Mercedes-Benz introduced the Metris, a mid-sized commercial van, to North America at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. The OEM is positioning the Metris as right-sized, given the cargo capacity and payload for its footprint. 

The Metris is powered by a 4-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 205 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque. It is driven through the 7-speed 7G-tronic  automatic transmission. The van will optionally offer an Eco start/stop mode, which Mercedes-Benz said will conserve fuel when the vehicle is stopped.

The Metris also features several safety highlights, including six airbags for the cargo van variant. All models will have standard Attention Assist, Crosswind Assist and load adaptive ESP systems. Optional safety features will include Active Parking Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Parktronic, Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and a rearview camera.

The Metris is new for U.S. and Canadian markets, but it is based on the Vito, which is already being sold globally. The Metris nameplate will be exclusive to North America.

The Metris will be offered in both passenger and cargo van versions and will be go on sale in October 2015.

In the U.S., the new van will be available through more than 200 authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers. According to the OEM, cargo models will start at $28,950 excluding a $995 destination and delivery charge.

Along with the Metris launch, Daimler Vans USA announced it will soon introduce a new upfitter program for Mercedes-Benz commercial vans.