Trunk comparison: Mercedes Benz CLA Shooting Brake vs VW Golf Wagon (Mk5)

Key Differences (highlighted: >10%)

In a direct comparison, three significant differences stand out: The depth of the trunk (measured from the loading edge to the trunk floor) is +6.7 in (340%) larger in the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake than in the VW Golf 5. The loading edge of the CLA Shooting Brake is +4.3 in (17%) higher above the ground than that of the Golf.

The width of the trunk opening is +5.5 in (16%) larger in the VW Golf 5 than in the Mercedes wagon.

Impact on Usability

The significantly greater trunk depth of the CLA Shooting Brake means that longer or taller items can be better accommodated inside, especially when the rear seats are folded down.

The additional depth capacity helps with bulky but not necessarily wide loads (e.g., long boxes, skis, or suitcases), as more space behind the loading edge is available.

The higher loading edge of the CLA Shooting Brake has the opposite effect: Due to the +4.3 in higher loading height, lifting heavy or bulky items in is more strenuous and less practical than with the Golf.

For frequent loading of heavy loads, groceries, or strollers, the Golf is noticeably more comfortable thanks to the lower loading edge.

The greater opening width of the Golf (+5.5 in) makes loading wider items significantly easier — wide boxes, furniture parts, or transport crates fit more easily through the opening.

Despite the slightly larger interior width at the narrowest point in the Mercedes (a small difference), the narrower opening there can hinder loading wider objects.

In summary: The CLA Shooting Brake offers more usable depth in the cargo area, which is advantageous for long or deep-lying loads, but the higher loading edge and narrower opening bring practical disadvantages when lifting and loading wider items.

The VW Golf 5, on the other hand, is easier and more ergonomic to load — especially with wide or heavy cargo — but loses out to the CLA in deeper interior capacity.