New Mercedes Metris midi-van sneaks into SEMA show

Known as the Vito in world markets, Mercedes' medium van gets Metris name for U.S.

It's a little Sprinter -- or a big R-class, depending upon how you look at it. Either way, the Mercedes Vito midsize commercial van is coming to the U.S., and its name here will be Metris. Mercedes is highlighting the van's imminent arrival on our shores with three SEMA Show concepts and not much else. Production cargo and passenger Metris models, along with associated specs and trim levels, won't be shown until next year, ahead of an on-sale date in Fall 2015.
The etymology of Metris has been the source of some debate here at One Autoweek Tower: A mashup of "metric" and "system," perhaps? A blend of two favorite Gen X video games, Metroid and Tetris? And why not just call it Vito like Benz does in the rest of the world? We actually did get an answer to that last question: Apparently "Vito" focus-groups really poorly in North America. Blame Mario Puzo.

The Garmin Mobile Golf Pro Shop based on the Mercedes Metris van Photo by Mercedes

The Garmin Mobile Golf Pro Shop concept puts a golf performance center in the Mercedes Metris, said to offer technology that helps players evaluate their golf game and simulate potential outcomes. It's also got the requisite infotainment system and can be configured for both personal and commercial/merchandising use.

HQ Custom Design Luxury Van concept at the SEMA Show Photo by Mercedes

It's a Mercedes Metris executive shuttle van designed by HQ Custom Design. We suspect this is how quite a few Metris' will be configured, considering it's sized between the Sprinter and a Transit Connect, yet offers more cachet than a minivan.

Mercedes Metris fire chief concept from the 2014 SEMA Show Photo by Mercedes

Turn your Metris into a rolling command center -- that's the idea behind RADO's Fire Chief Concept Truck set for a SEMA Show debut. Packed full of communications gear, the Metris' size could help it get into tighter spots than a Sprinter could manage.

RENNtech Party/DJ van featuring the Mercedes Metris. Photo by Mercedes

It wouldn't be a SEMA show concept without a mobile DJ/party van set-up, now would it? RENNtech obliges, turning the Mercedes Metris into a rolling entertainment system complete with opening clamshell roof.
Stay tuned for more on the Mercedes Metris as soon as we get it, along with an upcoming review of its big brother, the Sprinter, in the coming days.