The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris-Class soldiers on as the luxury brand’s mid-size van, with an emphasis on commercial applications. The U.S. isn't the biggest market for this type of vehicle, and Mercedes treats it accordingly – we won’t get the diesel engine that the international V-Class gained for this year.

The Metris does gain a more comprehensive suite of safety tech, including attention monitors and adaptive high beams. Mercedes has an electric version of this van (the EQV) in the works, but it has yet to be confirmed for arrival in North America.

There are four main Metris models to choose from: the Worker Cargo Van, the Worker Passenger Van, the Cargo Van, and the Passenger Van. Prices start at $28,375 including destination for a Worker Cargo Van and extend up to $36,775 for a standard Passenger Van.

Cargo Van variants come with only the two front seats and a larger payload capacity, while Passenger Van models seat up to eight. The "Worker" versions of each are cheaper and less featured, as they're designed for commercial duty.

The standard Cargo Van can be purchased in long-wheelbase form, which adds 9 inches of length and 16 cubic feet of cargo space for a reasonable $520.

Without the new international diesel, the U.S. Metris is stuck with the same old powertrain. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which is on the anemic side for a mid-size van. The engine sends power to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel economy isn’t all that impressive. The Cargo Van achieves an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 combined. The Passenger Van gets 20/24/21 mpg (city/highway/combined). Many conventional minivans do as well or better, while offering more power.

The torque-heavy turbo engine does give the Metris a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Combined with a 2,425-pound payload, it means that the Metris is ready for serious work duty.

The Metris’ passenger capacity depends on trim selection. Cargo Vans only seat two, but they’re not designed for carrying people. The default configuration for Passenger Van trims seats seven, with two in the second row and three in the back. As a no-cost option, Mercedes will add another seat to the middle row for seating up to eight passengers.

Cargo space varies inversely with the number of seats. Passenger Vans still manage a respectable 38 cubic feet of capacity behind the third row, which is better than most conventional minivans. Opt for a Cargo Van, and capacity balloons to a cavernous 183 cubic feet, or 199 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase version.

The Metris comes with a solid set of safety features designed especially for vans. It includes a feature that intervenes in heavy crosswinds to keep the van stable on the highway and attention monitors to keep drivers alert at the wheel.

Workers versions can be equipped with blind-spot monitoring as part of packages that include many other features.

Standard Cargo Vans are available with a Safety Package ($1,347), which bundles blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and more. Or, the Premium Safety Package ($1,810) includes lane-keeping assist and a few other features for slightly more money.

On the standard Passenger Van, the Safety Package costs $1,890 and includes lane-keeping assist. Here, the Premium Safety Package costs $2,485 and brings Mercedes' PARKTRONIC automated parking system.

Connectivity isn’t a focus in the Metris, or at least not the kind in most consumer vehicles. It comes only with a 5.8-inch screen running basic software rather than Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system. There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility and only one USB port.

Instead, Mercedes offers various bundles under the Pro Connect umbrella. These subscription services allow fleet managers to track vehicles and logistics through Mercedes software.

The Worker Cargo Van is the cheapest way into a Metris, at the price of a streamlined feature set. This trim doesn’t come in extended wheelbase form, and the available options are considerably restricted. Arctic White is the only exterior color, and 180-degree doors are the only choice at the rear.

The only creature comforts come in the form of the Convenience Package ($1,145), which adds cruise control and heated side mirrors along with a few other niceties. Blind-spot monitoring come in the Utility Package ($3,434), which also includes a variety of mounting points, surface upgrades, and roof rails. Enabling Pro Connect services requires a separate package for $395.

The Worker Passenger Van tells a similar story to its Worker Cargo Van sibling, but at least it offers the option of a rear liftgate. Silver and black join the exterior color options, although both cost $990 extra. Cloth seats are standard, but black leatherette is a no-cost option.

The Convenience Package carries over to this trim, but here’s it’s $1,245 and includes heated rear windows. Getting roof rails requires the Appearance Package ($3,636), which also includes all features of the Convenience Package plus body-color bumpers.

Blind-spot monitors require stepping all the way up to the Comfort Package ($5,926). It includes both the above packages, a leather steering wheel, and electric sliding doors.

In base form, it’s hard to tell how the Cargo Van justifies a price bump of more than $4,000 over the Worker variation. Aside from the standard 270-degree rear doors, it comes with almost exactly the same features as the Worker.

What the Cargo Van provides is a vastly wider options list. This starts with the available long-wheelbase version. Meanwhile, the exterior can now be painted along the full spectrum, and the seats can wear black leatherette.

The package list expands as well, including individual bundles for things like roof rails and power seats. Heated seats come in the Cold Weather Package ($541), and Mercedes will add lumbar support in the Driver Comfort Package ($528).

Topping the Metris line is the standard Passenger Van, which might theoretically compete with mainstream vehicles like the Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Pacifica. It can come with seating configured for five, seven, or eight passengers, and the buyer’s choice of 180-degree doors or a rear liftgate.

Like the Cargo Van, the Passenger Van justifies its price with a larger range of colors and packages. Body-color bumpers are standard, which helps the Passenger Van look more like a consumer vehicle. There’s no long-wheelbase version, however, and the only upholstery options are black fabric or leatherette.

Automatic climate control is available in the Enhanced AC Package ($1,060), and electric sliding doors come in a bundle for $1,320. A few other bundles contain carpeting and trim upgrades, and Mercedes will even stuff navigation into the small infotainment screen if you add the Driver Efficiency Package ($1,170).

Compare Metris-Class Trims Side-By-Side