Trunk comparison: Audi A4 Avant vs Ford S-MAX

Significant Differences (over 10%)

The two differences that have the greatest impact on usability are found in the A4 Avant: the depth of the trunk (measured from the loading edge to the trunk floor) is 0.8 in greater in the A4, which is given as a relative figure of 67%, and the loading edge of the A4 sits 2.4 in higher above the road (+11%).

Both values exceed the 10% threshold and are therefore decisive for practical use.

What are the implications for use?

The greater depth between the loading edge and trunk floor in the A4 means that there is more space below the loading edge — this is advantageous when you want to use volume close to the vehicle floor or place bulky items deep down.

At the same time, the loading edge in the A4 is significantly higher above the road (+2.4 in).

In practice, this means loading and unloading heavy or large loads requires more effort because they have to be lifted higher.

Mathematically (2.4 in higher loading edge minus 0.8 in greater depth), the trunk floor of the A4 remains about 1.6 in higher above the road than in the S-MAX, so overall more lifting work is required.

The S-MAX offers longer and overall more accessible loading dimensions (longer trunk with folded seats and with the first row upright, greater opening height, and slightly more width), but these differences are each under 10% and are therefore secondary compared to the practical impact of the higher loading edge and the deeper recess in the A4. In summary: the A4 Avant offers a slightly deeper cargo well but heavier lifting when loading and unloading; the S-MAX is overall lower and thus more ergonomic when handling heavy or bulky cargo.