2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris

In case you haven’t noticed, American roads are being literally overrun with tall, European-style delivery vans. Now, the company that started the trend, Mercedes-Benz, is adding to its North American offerings with the mid-size Metris.

Metris hope to build on the reputation of great durability and dependability of its big brother Sprinter, but with a shape that is more minivan than top-heavy box.

It does share front end resemblance with Sprinter, and inside it is still all business with hard plastics, big knobs and buttons, and little brightwork. But, the cloth front seats do give all-day long comfort. And the beefy steering wheel lends sport sedan confidence to your driving.

Working back, the cavernous belly of the Metris can be optioned into a no-frill passenger van – with total room for 7 or 8 – or left empty for hauling cargo. In Europe near luxury limo models are also available.

186 cubic feet is the max cargo room, with just under 5,000 pound tow capacity, and 2,500 pound payload capacity. THESE are the numbers that matter to most buyers.

Other important ones: 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Plenty for hauling, just don’t expect to do it in record time. The 2.0 liter I4 runs on gas, not diesel, and sends power to the rear wheels through a 7 speed automatic.

On sale soon, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris will start around $30,000 with a wide variety of configurations.