Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vs Volkswagen ID. Buzz
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Vans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen ID. Buzz opens at $79,990. That makes the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter the more affordable entry point by $90.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $87,890 and $87,989 respectively.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Volkswagen ID. Buzz hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter features a 9-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen ID. Buzz gets a 12.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter gets vinyl upholstery while the Volkswagen ID. Buzz offers sonom cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2-zone in the Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter uses a Diesel producing 110kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz responds with a BEV making 210kW and 560Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter measures 5,932mm long on a 3,665mm wheelbase, 1220mm longer than the Volkswagen ID. Buzz at 4,712mm (2,989mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 10500L in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 1121L in the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, giving the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter a 9379L advantage. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz seats 5 vs 3.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m diameter
Average
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) vs 5 years / 160,934km (Volkswagen ID. Buzz). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen ID. Buzz if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Volkswagen ID. Buzz?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the cheapest at $79,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen ID. Buzz by $90.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter uses the least fuel at 8.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Volkswagen ID. Buzz all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has the largest boot at 10500L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz makes the most power at 210kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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