Trunk comparison: Mercedes Benz CLA Shooting Brake vs Volvo XC40
Key Differences
Three differences over 10% stand out in the comparison: The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake offers 5.9 in (≈16%) more trunk length with the first row upright than the Volvo XC40. Additionally, the trunk depth (loading edge → trunk floor) is 8.7 in (≈2100%) greater in the CLA.
In contrast, the Volvo XC40 has a 7.5 in (≈22%) wider trunk opening. All other values — such as volume with folded seats (+3.9 in / 6%), opening height (+0.8 in / 3%), narrowest interior width (+1.6 in / 4%), and loading edge height — are below the 10-percent mark and comparatively unremarkable.
Impact on Usability
The 5.9 in longer loading length of the CLA with the rear seat upright makes it significantly more practical for longer items that need to be transported without folding the seats (e.g., skis, long boxes, slats). If longer items often need to be transported with full seating, the CLA has a clear advantage here.
The significantly greater depth of the CLA (loading edge to floor) means more usable cargo volume vertically and a larger "well" behind the loading edge.
This makes it easier to store bulky or tall items, reduces shifting, and increases capacity at the same height of the tailgate. At the same time, a deeper loading well can make lifting heavy items when loading somewhat less convenient because they must be lowered or lifted deeper.
The wider trunk opening of the Volvo, on the other hand, makes loading and unloading wider or awkward items easier: bulky furniture parts, wide boxes, or crates can be maneuvered through the opening more easily.
However, the interior width at the narrowest point is only slightly smaller than in the Mercedes; in practice, there may be situations where the Volvo’s opening seems more generous, but inside there is not significantly more space for very wide items.
Conclusion: For transport tasks where longer cargo with the rear seat upright or more deep cargo space is important, the Mercedes-CLA Shooting Brake is advantageous. If the main criterion is easy loading of wide, bulky parts, the Volvo XC40 offers a practical advantage due to the larger opening.