Comparison: 9-Seater Sprinter vs. 8-Seater V-Class / V-Klasse

The 9-seater Sprinter differs significantly from the 8-seater V-Class XL in size, luxury level, ease of driving, luggage space, and parking height.


Capacity and Size

The Sprinter accommodates 9 passengers (compared to the V-Class’s 8) and is considerably larger, measuring approximately 20 feet in length. It features a spacious 5×5 feet luggage area behind the last bench and offers substantially more cargo space—up to 191 cubic feet versus the V-Class’s maximum of 50 cubic feet (with dimensions of 2.5 x 4.5 feet). Tip: We only have the 8-seater V-Class XL, but the shorter V-Klasse looks almost the same but has no cargo space.

Height and Purpose

Standing 8 feet tall, the Sprinter is noticeably taller than the V-Class (6.25 feet), making it less suitable for parking garages. While the Sprinter is primarily built for transportation and cargo capacity, the V-Class emphasizes luxury and comfort.

Performance Features

The V-Class comes equipped with four-wheel drive (4WD), making it ideal for winter trips to the Alps and navigating wet, icy, or snowy road conditions. In contrast, most Sprinter models lack 4WD, making them more challenging to drive on snow even with winter tires. The Sprinter also handles less effectively in windy conditions.

Driver’s License Requirements

Both the 9-seater Sprinter and 8-seater V-Class can be driven with a standard USA driver’s license. Despite their differences in size, both vehicles fall under the 3.5-ton weight category that permits operation with a regular Class C license. No commercial or special license is required for either vehicle when renting in Europe.

Rental Rates and Efficiency

Price-wise, the large Sprinter typically costs the same daily rate as the premium V-Class. However, the Sprinter consumes approximately 30% more fuel. Toll roads cost the same for both models, since the Sprinter is under 3.5 tons.

Luggage Solutions

We offer a variety of transport solutions for your luggage needs. While the Sprinter provides virtually unlimited luggage space, our V-Class vehicles can be equipped with roof ski boxes and rear bike racks that accommodate even the largest mountain bikes or electric bikes.

Storage Services

We also offer temporary storage solutions for luggage you may not need throughout your entire trip. We even allow you to store mountain bikes or ski equipment at our Munich, Frankfurt, and Salzburg locations for a minimal fee.

See also

Need less seats and more cargo room?