Trunk comparison: Mercedes Benz CLA Shooting Brake vs Mercedes Benz GLE

Key Differences

The biggest differences concern the shape and opening of the cargo area: The trunk opening of the GLE is 3.9 in higher (+14%) and the opening width of the GLE is 9.1 in larger (+26%) than that of the CLA Shooting Brake.

In contrast, the CLA Shooting Brake has a significantly deeper loading well: The depth (loading edge → trunk floor) is 8.7 in greater (+2100%) than in the GLE.

Impact on Usability

The greater opening height and wider opening of the GLE make loading and unloading bulky or tall items (e.g., furniture parts, tall boxes, strollers) easier. Due to the higher aperture, bulky loads can be inserted more flatly and need to be tilted or angled less often.

The significantly deeper loading well of the CLA Shooting Brake offers more usable volume below the loading edge for flatter or lower items and creates a "lowered" loading surface that sinks items further into the vehicle.

This is advantageous for securely stowing luggage or delicate cargo but can make sliding heavy items over the loading edge more difficult because they must first overcome a higher step down or a greater lift.

Smaller differences: With the seats folded down, the GLE has a slightly longer trunk (+6.3 in, 9%) — notable but just under the 10% mark — and a slightly higher loading edge (+0.8 in, 3%), which can slightly increase lifting effort. At the narrowest point, both models are equally wide.

Brief Assessment

For frequent transport of tall or wide items, the GLE is overall more practical due to the larger opening and more space in the aperture.

For more concealed volume and accommodating flat, stacked cargo, the CLA Shooting Brake may be better suited due to the deeper loading well. The choice therefore depends on typical cargo: bulky/tall → GLE; flat/voluminous and securely stored → CLA Shooting Brake.