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.

Jim Mele

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.