Trunk comparison: BMW iX1 vs Mercedes Benz CLA Shooting Brake

Main Differences

The Mercedes‑Benz CLA Shooting Brake offers overall more usable trunk length and depth, while the BMW iX1 has a significantly wider trunk opening.

Specifically, the CLA is +6.3 in (18%) longer than the iX1 with the front seats upright. The depth from the loading edge to the trunk floor is +7.9 in (1000%) greater in the CLA.

However, the opening width of the tailgate in the iX1 is +8.7 in (25%) wider than in the CLA.

Smaller differences: with the seats folded down, the CLA also has +6.3 in (10%) more length; the loading edge in the CLA is +1.2 in (4%) higher, the trunk opening in the iX1 is +0.4 in (1%) higher, and the narrowest width of the trunk is +2 in (5%) greater in the CLA.

Impact on Usability

The longer cargo floor of the CLA with the rear bench upright (+18%) makes it more practical for longer items with normal seating (e.g., skis, long furniture parts, larger boxes) without folding seats.

The significantly greater depth of the CLA (+1000%) creates more volume below the loading edge — good for tall or bulky items that need to lie deep in the cargo space. However, a lower cargo floor can make lifting heavy loads more difficult and requires more bending when handling heavy luggage.

The wider opening of the iX1 (+25%) makes sliding in wide items much easier: bulky boxes, strollers, or wide furniture parts can usually be maneuvered more easily through the tailgate, even if the total volume is smaller.

The slightly higher loading edge of the CLA (+1.2 in) means a bit more effort when lifting over the threshold, while the wider opening of the iX1 compensates for maneuvering in tight spaces.

In short: For regular transport of longer or very deep/bulky cargo, the CLA is more practical. For frequent loading and unloading of wide items and easier handling of bulky packages, the iX1 is more advantageous in everyday use.