Since its launch in the mid-1900s, the Volkswagen Transporter has become the go-to vehicle for many transportation tasks. For many, this van has all they need, combining versatility with reliability. If you’re one of those considering joining this VW family, you may want to think about first exploring Volkswagen Transporter dimensions. Join us in this article as we take a deep look at the different VW van models, their dimensions and other factors influencing their cargo capacities.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Overview Of Different Volkswagen Transporter Models
- 2 Volkswagen Transporter Dimensions
- 3 VW Transporter: Cargo Considerations
- 4 VW Transporter Dimensions: Overview
- 5 Frequently Asked Questions
- 5.1 How Long Are VW Transporters?
- 5.2 How Much Cargo Space Does The Volkswagen Transporter Offer?
- 5.3 What Is The Payload Capacity Of The Volkswagen Transporter?
- 5.4 What’s The Difference Between A VW Transporter SWB And A Transporter LWB Van?
- 5.5 What Are The Inner Dimensions Of The Biggest VW Transporter Van Models?
- 6 Conclusion
Overview Of Different Volkswagen Transporter Models
There isn’t just one type of Volkswagen Transporter. Since the production of the first vehicle in 1949, this vehicle has grown to rival other popular vans like the Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter. The manufacturers have released different models of this vehicle over that time with different sizes and dimensions.
Panel Van
The panel van is the lowest spec of the VW Transporter, designed with no side windows & no rear seating. These vans are popular among commercial workers because of the huge open space in the rear, which is great for storing tools and machinery.
Kombi Van
The Kombi van is a step up from the panel van, offering either five or six seats. This vehicle combines the features of a people carrier with those of a standard van. Sliding door panels of these vehicles typically have windows to give passengers in the back some light, while the rear of the vehicle is left empty for cargo.
Campervan (California)
The VW California is Volkswagen’s campervan based on the Transporter series. The California comes with a pop-up roof and a design that aims to maximise interior space.
Shuttle
With nine seats, the primary purpose of the shuttle is to carry passengers around. This vehicle is usually great for larger families or group travel with friends or work colleagues. For the best experience, the shuttle comes with windows on all sides.
Volkswagen Transporter Dimensions
VW Transporter dimensions vary depending on the vehicle trim and the wheelbase length. As you’d expect, long-wheelbase (LWB) vehicles are the largest, and short-wheelbase vehicles are the smallest on both the inside and outside.
VW Transporter Length
When measuring vehicle length, there are three distinctions to consider: the overall length, internal length and wheelbase length. The overall length covers the distance from the front bumper to the rear. The load length is taken from the bulkhead (the divider between the driver/passenger compartment and the cargo area) to the farthest point in the rear, while the wheelbase length represents the distance between the centre of the front wheel and the centre of the rear wheel.
- Short-wheelbase (SWB) van dimensions: The short-wheelbase version of the VW Transporter has an overall length of 4,892 mm (193 inches). The wheelbase itself is 3,000 mm (118 inches), and you can expect to get 2,572 mm (101 inches) in load length.
- Long-wheelbase (LWB) van dimensions: The VW Transporter long-wheelbase (LWB) version reaches 5,292 mm (208 inches), running from front to back. The load length of 2,975 mm (117 inches) is one of the most impressive for a vehicle of this size. The wheelbase length of LWB Transporters is 3,400 mm (134 inches).
Check out our other blog post instead if you’re more interested in learning about Ford Transit dimensions.
VW Transporter Width
The external width covers the distance between one side of the vehicle and the other. You also have to consider the load width of the vehicle, as this determines how much space is available to transport cargo. The transporter has a broad stance with a wide interior, which aims to ensure the inside is as spacious as possible.
- External width: The external width of the VW Transporter varies slightly depending on the model and year. However, most recent models are around 1,904 mm (75 inches) wide, excluding the mirrors. If you take the mirrors into account, the width of these vehicles can reach 2,290 mm (90 inches).
- Load width: The load width of the VW Transporter is 1,620 mm (64 inches) between the wheel arches, ensuring you have enough space within.
VW Transporter Height
There are two roof types available for VW transporter vans, which are the standard roof (low roof) and the high-roof option.
- Standard roof: The roof heights in VW Transporter vans with standard roofs are 1,990 mm (78 inches) and this applies to both short-wheelbase (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) options. This roof height is ideal for anyone who wants a van that can fit into most parking garages and areas with low clearance. As regards internal dimensions, the load compartment height is 1,414 mm (56 inches).
- High-roof models: The roof heights reach 2,477 mm (98 inches) in high-roof models. You also get a load height of 1,940 mm (77 inches). This extra roof height is great for users who want more headroom to stand in the van but may limit access in low-clearance areas, including some parking garages. The roof height remains the same in both short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase vans.
VW Transporter: Cargo Considerations
External and internal dimensions are just a part of cargo consideration. The VW Transporter dimensions don’t tell the entire story of the vehicle. You must also consider the payload and load volume to determine how much cargo the van can legally carry.
- VW Transporter panel van: The Transporter panel van has a payload of between 688 kg (0.69 tonnes) and 1,278 kg (1.28 tonnes), depending on the size and whether it is a long or short wheelbase van. The load volume in these vehicles may also range between 5.8 m³ (205 ft³) and 6.7 m³ (237 ft³).
- VW Transporter Kombi van: VW Transporter Kombis offer between 938 kg (0.94 tonnes) and 1,206 kg (1.2 tonnes). You get a load volume between 3.8 m³ (134 ft³) and 6.5 m³ (230 ft³), depending on the size and wheelbase length.
- VW Transporter California: The California is built for comfort, so it’s not the best for cargo. These vehicles have a payload between 377 kg (0.38 tonnes) and 643 kg (0.64 tonnes). Load volume can vary widely, depending on the configuration.
- VW Transporter Shuttle: The Transporter Shuttle can carry between 836 kg (0.84 tonnes) and 996 kg ( approximately 1 tonne) in payload. For load volume, you’ll get between 5.8 m³ (205 ft³) and 6.7 m³ (237 ft³).
See our guide to the dimensions of the Mercedes Sprinter van, a popular alternative to VW Transporters.
VW Transporter Dimensions: Overview
You now have full details of VW Transporter dimensions in this van size guide, but having all these figures spread out can be exhausting to read. If you’re looking for a quick rundown, we have a table that highlights the standard specifications of VW Transporter vans.
VW Transporter Specification | Short Wheelbase (SWB) | Long Wheelbase (LWB) |
---|---|---|
Overall Length | 4,892 mm (193 inches) | 5,292 mm (208 inches) |
Wheelbase Length | 3,000 mm (118 inches) | 3,400 mm (134 inches) |
Load Length | 2,572 mm (101 inches) | 2,975 mm (117 inches) |
External Width (without mirrors) | 1,904 mm (75 inches) | 1,904 mm (75 inches) |
External Width (with mirrors) | 2,290 mm (90 inches) | 2,290 mm (90 inches) |
Load Width | 1,620 mm (64 inches) | 1,620 mm (64 inches) |
Height (Standard Roof) | 1,990 mm (78 inches) | 1,990 mm (78 inches) |
Height (High Roof) | 2,477 mm (98 inches) | 2,477 mm (98 inches) |
Load Height (Standard Roof) | 1,414 mm (56 inches) | 1,414 mm (56 inches) |
Load Height (High Roof) | 1,940 mm (77 inches) | 1,940 mm (77 inches) |
Hire an LWB van from SDVH’s fleet today with options ranging from cargo to passenger vehicles. We also offer SWB van rental options for those who want compact vehicles with a sportier feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Are VW Transporters?
VW Transporters are either 4,892 mm (193 inches) or 5,292 mm (208 inches). The former is the overall length for short-wheelbase models, while the latter represents the length of long-wheelbase (LWB) VW transporters. This measurement is especially correct for panel van versions and other models like Kombi or Caravelle may be slightly different.
How Much Cargo Space Does The Volkswagen Transporter Offer?
The Volkswagen Transporter offers cargo space of between 3.8 m³ (134 ft³) and 6.7 m³ (237 ft³). The exact cargo volume in a VW Transporter depends on the size and model. Panel vans and Kombis tend to be the most spacious for cargo, while the Carlifornia and Shuttle cater more to passenger transportation.
What Is The Payload Capacity Of The Volkswagen Transporter?
The payload capacity of the Volkswagen Transporter is between 688 kg (0.69 tonnes) and 1,278 kg (1.28 tonnes). These figures are accurate for the latest iteration of the VW Transporter (T6.1). Model and wheelbase length are among the major factors that determine the payload capacity of this vehicle.
What’s The Difference Between A VW Transporter SWB And A Transporter LWB Van?
The primary difference between a VW Transporter SWB and a VW Transporter LWB lies in their size and cargo capacity. The shorter wheelbase gives the SWB van better manoeuvrability, so it’s easier for you to drive through tight streets and congested areas. The long-wheelbase van is, however, more practical and offers better balance on the road.
What Are The Inner Dimensions Of The Biggest VW Transporter Van Models?
The inner dimensions of the biggest VW Transporter van models are 1,940 mm (77 inches) in height, 1,620 mm (64 inches) in width and between 2,572 mm (101 inches) and 2,975 mm (117 inches) in load length. These are the VW Transporter long-wheelbase high-roof models and are ideal for transporting tall items or for campervan conversions.
Conclusion
In summary, Volkswagen Transporter dimensions cater to both commercial and personal needs, including short-wheelbase (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) models. It’s no wonder that it is one of the most popular vans in the world. So hiring this vehicle makes a lot of sense whether you need to move cargo or transport people.