Stepping up to a Citroën Dispatch on the street, or seeing one steadfastly plying its trade on country roads, it’s easy to assume all vans in this class are much the same. A closer inspection quickly overturns that idea. Citroën has poured careful engineering into the Dispatch, and its physical dimensions reflect a design clearly shaped around the countless real-world needs of professionals, tradesfolk, and couriers.
The Dispatch’s size, both exterior and interior, shapes its reputation for practicality. It’s a natural choice for those seeking the usefulness and comfort of a medium panel van, without feeling like they're wrestling a small lorry.
The Fundamentals of Exterior Size
Variety is the order of the day when configuring a Dispatch. Citroën offers this stalwart in three distinct sizes: XS, M, and XL. Each offers a different proposition, ensuring there’s a right fit for diverse businesses.
Here’s a clear breakdown:
Version
XS
M
XL
Exterior Length
4,609 mm
4,959 mm
5,309 mm
Exterior Height
1,905 mm
1,895 mm
1,935 mm
Width (mirrors)
2,204 mm
2,204 mm
2,204 mm
Width (no mirrors)
1,920 mm
1,920 mm
1,920 mm
Wheelbase
2,925 mm
3,275 mm
3,275 mm
The XS model, sometimes known as the 'Compact', brings a nimbleness prized by urban operators. At just over 4.6 metres long, it’s never overwhelming in a tight city-centre car park or narrow delivery point. The M and XL models each add increments of wheelbase and rear overhang, creating a more traditionally proportioned mid-size van (M), or a capacious carrier (XL) that rivals the largest vans in this sector.
Between these, the width remains the same, so regardless of the version, the Dispatch can handle British lanes, busy city streets, and industrial estates with composure. Mirror-to-mirror, the 2,204 mm span means careful thought has gone into squeezing through tight gaps.
Roof Heights: A Comforting Consistency
While length and wheelbase change dramatically between XS, M, and XL, the van largely keeps its roofline similar. For XS and XL, the height is 1,905 mm and 1,935 mm respectively, with the M model a smidge lower at 1,895 mm. These numbers mean that all versions happily cruise under car park height restrictions, a rare advantage in the mid-sized van world. Taller vehicles often find themselves halted by multi-storey barriers, but the Dispatch’s pragmatic roof height lends serious versatility.
For drivers, the ability to confidently slot into shopping centres, underground car parks or the cramped delivery zones of city centre offices streamlines working days. It's clear Citroën designed the Dispatch to cope with modern professional life, not just open-road haulage.
Decoding Dispatch Load Bay Dimensions
Internal space, for a workhorse, is where the real conversation starts. Citroën's approach lets you pick a van according to your cargo, not the other way around.
Let’s look more closely:
Version
XS
M
XL
Maximum Load Length
2,160 mm
2,510 mm
2,860 mm
Maximum Load Height
1,397 mm
1,397 mm
1,397 mm
Maximum Load Width
1,628 mm
1,628 mm
1,628 mm
Width between wheel arches
1,258 mm
1,258 mm
1,258 mm
Maximum Load Volume
4.6 m³
5.3 m³
6.1 m³
Key points:
Length: This is where the biggest difference emerges. The XS (Compact) model’s loading length of 2,160 mm suffices for most city runs or single tradespersons, while the mighty XL at 2,860 mm can tackle furniture, long piping, or bulky parcels with ease.
Height: Every Dispatch gets the same load bay height, so standing fully upright inside isn't realistic, but maximising usable cargo height is great for stacking boxes or fitting shelves.
Width: Even a Europallet sits comfortably. At 1,628 mm between inside walls and 1,258 mm between the wheel arches, neither wheel-well nor side paneling gets in the way of standardised loads.
Volume: Those craving absolute capacity gravitate to the XL’s 6.1 cubic metres, but the XS’s 4.6 m³ remains sufficient for many, and nimble when parking or threading through traffic.
Practicalities for Everyday Users
Numbers tell only part of the story. A Dispatch’s flexibility is just as much about how those numbers are used:
Sliding doors: Every model can be equipped with one or two sliding side doors, making kerbside loading simple whether in RHD or LHD countries.
Rear doors: Wide-opening barn doors are standard, with the option of a tailgate on some versions. The low loading sill (a consistent trait across all lengths) cuts the strain when hoisting heavy goods.
Tie-downs and lighting: Secure load points and decent interior lighting help keep cargo in place and accessible, functionally complementing the van’s volume figures.
Comfort doesn’t take a back seat either. Citroën has transferred much of its car-building know-how into the Dispatch’s cab area. Even over lengthy days, the supportive seating and sound suppression pay dividends, especially compared to older, more basic vans.
If you're comparing options or need details on a larger van, you may also want to explore the latest updates on theVauxhall Movano dimensions. This comprehensive guide provides full size specifications and insights for the 2025 model, helping you make an informed decision for your business needs.
Working Out the Right Size
For a plumber or small retailer, the XS’s compact footprint and respectable load bay are often more than enough. It darts around traffic, parks easily, and still has impressive capacity. Delivery firms handling a broader array of cargo, or trades working with particularly long or awkward materials, might turn to the M or XL options. The extra length and capacity can quickly pay for itself in efficiency.
Here’s how common users might match up:
Urban delivery/courier: XS or M — compact, agile and easy to park.
Tradesperson with diverse equipment: M — balance between space and manageable length.
Large deliveries, removals, construction: XL — maximum volume and loading length.
Given these metrics, Dispatch drivers can easily fit roof racks, internal shelving, or custom racking systems, knowing exactly what space is available to them.
More Than Just Size: Living with a Dispatch
Size isn’t just about capacity. It influences running costs, how the van performs, and your public face to customers. The Dispatch sits exactly where growing businesses need it: it’s large enough to take on most jobs, compact enough to be energy efficient and nimbly handled.
Maneuverability is an immediate benefit. The relatively compact width and modest length (in XS and M) allow for sharp turning circles, simple parking and fluid progress in tight areas—welcome features in overloaded city centres.
The sub-2 metre height allows the Dispatch to sneak into most multi-story car parks or low-roofed warehouse entrances. Companies serving city-based contracts, or operating in older town centres, can take on work others might have to refuse due to height limitations.
A consistent load height also means modular racking or shelving options can be swapped between vans in a fleet, without uncertainty about fitment.
Turning Dimensions into Everyday Advantage
Assessing a van based on sheer numbers invites comparisons, but the Dispatch's design extracts the most from its dimensions. Operators report that the square shape of the load bay aids in practical loading, while the doors open wide enough to take advantage of the full space.
A well-thought-out interior, combined with the familiar French approach to comfort and ergonomics, often leaves drivers feeling they’ve moved up in the van world, particularly compared to older panel vans or smaller rivals.
With a relatively short overhang at the front and good visibility thanks to a commanding driving position, those behind the wheel feel in control despite the van’s potential bulk. This confidence pays off on busy urban days, country ruts, and long-haul motorway missions alike.
Size, Customisation and the Future
Citroën has kept the Dispatch relevant by offering factory-fit options that work with these core dimensions. Whether it’s window variants for shuttlebuses, crew cab fitments, or full electric ‘ë-Dispatch’ versions, businesses aren’t locked into a one-size-fits-all solution.
Repair shops appreciate the clear, logical design of the van’s external panels, which keeps maintenance costs reasonable, while the ability to retrofit elements inside (shelving, tie points, bulkheads) speaks to a vehicle built with flexibility high on the agenda.
In summary, Citroën hasn’t simply made a van in three lengths. They've taken the time to consider how those centimeters and cubic metres convert into a workplace that fits neatly around its operator. Every business has subtly different size requirements. Being able to choose a Dispatch that meets those needs builds loyalty and confidence, hallmarks of any lasting tool of the trade.
J
About Jamie Harris
Jamie Harris is a commercial vehicle analyst and van specialist, known for his clear and practical advice to fleet buyers and small businesses across the UK. Over the past 12 years, Jamie has reviewed hundreds of vans—including every version of the Vauxhall Movano—focusing on real-world usability, dimensions, and payloads.
