Trunk comparison: Audi Q7 vs Mercedes Benz GLE

Key Differences

The Audi Q7 has a +5.5 in (13%) longer trunk with the first row of seats upright compared to the Mercedes‑GLE. With the seats fully folded down, the Q7 is also longer, but only by +3.5 in (5%).

The trunk opening of the GLE is higher: +2.4 in (8%) compared to the Q7. Depth (loading edge to trunk floor) is the same in both models. The loading edge of the Q7 is +0.4 in higher above the ground.

The narrowest width inside the trunk is +1.2 in (3%) larger in the Q7; the width of the trunk opening is +4.3 in (10%) larger in the Q7.

Impact on Usability

The most significant consequence of the larger cargo space in the Q7 with the first row of seats upright (+5.5 in / 13%) is that longer items can be loaded without folding down seats (e.g., slats, skis, long boxes).

This makes the Q7 more practical for users who frequently transport longer cargo but want to keep the seating.

The higher opening clearance of the GLE (+2.4 in) makes it easier to load tall or bulky items vertically (e.g., tall boxes, plants, equipment), as there is more headroom and entry height. Despite the shorter interior length, the GLE can be advantageous in situations where height is more important than depth.

Equal trunk depths mean that front-to-back usable volume does not differ; differences are mainly in length with seats upright and in opening height/width. The +0.4 in higher loading edge of the Q7 slightly increases lifting effort but is usually negligible in practice.

The slightly larger minimum interior width (+1.2 in) and the wider opening of the Q7 (+4.3 in / 10%) improve loading of wide items but have less impact than the longer interior length.

Conclusion: For regularly transporting long cargo with occupied seats, the Audi Q7 is better suited. For easier loading of tall items or simpler top access, the Mercedes‑GLE is more advantageous.