Volkswagen Crafter I (2E) gallery (2006–2016)

The first-generation Volkswagen Crafter heavy commercial vehicle was produced from 2006 to 2016 in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz.

The first-generation Volkswagen Crafter heavy commercial vehicle (body code 2E/2F) was introduced in 2006 to replace the long-running LT series. Developed in partnership with Daimler AG, the Crafter shared its chassis and body structure with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter NCV3. It was offered in a broad array of body styles including panel vans, window passenger buses, chassis cabs, and drop-side pickup variants across three wheelbase lengths.

Initially, the Crafter was powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder TDI turbodiesel engine available in multiple power tunes. A major mechanical update in 2011 replaced the five-cylinder engines with more efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI and BiTDI Common Rail engines producing up to 163 hp. Power was delivered to the rear wheels via six-speed manual or Shiftmatic automated transmissions, with heavy-duty Achleitner 4x4 conversions available.