Model against model
Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van vs Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter
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 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)) |
Only specifications published for both models appear here. Full Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van figures and full Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter 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 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.
Figures cover the standard-roof SWB and LWB panel van; the diesel range spans multiple TDI power outputs and the fully electric ID. Buzz Cargo derivative has a lower payload ceiling.
Full specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van and the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter?
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 Transporter: 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.
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.
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