2016 Volkswagen Transporter (T6) Panel Van Dimensions, Size & Specs

The width of the Volkswagen Transporter (T6) Panel Van is 1904 mm (about 75 inches) without the mirrors extended. When the side mirrors are opened, which is necessary for driving and maneuvering, the width increases to 2297 mm (approximately 90.4 inches). This expanded width is important to consider for parking and navigating narrow spaces. The mirrors help drivers maintain visibility and safety, but also require additional clearance, especially in tight urban environments.

The height of the Volkswagen Transporter (T6) Panel Van spans from 1950 mm to 2477 mm (roughly 76.8 to 97.5 inches), reflecting different roof configurations such as standard and high roof options. The higher roof versions allow for greater vertical cargo space, making it easier to transport taller items or for standing room inside when fitted for conversion or commercial applications. However, the increased height can limit access to low-clearance areas like certain garages or parking structures, so it's critical to consider your intended use when selecting the height.

The Volkswagen Transporter (T6) Panel Van has a curb weight—meaning the vehicle's weight without passengers or cargo—that ranges from 1680 kg to 1975 kg (about 3704 to 4354 lbs). Its maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW), which accounts for vehicle, passengers, cargo, and load capacity, ranges between 2600 kg and 2800 kg (approximately 5732 to 6173 lbs). Understanding these weight ranges is crucial for compliance with road regulations and ensuring safe loading limits are not exceeded, to maintain vehicle performance and handling.

The Volkswagen Transporter (T6) Panel Van offers impressive cargo capacity, particularly with rear seats folded or in configurations without passenger seating. The available luggage or cargo volume ranges from 5800 liters to 9300 liters (about 204.8 to 328.4 cubic feet), depending on the van's body style and roof height. This large cargo space makes it suitable for a wide range of commercial uses, including delivery services, tradesmen carrying tools and equipment, and even campervan conversions.

Fitting the Volkswagen Transporter (T6) Panel Van into a standard home garage depends on the garage dimensions. Standard residential garages typically have widths of about 2400 to 2700 mm (94.5 to 106 inches) and heights around 2130 mm (84 inches). Given the T6's width with mirrors opened is approximately 2297 mm (90.4 inches), it can fit width-wise if the mirrors are folded, but the height varies up to 2477 mm (97.5 inches) on high-roof models, which may exceed standard garage door height. Therefore, standard roof T6 vans can fit more easily in typical garages than high-roof variants, which often require specialized or larger garage spaces.

The ride height or ground clearance of the Volkswagen Transporter (T6) Panel Van ranges between 178 mm to 202 mm (approximately 7 to 8 inches). This moderate ground clearance allows the van to handle typical road conditions, including light off-road terrain and urban obstacles like speed bumps and curbs, without compromising stability. However, it’s not designed for extreme off-road conditions. The ride height strikes a balance between accessibility for loading and adequate protection of the undercarriage during typical driving scenarios, enhancing both safety and comfort.

The Volkswagen Transporter (T6) Panel Van comes with various rim sizes depending on trim and configuration, including 6.5J x 16, 7J x 17, 8J x 17, and 8J x 18 inches rims. Corresponding tire sizes include 215/65 R16, 235/55 R17, 205/65 R16, 215/60 R17, 215/65 R17, and 255/45 R18. These options provide a range of balance between ride comfort, handling, and load capacity, allowing buyers to choose based on usage needs whether for urban deliveries, highway driving, or heavier load requirements.

The Volkswagen Transporter T6, introduced in 2015 as an evolution of the T5, features several refinements in size and technology. Dimensionally, the T6 maintains a similar footprint to the T5 but offers slightly improved aerodynamic design and subtle increases in length and height depending on the configuration, enhancing cargo and interior space. The T6 also introduced updated engines, improved suspension, and advanced technological features like better infotainment and driver-assistance systems. In terms of dimensions, the T6’s maximum length of 5304 mm and height up to 2477 mm allow for greater versatility compared to the T5, while delivering a more modern and efficient driving experience.

When compared with similar vans such as the Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes-Benz Vito, and Renault Trafic, the Volkswagen Transporter (T6) Panel Van holds competitive size dimensions. Its length range of 4904 to 5304 mm places it at the middle to upper end of the segment, offering generous cargo space. Width without mirrors is slightly less or comparable, at 1904 mm, with a height that varies to accommodate different roof options. Cargo volume between 5800 to 9300 liters is competitive, especially benefiting from the high-roof configurations. Overall, the T6 combines compact exterior dimensions relative to its cargo capacity, making it a versatile choice among midsize panel vans.