Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
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 Volkswagen ID. Buzz starts from $79,990 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter opens at $79,900. 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 $87,989 and $87,890 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 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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 1 in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter misses.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz features a 12.9-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter gets a 9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volkswagen ID. Buzz gets sonom cloth upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers vinyl. Climate control is 2-zone in the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and 1-zone in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz uses a BEV producing 210kW and 560Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.6 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter responds with a Diesel making 110kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
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 Volkswagen ID. Buzz measures 4,712mm long on a 2,989mm wheelbase, 1220mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter at 5,932mm (3,665mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 1121L in the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and 10500L in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, 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 / 160,934km (Volkswagen ID. Buzz) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen ID. Buzz if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
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, Volkswagen ID. Buzz and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
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 — Volkswagen ID. Buzz and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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.
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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