big brother, the V6, and upgrades of safety and infotainment.
Model year 2015 is even more exciting, with the addition of standard Crosswind Assist on all 2500 models and increased service intervals of up to 20,000 miles (MY 2014 service intervals were up to 15,000 miles). An optional Sprinter 4x4 version of both cargo and passenger versions will also be added in Q1/2015, which will be the only ex-factory four-wheel drive system on the market for a commercial van in the USA. In addition to that, the option for a super high roof underlines the benchmark position concerning interior heights by offering an interior roof height of up to 7 feet. And the SULEV option for our standard 4-cylinder BlueTEC engine is the first SULEV diesel engine worldwide and underlines our 'Green Leadership.' All of these features highlight the position of the Sprinter as the most innovative large van in the segment.
Independent from the model year, up to 75% of all Sprinters have upfitter treatment on them, regardless of extra shelving or extensive Recreational Vehicle modifications.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty CLA-Class four-door coupe to the flagship S-Class.
MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans, and smart products in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com.
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By Chris Bruce