Trunk comparison: BMW X1 vs Mercedes Benz CLA Shooting Brake

Key Differences (highlighted: >10%)

Mercedes‑Benz CLA Shooting Brake: +6.3 in (18%) longer trunk with front seats upright — with the front seats upright, the CLA offers significantly more usable length than the X1.

Mercedes‑Benz CLA Shooting Brake: +7.5 in (633%) greater depth (loading edge → trunk floor) — the CLA has a significantly deeper trunk well, increasing usable volume and vertical storage capacity.

BMW X1: +7.9 in (23%) wider trunk opening width — the X1 offers a noticeably wider opening, making it easier to load wide items through the trunk.

Impact on Usability

Long items: The CLA has an advantage when transporting longer items in everyday use because it offers about 6.3 in more loading length with the front seats upright. (With the seats fully folded down, the advantage is smaller at 5.5 in or 9%.)

Volume / Stacking: The significantly greater depth in the CLA creates more storage space in the trunk well and makes stacking or hiding luggage under the loading floor easier. This can be especially beneficial for bulky or tall cargo.

Width / Loading: The BMW X1 is better suited for wide, bulky items that need to pass through the opening — the 7.9 in wider opening is often more decisive here than the interior length.

Handling when lifting: The loading edge of the CLA is slightly higher (+1.6 in, 6%), which can make handling heavy items a bit more difficult; however, the difference is small.

Summary

Those who frequently transport long items or need more vertical storage space in the trunk well benefit from the CLA. Those who need to load wide, bulky items through the rear opening are better served by the X1. Smaller differences (opening height, narrowest interior width) are functionally less relevant.