• First test drive: Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo Van

    Mercedes-Benz Vans USA rolled out two pre-production models of its new Metris mid-size van for a 200-mi. plus test drive through the mountains of western Colorado. Though actual production of the new van won't begin until later this year, MB brought the two -- one a Cargo Van, the other an 8-passenger van -- to Dunton Hot Springs near Durango to let the press get their first driving impressions over hundreds of scenic miles climbing to over 10,000 ft. and cruising down twisting two-lane country roads.
    June 3, 2015

    Mercedes-Benz Vans USA rolled out two pre-production models of its new Metris mid-size van for a 200-mi. plus test drive through the mountains of western Colorado.

    Though actual production of the new van won't begin until later this year, MB brought the two -- one a Cargo Van, the other an 8-passenger van -- to Dunton Hot Springs near Durango to let the press get their first driving impressions over hundreds of scenic miles on twisting two-lane country roadsthat that climbed as high as 10,000 ft. and cruising down .

    Time behind the wheel was at a premium as some dozen journalists had to share the two, but I managed to drive both for a total of almost 100 mi.  My impressions, and photos follow.

    About the Author

    Jim Mele

    Jim Mele is a former longtime editor-in-chief of FleetOwner. He joined the magazine in 1986 and served as chief editor from 1999 to 2017. 

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