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Model against model

Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van vs Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter

Two models people put on the same shortlist. Every figure below is sourced, and where one side has a specification the other does not publish, the row is left out rather than filled with a guess.

Last reviewed 13 September 2026

Mercedes Sprinter Panel VanVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter
Payload1157-1165 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 volume10.5 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 length3375 mm (L2H2); 4810 mm (L4H2)4855 mm (Long Maxi)

Only specifications published for both models appear here. Full Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van figures and full Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter figures.

Choose 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.

Payload figures are for standard-roof (H2) PRO/SELECT trims at 3.5t GVW (314/316/319 CDI) and the heavier 417 (4.0t) and 515/517/519 (5.0t) derivatives; H1 and H3 roof options carry different volumes.

Full specifications →

Choose the Crafter if...

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.

Figures cover Medium, Long and Long Maxi wheelbases at 3,500 kg (CR35) and 5,000 kg (CR50) GVW; a 3,000 kg CR30 entry derivative and chassis cab/double cab bodies carry different payloads.

Full specifications →

Common questions

What is the difference between the Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van and the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter?

Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van: 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. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter: 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.

Are these figures reliable?

Every figure on this page was read off a manufacturer or established dealer page and is linked to its source. Anything we could not verify is left out rather than estimated. Specifications change by model year and configuration, so confirm with the supplier before relying on them.

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.

Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van vs Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter: specifications compared | GetBrent