Trunk comparison: Mercedes Benz CLA Shooting Brake vs Skoda Octavia Wagon

Main Results

The measurements show clear strengths of both wagons: The Mercedes has a significantly greater trunk depth between the loading edge and trunk floor and a higher loading edge above the road. The Škoda scores with a significantly wider trunk opening.

• Mercedes: Trunk depth +4.7 in (≈120%) — significantly deeper trunk floor compared to the loading edge.
• Mercedes: Loading edge +4.3 in (≈17%) higher above the road — the loading edge is noticeably higher.
• Škoda: Width of the trunk opening +6.3 in (≈18%) — significantly wider opening for loading.
• Škoda: Trunk length with folded seats +3.1 in (≈4%) — slightly longer.
• Škoda: Trunk length with upright first row seats +1.2 in (≈3%) — slightly longer.
• Škoda: Height of the trunk opening +2.8 in (≈10%) — somewhat higher, but not classified as >10%.
• Mercedes: Width at the narrowest point +2 in (≈5%) — slightly wider cargo space profile inside.

Impact on Usability

Depth vs. Loading Edge (Mercedes): The significantly greater depth means that in the Mercedes the cargo space below the loading edge extends further down. This allows bulky or taller loads to be placed deeper, thus utilizing more usable volume vertically.

However, due to the simultaneously significantly higher loading edge, lifting heavy items into the trunk is more strenuous — loading large, heavy boxes or equipment requires more strength or aids.

Wider Trunk Opening (Škoda): The significantly larger opening of the Škoda tailgate makes loading wider items (e.g., furniture parts, larger boxes, wide luggage) much easier.

Together with the slightly greater opening height (≈10%), this results in a more accessible rear, especially for bulky or irregularly shaped loads.

Everyday Practicality: For users who frequently transport wide or irregularly shaped items (e.g., furniture, sports equipment), the Škoda is more practical due to the wider opening.

For users who want to store a lot of volume in the form of stackable or tall items and want to optimally utilize the interior space, the Mercedes offers advantages through the greater depth — however, at the cost of higher effort when loading due to the higher loading edge.

Smaller differences (lengths with folded seats, narrowest width) have only minor practical effects in everyday use.