Trunk comparison: Mercedes Benz CLA Shooting Brake vs Durchschnitt Wagon

Key Differences and Their Impact on Usability

When comparing, four differences over 10% stand out that significantly affect everyday usability: The trunk opening of the average wagon is 3.1 in (≈11%) higher than that of the CLA, the loading opening of the CLA is 6.7 in (≈20%) narrower than the average, the loading edge of the CLA is 4.7 in (≈19%) higher above the ground, and the distance from the loading edge to the trunk floor (the "depth") is 7.1 in (≈450%) greater in the CLA.

Practical consequences: The lower and narrower opening in the CLA makes loading tall or wide items (e.g., furniture, bulky boxes) more difficult. The higher loading edge increases the effort required to lift heavy loads in and reduces ergonomics during frequent loading/unloading.

The significantly greater interior depth of the CLA provides additional capacity in depth and can better accommodate or stack smaller items, but at the same time makes handling heavy items less practical because they must be lowered further and fit less well due to the narrow opening.

The smaller differences — slightly longer trunk with folded seats (+2 in, ≈3%) and with the first row upright (+2.4 in, ≈6%), as well as minimally more width at the narrowest point (+0.4 in, ≈1%) — are only marginally relevant in everyday use and do not compensate for the mentioned limitations.

Conclusion: For users who frequently load wide or tall items or want easy, back-friendly loading, the average wagon is generally better suited in practical situations. Those who value a deeper loading floor for stacked or lower-lying cargo and can manage heavier lifting may benefit from the CLA wagon.