The Mercedes-Benz V-Class was a model of passenger and commercial minivans that were introduced for the 1997 model year. Depending on their purpose, the V-Class was known under different names. When built in a commercial van configuration, it was known as the Vito, but when built in a passenger MPV configuration, it was known as the Viano. The third generation V-Class was launched in 2014 as a full size MPV to replace the Viano and R-Class. However, it was marketed as a successor to the Mercedes-Benz Viano. The vehicle has been sold since 2015 in the United States and Canada as the Mercedes-Benz Metris; it was launched as a 2016 model year vehicle. These front-engined vans were powered by a range of gasoline and diesel engines and featured rear wheel drive or all wheel drive layouts.