Trunk comparison: Audi A3 Sportback vs Mercedes Benz GLE
Key Differences (≥10% highlighted)
- Trunk length with seats folded down: The Mercedes‑Benz GLE is +17.7 in (≈30%) longer.
- Trunk length with front seats upright: The GLE is +11 in (≈36%) longer.
- Trunk depth (loading edge → trunk floor): The Audi A3 has a +6.3 in (≈1500%) greater depth.
- Loading edge height above road: The loading edge of the GLE is +3.9 in (≈15%) higher than the A3.
- Width of the trunk opening: The GLE's opening is +5.1 in (≈13%) wider.
Implications for Usability
- Space for long items: Due to the significantly larger trunk length (both with folded and upright seats), the GLE is better suited for long loads such as furniture parts, long boxes, or skis. The wider opening of the GLE additionally facilitates loading wide items.
- Loading and handling heavy loads: The GLE’s loading edge sits higher above the ground, meaning more lift when loading heavy luggage. The A3 has an advantage here with its lower loading edge — less effort required when lifting.
- Usable interior volume and stacking: The greater depth in the A3 (loading edge to floor) results in a deeper cargo profile; items lie lower and can be placed lower in the vehicle.
Combined with the lower loading edge, the A3 often offers more ergonomic access to heavy or bulky items, as long as their length/width does not exceed the shorter A3 length.
- Overall assessment by use case: Those who frequently transport long or wide items or need a lot of cargo space with folded seats benefit from the GLE.
Those who mostly handle heavy, compact, or frequently loaded items and prefer easier lifting have an advantage with the A3 — provided the length/width of the load fits in the smaller trunk.
Conclusion
The GLE clearly offers advantages in length, opening width, and total cargo capacity. The A3 scores with a deeper cargo floor and lower loading edge, making loading and unloading heavy or compact loads more ergonomic.
The choice depends on the typical load profile: long/wide loads → GLE; frequent lifting of heavy, compact loads and better accessibility → A3.