Mercedes minivans come to America
The Mercedes V-Line, also known as the Vito and Viano abroad, has been in production since 1995, but only came to the United States in its third generation in 2016, under the name ‘Metris’. The van never did especially well in the United States, and production was ultimately shelved in 2023 after anemic sales, much in contrast to the Metris’s bigger cousin, the Sprinter.
Still, the vehicles themselves are quality, as one would expect from Mercedes-Benz, and a small but loyal following swears by their Metris vans for reliability and luxury. Fitting, then, to take one as the base for a Van Life weekender conversion. They blend in well enough not to seem too out of the ordinary, but are unique enough to the keen-eyed to merit a second look, and perhaps notice all of the camping features packed inside. This 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris has been completely reimagined as a weekender stealth camper, perfect for anyone looking to camp without making a scene.
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An unassuming van with surprises in store
At first glance, it looks like an ordinary minivan. The silver paint is nice, but not particularly eye-catching. Tinted windows give privacy, but aren’t unusual on nicer vehicles of this type. The clue that something is up is the small porthole set into the driver’s side of the rear compartment, but even then, it is a curiosity that doesn’t exactly scream ‘Recreational Vehicle’.
The first real clue that this is more than a people-mover is at the top, with the pop-up roof. In the down position, it’s a little bump, but a keen eye might recognize it, and even failing that, the solar panels mounted atop that pop-up might be a tad more noticeable. The towing hitch on the back is also, if not a dead giveaway, at least another clue. We round out our inspection of the outside with the five-spoke 17″ alloy wheels, wrapped in 225/55 Hankook and Continental tires.
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Comfortably conventional luxury belies an upscale twist
Inside and up front, the pattern of quality but unassuming luxury continues. A pair of captain’s chairs with black hatched-up upholstery provide seating for two, while the rest of the door paneling, carpeting, and dash are black and grey. A pair of cup holders can be found jutting out from the center of the dash, as well as a second pair on the grey center console between the seats.
A tri-spoke, black leather-wrapped steering wheel features a pair of perforated, padded sides, as well as paddle shifters and button controls. Behind it, the gauge cluster includes a speedometer maxing out at a whopping 140mph (which we cannot recommend as a safe speed to aim for), as well as a tachometer that redlines at 7,000 rpm. There are only two auxiliary gauges, one for fuel level and one for temperature; however, there is a digital display that has many additional readouts which can be selected right from the steering wheel. Other amenities include a rearview camera, cruise control, blind spot/lane keeping/collision prevention assistance, and a 5.8″ infotainment system complete with navigation.
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Metris with a mattress
It’s in the back where the startling shift in tone begins, with black and grey giving way to bright browns and tans, with teak flooring competing with mahogany and ash cabinetry for your eyes’ attention. You can access the living quarters by either the passenger-side door or the rear doors, and in addition to an L-shaped sitting area with a table, there is also a full kitchenette with a sink, a two-burner electric range cooktop, and an Isotherm refrigerator with a freezer. An Alpine CD stereo with JBL speakers and overhead lighting provides the atmosphere, while residential-grade outlets and overhead storage provide the utility of home.
But there’s no home without a place to sleep, and thanks to the pop-up roof, this van is indeed a Metris with a mattress. The pop-up is color-matched to the silver outside, featuring an entirely collapsible upper area with room to sleep one comfortably. There are even zip-up windows in case you’re looking for a bit of outside fresh air. In addition to the mattress, there are also several USB power outlets for charging devices.
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Upgraded electricals for van life comforts
The original Metris came with only one engine, a turbocharged 2.0L (122ci) four-in-line, which this van still seems to have. All of that power is pushed to the rear wheels by way of a seven-speed automatic transmission, while braking is handled by four-wheel disc brakes. An aftermarket air suspension system has been installed for a smoother ride, though the purchase includes the original factory parts as well.
However, in addition to this powertrain, there are also the solar panels, with a 50-amp DC charger and upgrades like a 12-way fuse block and circuit breakers with marine-grade wiring. There are also utility hookups for even more power options. All in all, this upscale job cost $16,000, and the receipt to prove it is also included in the sale for review. All told, this van has about 18,000 miles on it, with plenty more left to go.
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Final thoughts: Go where you please and be pleased by where you go
If a car stealth-camps in the woods and no one sees, does it still make a sound? We’re not sure it matters. The point is that with this 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris conversion, the sky’s the limit to where you can go and what you can do when you get there. Van Life has always been an option, but thanks to the propagation of the internet and channels exemplifying how it is done, more people than ever are looking for that weekend escape or, even better for some, to live the life full-time. Why not join in on the fun?
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