Trunk comparison: Audi A3 Sportback vs Mercedes Benz CLA Shooting Brake

Key Differences

The Mercedes‑Benz CLA Shooting Brake offers significantly more cargo length: with the seats folded down, the trunk is 11.4 in (+19%) longer and with the front seats upright, also 11.4 in (+38%) longer than in the Audi A3 Sportback.

Additionally, the interior depth of the CLA from the loading edge area to the trunk floor is 2.4 in (+38%) deeper, meaning more usable depth. The loading edge of the CLA is 3.1 in (+12%) higher above the road, while the Audi A3 has a slightly wider trunk opening width: 3.9 in (+11%) wider.

Impact on Usability

The longer lengths of the CLA practically mean more space for long items (e.g., skis, planks, furniture parts) and more overall volume, especially when seats are folded down. Those who frequently transport long cargo or need to accommodate larger luggage benefit from the CLA.

The greater depth in the CLA creates additional storage space below the loading edge; bulky or tall items can be stored further back and deeper in the trunk.

However, the higher loading edge makes lifting heavier loads somewhat more cumbersome — loading and unloading requires more effort or aids (e.g., loading ramp, dolly).

The wider trunk opening of the Audi facilitates loading and unloading wider parts and bulky luggage because more lateral space is available without shape adjustments. This can significantly simplify practical everyday use, even though the total volume behind the Audi is smaller.

Smaller differences such as the slightly greater height of the trunk opening in the Audi (+8%, 2.4 in) or the slightly larger minimum width in the CLA (+6%, 2.4 in) have limited impact in daily use and affect usability less fundamentally than the points mentioned above.