LeftLaneNews

In the midst of the Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz has traveled to the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis to introduce the new 2016 Metris van.

Outside, the Metris is nearly identical to the Vito that is sold across Europe and in a number of global markets. It stretches 202.4 inches long, 75.9 inches wide and 74.8 inches tall, dimensions that place it between smaller vans like the Ford Transit Connect and bigger vans such as Mercedes' own Sprinter in terms of size.

Mercedes will offer two versions of the Metris, a two-seater panel van appropriately called Cargo that offers up to 186 cubic feet of cargo space and a less Spartan family-focused Passenger Van capable of comfortably seating up to eight adults. All models will come standard with Mercedes' Attention Assist and Crosswind Assist technologies as well as a load-adaptive ESP.

The Metris will launch with a gasoline-burning four-cylinder engine that will send 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission. Properly configured, Mercedes' newest van can haul over 2,500 pounds and tow nearly 5,000 pounds.

Buyers looking to keep fuel economy in check will be able to order the Metris with an optional start/stop system. Mercedes has not revealed whether or not the 2.1-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine that is available in Europe will make its way to the United States later in the van's production run.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris is scheduled to go on sale across the nation and in Canada (where it will retain the Vito nameplate) next October. The Metris Cargo Van will carry a base price of $28,950 - making it the most affordable Mercedes-Benz model sold on our shores - while the Passenger Van will retail for $32,500. The prices do not include a mandatory $995 destination charge.

Mercedes has confirmed that the V-Class, the Metris' luxury-focused sibling, will not make the trip across the Atlantic.