Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is one of the most popular commercial vehicles in Russia, which is used for both cargo transportation and passenger transportation. But the question “how many seats are there in a sprinter” does not have a clear answer: it all depends on body modifications, generations and even intended purpose cars. In this article we will analyze all the options - from standard factory layouts to non-standard alterations, and also tell you how not to run into problems with the traffic police when changing the number of seats.
If you are planning to buy a Sprinter for business (for example, for taxis, minibuses or corporate transportation), it is important to understand in advance how many passengers a particular model can carry. And if we are talking about a cargo version, is it worth converting it into a passenger version - and what legal and technical nuances will arise. We have collected current data for all generations Sprinter (including the latest 2023-2026 models) and added practical advice from owners.
1. Standard factory layouts: how many seats are in the sprinter “from the assembly line”
Mercedes-Benz offers several basic versions Sprinter, which differ in body length, roof height and, accordingly, the number of seats. All of them are divided into two large groups:
- 🚐 Passenger minibuses (series Sprinter Traveliner or Sprinter Transfer) - are intended for the transport of people, have factory certification and are registered as
category D(if more than 8 places) orB(up to 8 seats). - 📦 Cargo vans — initially do not have passenger seats (except for the driver and one passenger), but can be converted.
Let's look at the most common factory options:
| Model/Generation | Body length | Roof height | Number of seats (passenger version) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinter W906 (2018–present) | Short (L1) | Standard (H1) | until 9 | Including the driver. Popular for taxis and small businesses. |
| Sprinter W906 | Long (L2/L3) | High (H2/H3) | until 19 | Maximum layout for intercity transportation. |
| Sprinter W901–W905 (1995–2018) | Medium (L2) | Standard (H1) | up to 12 | Often found on the secondary market as a minibus. |
| Sprinter Crewbus (special version) | Any | Any | up to 5–7 | A hybrid of cargo and passenger options (for example, for a team of installers). |
Important: in the cargo versions of the sprinter, only 2 seats are initially provided (driver + passenger), but they can be legally increased to 8–9 without changing the vehicle category (remains B).
2. How to determine the number of places in the sprinter according to PTS and STS
If you are buying used Sprinter, do not rely on the words of the seller - always check the documents. The number of passenger seats is recorded in two key documents:
- 📄 PTS (Vehicle Passport) — in paragraph “
Number of seats» factory configuration is indicated. If the car has been re-equipped, there must also be a note indicating the changes have been made. - 🚗 STS (Certificate of Registration) - in the column "
Number of passenger seats» the updated materials are indicated (taking into account re-registration).
⚠️ Attention: If the vehicle title indicates 3 seats, and additional seats are installed in the cabin without making changes to the documents, this is a violation clause 7.18 of the traffic rules (“It is prohibited to operate a vehicle if the number, location and equipment of places do not correspond to the entries in the registration documents”). Fine - 500 rubles, but in case of an accident there may be problems with the insurance company.
How to check:
- Check the data in the PTS and STS - they must match.
- If the car has been converted, ask the seller certificate of conformity of design (issued after verification by the traffic police).
- Inspect the interior: The factory seats have certified anchors and seat belts. Homemade “benches” are a sign of illegal alterations.
If you are buying a Sprinter for passenger transport, ask the seller for a copy conversion cards (if the car has been modified). Without it, you will not be able to legally operate a car with a modified number of seats.
3. Is it possible to increase the number of seats in the sprinter: legal and technical nuances
Yes, number of places in Sprinter can be changed, but it requires strict rules. Let's look at two scenarios:
3.1. Increased seats in the cargo sprinter (up to 8–9)
If you have a cargo version with 2–3 seats, it can be converted into a passenger version without changing the vehicle category (it will remain B). To do this:
- 🔧 Install certified seats with seat belts (for example, from Recaro or Grammer).
- 📋 Get a conclusion preliminary technical examination (in an accredited laboratory).
- 🚔 Pass the traffic police check and make changes to the PTS.
3.2. Increase in seats over 8 (transition to category D)
If you want to make a minibus with 12–19 seats from a sprinter, you will need:
- 📝 Re-registration of a vehicle into a category
D(you need rights of the corresponding category). - 🔍 Walkthrough technical inspection as for passenger transport (stricter requirements for brakes and steering).
- 💰 Installation of a tachograph (required for commercial transportation).
⚠️ Attention: Independent installation of additional seats without certification is equivalent to illegal modification of the vehicle design (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code). In the event of an accident, the insurance company may refuse to pay, and the blame will be placed on the owner.
Certified seats with belts|Technical examination conclusion|Changes to PTS and STS|Passing technical inspection (if category D)|Installation of a tachograph (for commercial transportation)-->
4. How many seats in the sprinter-camper: conversion features
Many owners remodel Sprinter in mobile home (camper). In this case, the number of “official” passenger seats is often reduced to 2–4, and the rest of the space is allocated to sleeping areas, kitchen and bathroom. However, there are nuances here:
- 🛋️ Sleeping places ≠ passenger: The vehicle title indicates only seats with seat belts. A sofa or bed does not count.
- ⚖️ Legal status: If you have removed the rear seats, this must be reflected in the documents (otherwise you may be fined for “non-conforming design” during inspection).
- 💺 Layout options:
- 2 seats (driver + passenger) + sleeping area;
- 4 seats (2 rows of seats) + transformable furniture;
- up to 6 seats (if you keep some of the factory seats).
Example of a popular camper layout based on Sprinter L2H2:
┌───────────┬───────────┬───────────┐
│ Driver │ Passenger │ Kitchen unit │
├───────────┴───────────┼───────────┤
│ Sofa (sleeper) │
├───────────────────────┼───────────┤
│ Wardrobes / Bathroom │
└───────────────────────┴───────────┘
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to travel abroad, please note that in some countries (eg the EU) campervans with remote seats may not pass inspection. It is better to leave at least 2-3 passenger seats with belts.
What documents are needed for a legal camper?
To officially register a camper you will need:
1. Conclusion of technical expertise (that the changes do not impair safety).
2. Certificate of conformity of design (issued by the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate).
3. Changes in the PTS (indication of a new type of vehicle - “motorhome” or “special purpose”).
Without these documents, you may be fined for “unregistered changes” (a fine of up to 800 rubles under Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).
5. How many seats in a sprinter minibus: requirements for commercial transportation
If you buy Sprinter for working in taxis or route transportation, the number of seats directly affects:
- 📋 Category of rights (up to 8 seats -
B, from above -D); - 💰 Cost of OSAGO (passenger fares are higher than for trucks);
- ⏱️ Tachograph requirements (required for transportation of more than 8 passengers).
Common layouts for minibuses:
| Number of seats | Type of transportation | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 8–9 | Taxi, corporate transport | Category B, belts in all places, first aid kit, fire extinguisher. |
| 12–16 | Intercity routes | Category D, tachograph, annual technical inspection. |
| 19 | Tourist transportation | Category D, route permission, increased safety requirements. |
🔹 Important for taxi drivers: In Moscow and St. Petersburg, to work on order (Yandex Taxi, Citymobil), the sprinter must have no more than 8 passenger seats (including the driver). There are separate licensing requirements for minibuses.
To legally operate as a taxi, the Sprinter must be registered as a "passenger car" (category B) with no more than 8 passenger seats. Otherwise, a passenger transport license will be required.
6. How many seats in a sprinter with a high roof (H2/H3): pros and cons
Models Sprinter with a high roof (H2 or H3) allow you to increase the number of seats due to additional vertical space. However, this affects:
- ⚖️ Center of gravity: a high body impairs cornering stability (important for passenger versions).
- 💨 Aerodynamics: fuel consumption increases by 0.5–1 l/100 km.
- 🚪 Availability: in models H3 (height ~2.8 m) a lifting door for passengers may be required.
Comparison of body height layouts:
| Roof height | Max. number of seats | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| H1 (standard, 2.3 m) | up to 12 | Lower center of gravity, better handling. | Less space for luggage. |
| H2 (2.6 m) | up to 16 | More space for passengers and luggage. | Increased fuel consumption, worse visibility through the rear window. |
| H3 (2.8 m) | until 19 | Maximum capacity, you can stand upright. | Height restrictions in some parking lots and tunnels. |
🔹 Advice: If you plan to use the sprinter for intercity travel, choose H2 - This is the optimal balance between capacity and controllability. Suitable for city minibuses H1.
7. How many seats in the electric sprinter (eSprinter): features
Mercedes-Benz will offer an electric version from 2023 eSprinter, which has its own layout limitations:
- 🔋 Batteries take up space: in the long version (L3) the maximum number of passenger seats has been reduced to 14 (versus 19 in the diesel counterpart).
- ⚡ Weight: Batteries add ~500–700 kg, so payload is reduced.
- 📏 Body length: short version (L1) is only offered with 6 passenger seats (due to the location of the batteries).
Layout table for eSprinter (2026):
| Body length | Max. seats (passenger version) | Cruising range (WLTP), km |
|---|---|---|
| L1 (short) | 6 | up to 400 |
| L2 (average) | 9 | up to 350 |
| L3 (long) | 14 | up to 300 |
⚠️ Attention: During conversion eSprinter Please note that changing the layout may affect alignment and power reserve. For example, installing additional seats in a long version will reduce mileage on a single charge by 10–15%.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the number of seats in the sprinter
🔹 Is it possible to drive a sprinter with 12 seats with a category B license?
No. If the PTS indicates more than 8 passenger seats (not counting the driver), the vehicle belongs to the category D, and to manage it you need the appropriate rights. An exception is if the seats are indicated as “cargo-passenger” (for example, in Crewbus), but this is a rare case.
🔹 How much does it cost to re-register a sprinter when increasing seats?
The cost depends on the region and includes:
- Technical expertise - from 10,000 to 25,000 rubles;
- Making changes to the PTS - 800 rubles (state fee);
- Passing a technical inspection (if the category changes) - from 500 to 1,500 rubles.
Total: 12,000–30,000 rubles.
🔹 What is the maximum number of seats in the 2026 sprinter?
In the newest generation Sprinter W906 (2026 model) maximum factory configuration - 19 places (in version L3H3). For electric eSprinter — 14 places.
🔹 Is it necessary to install a tachograph in a 9-seat sprinter?
No, if the vehicle is registered as a category B (up to 8 passenger seats). Tachograph is required only for categories D (over 8 seats) and for commercial transportation (for hire).
🔹 Is it possible to leave 1 passenger seat in a sprinter camper?
Technically, yes, but this is impractical: the PTS must indicate at least 2 seats (driver + passenger), otherwise problems with the insurance company may arise in the event of an accident. The best option for a camper is 2–4 seats.