Head to head
Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van vs Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter takes loads 1.48m (5ft) longer.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Load length: the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter takes loads 1.48m (5ft) longer.
Specifications side by side
| Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van | Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter | |
|---|---|---|
| Payload | 1157-1165 kg (L2H2, 3.5t); 958-966 kg (L4H2, 3.5t); up to 2479 kg (L2H2, 5.0t, 515/517) | 1061-1229 kg (Medium CR35, 3.5t); 881-1117 kg (Long CR35, 3.5t); 2352-2410 kg (Medium CR50, 5.0t) |
| Load volume | 10.5 m3 (L2H2); 14.0 m3 (L3H2); 15.5 m3 (L4H2) | 9.9-11.3 m3 (Medium); 14.4-16.1 m3 (Long); 16.4-18.4 m3 (Long Maxi) |
| Load length | 3375 mm (L2H2); 4810 mm (L4H2) | 4855 mm (Long Maxi) |
| Towing capacity | - | up to 3000 kg braked (3.5t models); up to 3500 kg braked (5.0t CR50) |
Sources: Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the Panel Van if...
The Sprinter is priced and equipped as the premium choice in the large van class, and its 3.5-5.0t GVW spread with matching payload jumps makes it a common choice for fleets that need heavier derivatives without moving to a 7.5t truck.
Full Panel Van specifications →Buy or hire the Crafter if...
- you want one that takes loads 1.48m (5ft) longer
The Crafter's wide GVW range, up to a 5.0t CR50 derivative, lets it cover jobs that would otherwise need a 7.5t truck, and it is commonly chosen by fleets that also want a driver-friendly cab.
Full Crafter specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van and the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter?
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter takes loads 1.48m (5ft) longer. The Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van is a large diesel panel van offered from 3.5t to 5.0t GVW, a premium-positioned rival to the Transit and Crafter.; the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter is a large panel van offered from 3.0t to 5.0t GVW, VW's rival to the Sprinter and Transit..
GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Model and brand names are the trademarks of their owners.