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Mercedes Sprinter Bus vs VW Crafter - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (190 HP vs 177 HP), boot space and price (41400 £ vs 47100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes Sprinter Bus or VW Crafter?

Head-to-Head: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Bus vs. VW Crafter

As the demand for versatile, reliable buses becomes increasingly prevalent, automotive manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and VW rise to the challenge. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Bus and the VW Crafter have long been favorites in the van segment, offering robust performance, advanced technology, and impressive functionality. In this article, we delve into a detailed comparison between these two models, analyzing their technical specifications and innovations to help you make an informed choice.

Powertrain and Performance

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Bus offers a range of diesel engines with a power output of 114 HP to 190 HP. With torque figures stretching from 300 Nm to 450 Nm, the Sprinter ensures a smooth yet powerful driving experience. The drive types available are rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, catering to different driving conditions and preferences. With a maximum speed ranging between 150 and 160 km/h, the Sprinter merges power with control.

On the other hand, the VW Crafter provides power options from 140 HP to 177 HP supported by a maximum torque of 410 Nm. With its innovative drive offerings, including rear-wheel, front-wheel, and all-wheel drive, the Crafter caters flexibly to diverse needs. Its speed capabilities range up to 165 km/h, aligning closely with the Sprinter's performance metrics.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Fuel efficiency is a critical factor for businesses and individual users alike. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers consumption ranging from 9.3 L/100km to 12.3 L/100km. However, the VW Crafter shows a more variable consumption range, from a low 8.4 L/100km to 13.1 L/100km, indicative of its range of engine options. Both models fall into CO2 Efficiency Class G, though the Crafter tends to have a slightly higher CO2 emission level.

Dimensions and Capacity

The Sprinter Bus ranges from 5,932 mm to 6,967 mm in length, whereas the Crafter's length options span from 5,986 mm to 7,391 mm, offering a more extended configuration. In terms of dimensions, the Crafter provides a slight edge with a maximum width of 2,069 mm and a height up to 2,830 mm, compared to the Sprinter's width of 1,993 mm and height options up to 2,659 mm.

Payload and Seating

Both vehicles seat two occupants comfortably, supporting their principal use as cargo-focused options. The Mercedes Sprinter features a payload capacity ranging typically from 974 kg to 1,249 kg, whereas the Crafter exhibits a substantial payload capability reaching up to 2,994 kg, demonstrating its strength as a robust transporter.

Innovations and Technological Features

Mercedes-Benz and VW have equipped their vans with a host of innovative technologies. The Sprinter boasts a myriad of cutting-edge features, focusing on safety, connectivity, and driver assistance systems. Meanwhile, VW presents the Crafter with a similar suite of modern features, including accessible digital cockpit interfaces, advanced driver-assistance programs, and seamless connectivity options.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Bus and the VW Crafter largely depends on specific needs and priorities. For those seeking a wide range of power and transmission options, coupled with the reliability of German engineering, the Sprinter is a worthy contender. Conversely, the Crafter impresses with its high payload capacity, extended dimensional options, and versatile driving configurations. Both models offer substantial advancements in technology, ensuring any choice caters well to modern transport requirements.

Mercedes Sprinter Bus

VW Crafter

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Mercedes Sprinter Bus has a to a small extent advantage in terms of price – it starts at 41400 £ , while the VW Crafter costs 47100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5741 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Crafter manages with 8.40 L and is therefore slightly more efficient than the Mercedes Sprinter Bus with 9.30 L. The difference is about 0.90 L per 100 km.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes Sprinter Bus has a minimal edge – offering 190 HP compared to 177 HP. That’s roughly 13 HP more horsepower.

In terms of top speed, the VW Crafter performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 165 km/h, while the Mercedes Sprinter Bus tops out at 159 km/h. The difference is around 6 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes Sprinter Bus pulls minimal stronger with 450 Nm compared to 410 Nm. That’s about 40 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 2 people.

In curb weight, VW Crafter is to a small extent lighter – 2072 kg compared to 2356 kg. The difference is around 284 kg.

When it comes to payload, VW Crafter significantly takes the win – 2994 kg compared to 1144 kg. That’s a difference of about 1850 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Crafter is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

Mercedes Sprinter Bus
VW Crafter

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £47,100
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VW Crafter

  • Engine Type : Diesel
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 140 - 177 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 8.4 - 13.1 L
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Mercedes Sprinter Bus

The Mercedes Sprinter is the go-to people-mover for operators and families who want robust practicality wrapped in a premium feel, with a flexible interior that can be tailored from shuttle to mobile office without breaking a sweat. Sporting the three-pointed star and the driving manners of a tall estate, the Sprinter Bus is comfortable, dependable and refreshingly easy to live with day after day.

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VW Crafter

The VW Crafter is a no-nonsense workhorse that makes hauling and running a mobile business feel almost civilized, with a cabin built for long days and smart storage where you need it. It may not turn heads for glamour, but its sturdy build, straightforward tech and reliable manners mean fewer headaches for owners — a van that prefers to earn your trust rather than demand attention.

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Reviews Mercedes Sprinter Bus

Reviews VW Crafter

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Mercedes Sprinter Bus
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Costs and Consumption
Price
41400 - 55900 £
Price
47100 - 68800 £
Consumption L/100km
9.3 - 12.3 L
Consumption L/100km
8.4 - 13.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
244 - 322 g/km
co2
220 - 342 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
71 L
Fuel tank capacity
75 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Bus
Body Type
Cargo Van
Seats
2
Seats
2
Doors
4
Doors
4
Curb weight
2356 - 2559 kg
Curb weight
2072 - 2810 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
-
Length
5932 - 6967 mm
Length
5986 - 7391 mm
Width
1993 mm
Width
2040 - 2069 mm
Height
2633 - 2659 mm
Height
2355 - 2830 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
9300 - 18400 L
Payload
814 - 1144 kg
Payload
1037 - 2994 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Type
Diesel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
114 - 190 HP
Power HP
140 - 177 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Max Speed
150 - 159 km/h
Max Speed
90 - 165 km/h
Torque
300 - 450 Nm
Torque
360 - 410 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
84 - 140 kW
Power kW
103 - 130 kW
Engine capacity
1950 cm3
Engine capacity
1968 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2017 - 2023
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW

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Is the Mercedes Sprinter Bus offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.