{"id":577210,"date":"2026-06-03T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdhurk.nl\/?p=577210"},"modified":"2026-04-14T13:50:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T11:50:22","slug":"hoe-verschilt-de-laadruimte-van-een-l1-en-l2-dubbele-cabine-bedrijfsbus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vdhurk.nl\/en\/hoe-verschilt-de-laadruimte-van-een-l1-en-l2-dubbele-cabine-bedrijfsbus\/","title":{"rendered":"How does the cargo space of an L1 and L2 double cab commercial van differ?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When choosing a double-cab commercial van, you quickly come across two terms: L1 and L2. Those letters seem technical, but they have a direct impact on how much you can load and whether the bus suits your operations. Whether you're looking for a practical bus as a sole trader or you're looking to build a fleet as a fleet manager, the difference in cargo space between an L1 and L2 double cab is one of the most decisive factors in your choice.<\/p>\n

In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about L1 and L2 double cab commercial buses. From the exact dimensions to which model best suits your situation. That way, you will make an informed choice without any surprises afterwards.<\/p>\n

What do L1 and L2 mean in a double cab commercial van?<\/h2>\n

L1 and L2 are length designations that manufacturers use to indicate the body length of a commercial bus. L1 is the shortest version of a model; L2 is the longer version. In the case of a double-cab commercial van<\/a> specifically, this means that the cargo space behind the cabin is larger in an L2 than in an L1, while passenger space remains the same in both variants.<\/p>\n

A double cab has five seats as standard, including the driver. This is the case with both L1 and L2. The difference is solely in the overall length of the vehicle and thus the available cargo space. Manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Ford, Mercedes-Benz and Renault use this L layout consistently within their product range, although the exact dimensions may vary slightly from brand to brand and model to model.<\/p>\n

What does the L designation mean in practice?<\/h3>\n

In practice, the L-designation translates to a difference of typically 30 to 50 centimetres in overall vehicle length. That may not sound like much, but in the cargo space you notice that difference immediately. Think of the difference between being able to carry an extra pallet or not, or being able to transport longer materials such as pipes or planks.<\/p>\n

For companies working with fixed materials or tooling, the L class is also relevant for the layout of the cargo space. An L2 offers more flexibility in placing shelving and drawers.<\/p>\n

What are the exact cargo space dimensions of an L1 double cab?<\/h2>\n

An L1 double cab typically has a cargo area of around 1.60 to 1.80 metres long, depending on make and model. The width between the wheel arches averages around 1.20 metres; the maximum width is about 1.65 to 1.75 metres. The cargo space height ranges from about 1.25 to 1.40 metres.<\/p>\n

These are guide numbers that may vary from model to model. Take the Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 double cab in L1 as an example: it offers a cargo bay length of around 1.60 metres with a volume of around 2.5 to 3 cubic metres. The Ford Transit Custom double cab in L1 is in a similar class, with a load volume of around 2.4 cubic metres.<\/p>\n

Is an L1 charging space sufficient for daily use?<\/h3>\n

For many trades, an L1 cargo space is perfectly adequate. Electricians, plumbers and painters who work with compact tools and smaller materials will find a good balance between seating space and load capacity in an L1 double cab. The bus is also more compact and easier to manoeuvre in cities and on narrow construction sites.<\/p>\n

If you want to use the cargo space efficiently, a good layout with drawers and shelves is recommended. This will allow you to make the most of the available space of an L1.<\/p>\n

What are the exact cargo space dimensions of an L2 double cab?<\/h2>\n

An L2 double cab offers a cargo bay length of typically 2.10 to 2.40 metres, depending on make and model. The width and height are similar to those of the L1, but the larger volume makes a significant difference. Total cargo volume averages between 3.5 and 4.5 cubic metres.<\/p>\n

The Mercedes-Benz Vito double cab in L2, for example, offers a cargo bay length of around 2.10 metres with a volume of around 3.8 cubic metres. The Renault Trafic double cab in L2 is in a similar range. In larger models such as the Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in double cab L2 configuration, the cargo volume can reach above 4 cubic metres.<\/p>\n

What can you put extra in an L2 compared to an L1?<\/h3>\n

The extra cargo space volume of an L2 makes it possible to transport longer materials that would not fit in an L1. Think pipes up to 2 metres, long shelves, ladders or larger equipment. For companies working with extensive tooling, the L2 also offers more possibilities to store everything in an orderly manner.<\/p>\n

Moreover, you can usually fit a euro pallet in an L2, which is a big advantage for logistics applications. For healthcare transporters or refrigerated truck applications, the extra space also offers more flexibility in the layout.<\/p>\n

How much bigger is the cargo space of an L2 compared to an L1?<\/h2>\n

The cargo area of an L2 double cab is on average 30 to 60 centimetres longer than that of an L1. In volume terms, this typically means 1 to 1.5 cubic metres of extra cargo space. That is an increase of roughly 30 to 50 per cent over the L1 variant.<\/p>\n

That difference may sound abstract, but in practice it is the difference between carrying an extra set of toolboxes or not, or being able to transport materials that would otherwise require a second trip. For companies where time is money, this can directly affect the efficiency of a working day.<\/p>\n

What are the disadvantages of a larger L2?<\/h3>\n

An L2 is longer and therefore less manoeuvrable than an L1. In busy urban environments, on tight construction sites or when looking for a parking space, you will notice this difference. The purchase price and possible lease term of an L2 are also usually slightly higher than that of a comparable L1.<\/p>\n

Moreover, the extra weight of an L2 can affect handling and fuel consumption, although this difference is limited in practice. In the case of an electric company car<\/a> the extra weight also plays a role in energy consumption and range.<\/p>\n

When do you choose an L1 and when an L2 double cab?<\/h2>\n

Choose an L1 double cab if you regularly drive in urban environments, work with compact materials and value the manoeuvrability of the bus. Choose an L2 if you transport larger or longer materials, need more cargo volume or want to set up the bus as a mobile workshop.<\/p>\n

To make the choice more concrete, here is an overview of situations where each variant fits best:<\/p>\n