16 Amazing Mercedes Metris Conversions for Van Life

Considering a Mercedes Metris Conversion for Van Life?

With a powerful engine, large cargo area, and stealthy exterior, the Mercedes Metris van is a good option.

But how does it stack up against other popular modern mid-sized models like the Transit Connect, ProMaster City, NV200, VW California, & Renault Trafic?

In this post, we’ll find out.

Here’s everything you’ll learn:

16 Amazing Mercedes Metris Campervan Conversions

With a wide cargo area, high payload capacity, & nice interior, the Metris provides a good platform for designing a layout… but which is the best?

Here are 16 of the coolest Mercedes Metris conversions ever:

Build #16: Metris with Two Sleeping Areas and Huge Awning

• Highlights: This small van conversion layout features a tons of sleeping space. There’s room for two on the tri-fold convertible bed, and for two more above in the pop-top. This camper also has a swivel table with a stove for indoor or outdoor cooking.
• Van: Mercedes Metris
• Owner: @rv_there_yet_rental

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Build #15: Metris with Double Bench Seats and Surfboard Storage

• Highlights: This Metris build has two rear bench seats with tons of storage underneath. The owner uses the space between the benches as storage for her surfboard.
• Van: Mercedes Metris
• Owner: @aubreylao

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Build #14: Metris with Stove in a Drawer and Swivel Table that Seats Five

• Highlights: This Metris build has three rear seats and seats a total of five people. The rear seats collapse into a bed, but during the day, they face a swivel table that can be used as a workspace or dining area.
• Van: 2021 Mercedes Metris
• Owner: @vanlifetrader

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Build #13: Simple Pop-Top Metris that Sleeps Four

• Highlights: This Metris conversion can sleep two on the convertible bed “downstairs” and another two people up in the pop-top roof. It also comes with a wide countertop with a two-burner stove and sink, plus a small wardrobe.
• Van: 2021 Mercedes Metris
• Owner: @gtrvvans

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Build #12: Pop-Top Professional Conversion Metris

• Highlights: This gorgeous Metris conversion from Texino has a simple slide-down bed that serves as two extra seats during the day. The van has a large wood countertop and sink, and plenty of drawer storage underneath.
• Van: 2021 Mercedes Metris
• Owner: @texino

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Build #11: Sleek Metris Build with L-Shaped Couch and Lots of Storage

• Highlights: This unique professional Metris build has an L-shaped couch that extends into a bed at night. The side of the van is packed with storage drawers and shelves. Plus, a pop-top roof means you can stand up inside.
• Van: Mercedes Metris
• Owner: @howweadventure

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Build #10: Metris with Outdoor Kitchen and Bike Rack that Sleeps Four

• Highlights: This Mercedes Metris with a pop top has room for four to sleep. The rear is an outdoor kitchen area with a stove, and the owners installed a swiveling bike rack for their two mountain bikes.
• Van: Mercedes Metris
• Owner: @melrakkithemetris

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Build #9: Metris Conversion with Sliding Drawer Fridge that Sleeps One

• Highlights: This Contravans conversion has a small fixed bed and a swinging table for a workspace. At the head of the bed are storage shelves and a drawer fridge. 
• Van: Mercedes Metris
• Owner: @contravans

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Build #8: Metris with Electric Convertible Bed and Outdoor Shower

• Highlights: This beautiful Metris conversion has a bed that turns into a couch at the push of a button. There’s a large countertop area with a sink and stove for cooking inside. At the rear of the vehicle is an installed outdoor shower that hooks onto the trunk door.
• Van: 2016 Mercedes Metris
• Owner: @innovativespaces (more photos at innovsb.com)

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Build #7: Metris with Fixed Bed and Full Slide-Out Kitchen

• Highlights: This professional conversion from ADF has a high fixed bed and pop top roof. The rear of the vehicle has a large slide out with a sink, fridge, stove, oven, and lots of storage space.
• Van: 2022 Mercedes Metris
• Owner: @adfsprinters (more photos at automotivedesignsandfab.com)

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Build #6: Metris with Pop-Top Sleeper that Seats Four

• Highlights: These DIYers purchased a Metris with a pop-top sleeping area, two rear seats, and two front swivel seats. In the back, they installed a simple “kitchen” with a prep area, and room for a cooler and jerry can.
• Van: 2016 Mercedes Metris
• Owner: @thefuncookervan

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Build #5: Professional Mercedes Metris Conversion with Pop-Top

• Highlights: This Metris seats four during the day, and the two rear seats slide down into a small bed. The side of the vehicle has tons of storage, a fridge, and a large sink. The pop-top ensures it’s comfortable to stand up and walk around inside the van.
• Van: Mercedes Metris
• Owner: @travoisvans

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Build #4: Metris with Convertible Bed and Slide-Out Storage

• Highlights: This unique conversion from Contravans has a large bed that folds up into a bench seat. There’s a swivel table hidden under the bed so the space can be used for cooking or as a workspace. Under the bed is a huge slide-out storage compartment.
• Van: Mercedes Metris
• Owner: @contravans

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Build #3: Metris with Fixed Bed and Rotating Front Seats

• Highlights: This smart Metris build has a fixed bed at the back with large countertop space and a sink next to the bed. The two front seats swivel all the way around so there’s still room to sit up and lounge inside.
• Van: Mercedes Metris
• Owner: @prettypimpinvan

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Build #2: Pop-Top Mercedes Metris That Seats Four

• Highlights: The Camper 2.0 from Peace Vans comes with four seat-belted seats and a convertible bed, an indoor sink, and room for a stove. The pop-top roof allows you to stand up inside the vehicle. 
• Van: 2022 Mercedes Metris
• Owner: @peacevans (more photos at peacevans.com)

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Build #1: Metris with Slide-Out Bed, Surfboard Storage, and an Awning

• Highlights: This DIY Metris build has a simple convertible bed in the back across from a cooler and some countertop space. The roof rack stores a couple surfboards, and the owners installed a large awning for a great outdoor hangout spot.
• Van: 2018 Mercedes Metris
• Owner: @tetris_the_metris

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13 Reasons Why Vanlifers Like Mercedes Metris Campers

The Metris is easy to drive, reliable, & stealthy – but is it the best option for vanlife?

Here are 13 reasons why vanlifers like the Mercedes Metris:

• Easy to Drive: The Metris is small and nimble and has great acceleration so it’s easy to maneuver around the city or on the freeway.
• Fits in Any Parking Space: The Metris will fit into a standard-size parking space, meaning you don’t have to worry about looking for that “RV Parking” sign.
• “Stealth” Factor: The Mercedes Metris is commonly used as a cargo or passenger van, so stealth camping in this vehicle is easy to get away with.
• High Horsepower: The Metris comes with a 208 horsepower engine (compared to the Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit Connect which both have engines around the 160 horsepower mark).
• Mercedes Name Brand: A great benefit to some buyers is the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz name brand. As far as compact vans go, it doesn’t get more luxurious than a Mercedes Metris.
• Nice Interior: Metris vans have a sleek, stylish, and well-designed interior.
• Large Rear Windows: The Mercedes Metris passenger has large rear windows, so you don’t have to worry about installing aftermarket windows if you want windows in your van.
• Mercedes Sells a Camper Option: The Mercedes Metris Getaway can be purchased from Mercedes-Benz and comes with rear fold-down seats, a pop-top sleeper, and a large awning.
• Wide Cargo Area: The Metris offers about 66 inches of cargo width. That’s enough room that most builders install a bed and a kitchen area.
• Sleek Exterior Look: The exterior of the Metris is very visually appealing, especially when compared to the clunkier Ford Transit Connect, or Ram ProMaster City.
• Great for Simple DIY Builds: The Metris doesn’t have a ton of room in the back, but that’s great for first-time DIYers, or if you’re just looking to build out a simple weekend getaway van.
• Higher Payload Than Other Small Vans: The Mercedes Metris has a payload capacity of around 2,000 pounds. Compared to the Ford Transit Connect (which has a payload capacity of around 1,400 pounds), it can handle much heavier builds.
• More Room for Builds Than Other Small Vans: The Mercedes Metris offers more cargo length and width than most other compact vans. That means there’s room for extra amenities like an indoor kitchen, or more storage space.

9 Reasons Why Vanlifers Dislike Converted Mercedes Metris Vans

As with every vehicle, there are downsides to the Metris.

Here are 9 reasons why vanlifers dislike the Mercedes Metris:

• Requires Premium Fuel: A huge downside of Metris is its requirement of premium fuel, which can cost between 20 and 60 cents more per gallon than regular fuel.
• Expensive New and Used: The Mercedes Metris will cost around $5,000 more new or used compared to comparable compact vans like the Ram ProMaster City, or Ford Transit Connect.
• Poor Visibility: The front windows are small and owners say visibility isn’t great from the driver’s seat.
• RWD Only: Mercedes only offers the Metris in a rear-wheel drive option. This can lead to traction issues in the snow, or going up dirt or gravel hills.
• Low Headroom: The Metris offers 55 inches of interior cargo height. If you want to stand up inside, you’ll need to install a pop-top roof.
• Major Issues With the 2016 Model: The 2016 Mercedes Metris has some major issues requiring costly repairs, mostly revolving fuel leakage.
• Not Enough Room for All-Inclusive Builds: The Metris is a compact van, meaning there’s just not enough room to add amenities like a shower or a dining area.
• Pricey Parts and Maintenance: Mercedes vehicles have expensive parts, and a mechanic who works on Mercedes will generally charge you more because they are luxury vehicles.
• Not Great Fuel Economy for its Size: The Metris gets just 21 MPG combined, which is notably less compared to the Ram ProMaster City, and the Ford Transit Connect, which both run around 25 MPG.

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Cost, Dimensions, & Fuel Economy

Now that you know a little more about the Mercedes Metris, let’s see how it stacks up against Nissan NV200, Ford Transit Connect, Ram ProMaster City, Renault Trafic, & VW California.

 

Mercedes Metris Cost

Cost: Mercedes Metris vs Nissan NV200 vs Ford Transit Connect vs Ram ProMaster City vs Renault Trafic vs VW California

Model	New	Used	Price
Mercedes Metris	$34,900	$27,954	Check Price
Nissan NV200	$23,500	$13,985	Check Price
Ford Transit Connect	$29,365	$17,995	Check Price
Ram ProMaster City	$30,475	$27,950	Check Price
Renault Trafic	$51,952	$28,594	Check Price
VW California	$73,385	N/A	Check Price

 

Mercedes Metris Dimensions

Dimensions: Mercedes Metris vs Nissan NV200 vs Ford Transit Connect vs Ram ProMaster City vs Renault Trafic vs VW California

Model	Interior Height	Interior Length (cargo)	Interior Width	Ext Length
Mercedes Metris	55 inches	105.4 inches	66.3 inches	202.4 inches
Nissan NV200	53.5 inches	80.3 inches	59.1 inches	173.2 inches
Ford Transit Connect	49.5 inches	117.5 inches	48.7 inches	190 inches
Ram ProMaster City	51.8 inches	87.2 inches	60.4 inches	187.5 inches
Renault Trafic	54.6 inches	99.9 inches	65.4 inches	196.8 inches
VW California	55.5 inches	101.3 inches	66.9 inches	193.1 inches

 

Mercedes Metris Fuel Economy

Fuel Economy: Mercedes Metris vs Nissan NV200 vs Ford Transit Connect vs Ram ProMaster City vs Renault Trafic vs VW California

Model	City	Highway	Combined
Mercedes Metris	19 MPG	23 MPG	21 MPG
Nissan NV200	24 MPG	26 MPG	25 MPG
Ford Transit Connect	24 MPG	27 MPG	25.5 MPG
Ram ProMaster City	21 MPG	28 MPG	24.5 MPG
Renault Trafic	24 MPG	34 MPG	29 MPG
VW California	36.2 MPG	42.2 MPG	39.2 MPG

 

Conclusion: Is a Mercedes Metris Conversion Right for you?

There are a lot of reasons to like the Mercedes Metris: It’s got the Mercedes brand, power, & nice interior  – but it may not be for you.

Biggest factors:

• Mercedes Brand
• Nice Interior
• Wide Cargo Area
• Expensive
• Poor Relative Fuel Economy

So should you get one?

Maybe! We’d recommend the Mercedes Metris for vanlife over the Transit Connect or ProMaster City for vanlifers who have a higher budget and value the Mercedes brand. Alternatively, the Transit Connect or ProMaster City offer almost the same utility (if not the same) for a lower upfront cost.