When choosing a van, it’s vital to know its exact size and dimensions to ensure it can perform the tasks your business requires. What type of cargo is it going to be carrying? What kind of roads will it need to navigate? Where will it need to be parked? What does its load capacity need to be? And what regulations does it need to comply with, both within your industry and beyond?

Of course, the size of your van will also impact its fuel efficiency, manoeuvrability and overall operational efficiency within your business.

The Mercedes-Benz vans range splits into three overall size categories. Within each category, there are further size and configuration options to meet a wide range of commercial applications and needs.

Three of the most important dimensions when choosing a van for your business are length, height and payload capacity. Getting these wrong could have an adverse effect on the operational efficiency of your business.

Lengths

Your van’s length, combined with its loadspace, will affect how easily it navigates tight spaces. So balancing cargo capacity with manoeuvrability is essential, especially if you operate largely in urban areas.

Height

If you need to transport bulkier cargo, larger equipment, or even work from the back of your van, then a higher roof will be advantageous. However, that needs to be balanced with the potential for a high-top van to be less aerodynamic and therefore less fuel efficient.

Payload capacity

Payload refers to the maximum weight that a van can carry, including passengers, cargo and fuel. If you’re transporting heavy or bulky items, then a van with a large payload capacity is essential. However, it’s important to factor in the operational costs of running a large payload vehicle, both in terms of fuel costs and maintenance.

It’s important to choose the correct wheelbase for your van, depending on its intended usage and driving environment. Here are a few things to consider when choosing between long and short wheelbase vans:


Long wheelbase (LWB)

• A larger storage area – useful if you’re having to transport large tools and equipment.
• A more comfortable drive – the extra space between the axles on an LWB vehicle can help to smooth out bumps in the road.


Short wheelbase (SWB)

• Easier to manoeuvre – if your business involves lots of urban drop-offs, then an SWB vehicle will be easier to navigate and park around town.
• A ‘sportier’ drive – an SWB vehicle can feel a bit more ‘car-like’ in its handling compared to a long wheelbase van.

The Sprinter range offers diverse sizes and configurations to meet varying cargo and transport demands. From standard height, SWB options suitable for urban driving and small to medium loads, to high-roof, LWB versions that are perfect for large capacity, long-haul deliveries.

Typical dimensions are:

The Vito range offers SWB and LWB versions across a consistent roof height, making it perfect for both low-volume, urban deliveries, and trades that need to get a variety tools and equipment on site. There’s also a crew van option with the space to transport larger teams in comfort.

The Citan offers a compact and versatile solution for a wide variety of urban commercial and delivery needs. Further flexibility is provided by twin rear doors or sliding side door options, plus interior shelving systems and roof racks.

Every business is unique. In fact, we’ve shown how van dimensions are critical when it comes to specifying the correct vehicle to fit your individual business needs.

We’ve summarised the main model options within the Mercedes-Benz van range. Now use our online van configurator to customise your chosen model in terms of length, height, wheelbase, load area and payload so that it fits your needs perfectly,

Once you’ve specified the exact requirements for your van, visit our Online Showroom to discover the model options we currently have available.

Alternatively, one of our trusted Dealers will be happy to call you, to discuss your specific requirements. Whichever van you choose, you’ll enjoy the same quality and reliability you’d expect from Mercedes-Benz.