Trunk comparison: Audi A4 Avant vs Mercedes Benz CLA Shooting Brake

Key Differences (highlighted >10%)

In the Audi A4 Avant, the height of the trunk opening is 5.5 in (20%) higher than in the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake, and the width of the trunk opening is 5.9 in (17%) larger in the Audi.

The Mercedes offers other advantages: the depth of the cargo area (loading edge to trunk floor) is 6.7 in (340%) greater and the loading edge height above the road is 4.7 in (19%) higher than in the Audi.

Impact on Usability

The higher and wider opening in the Audi makes loading and unloading large, bulky, or tall items significantly easier — such as furniture pieces, crates, or boxes that are limited in width or height. A wider, taller pass-through format also reduces maneuvering when lifting bulky loads inside.

The greater depth of the Mercedes trunk means longer items can be pushed further forward without folding down the seats; this increases the usable loading length for long items.

However, the higher loading edge in the Mercedes (4.7 in higher) is a disadvantage when lifting heavy loads: loading requires more effort or additional aids (such as ramps or hand trucks).

The combination of greater depth and higher loading edge makes the CLA more practical for very long, but not necessarily very heavy, items.

The differences not highlighted are minor: with the seats folded down, the Audi has only 2 in (3%) more cargo length, and with the first row upright, the Mercedes is only 0.4 in (1%) longer in front — both practically negligible.

Likewise, the narrowest trunk width in the Mercedes is only 2.4 in (6%) larger, which usually does not play a decisive role in everyday use.

Conclusion: For frequent loading of bulky, wide, or tall items, the Audi A4 Avant has the advantage due to its significantly larger opening.

For transporting especially long items, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake scores with its greater cargo depth but suffers from the higher loading edge when lifting heavy loads.