Head to head
Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van vs Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter
The Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van holds 4.7 cubic metres more and takes loads 33cm (1ft) longer.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Load volume: the Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van holds 4.7 cubic metres more.
- Load length: the Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van takes loads 33cm (1ft) longer.
Specifications side by side
| Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van | Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter | |
|---|---|---|
| Payload | 1157-1165 kg (L2H2, 3.5t); 958-966 kg (L4H2, 3.5t); up to 2479 kg (L2H2, 5.0t, 515/517) | up to 1.28 tonnes (diesel); up to 1 tonne (electric) |
| Load volume | 10.5 m3 (L2H2); 14.0 m3 (L3H2); 15.5 m3 (L4H2) | 5.8 m3 (SWB); 6.8 m3 (LWB) |
| Load length | 3375 mm (L2H2); 4810 mm (L4H2) | 3050 mm (SWB (with load-through bulkhead)); 3450 mm (LWB (with load-through bulkhead)) |
| Gross weight | - | 2800-3350 kg |
| Towing capacity | - | up to 2.8 tonnes (diesel) |
Sources: Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the Panel Van if...
- you want one that holds 4.7 cubic metres more
- you want one that takes loads 33cm (1ft) longer
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 Transporter if...
The Transporter is positioned above budget medium vans on cabin quality and resale value, and stays under 2 metres tall on both wheelbases so it can access multi-storey car parks that rule out taller rivals.
Full Transporter specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van and the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter?
The Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van holds 4.7 cubic metres more and takes loads 33cm (1ft) 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 Transporter is a medium panel van (T6.1 generation), VW's rival to the Transit Custom and Vivaro..
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