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

Key Differences

Three differences stand out clearly from the numbers: The depth of the trunk (loading edge → trunk floor) is 4.3 in (100%) greater in the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake, the loading edge of the CLA Shooting Brake is 5.5 in (23%) higher above the road, and the width of the trunk opening is 5.1 in (15%) larger in the VW Golf Wagon.

Smaller deviations (e.g., loading length with seats folded +3.5 in/5% in favor of the Golf, interior width at the narrowest point +1.6 in/4% in favor of the Mercedes, opening height Golf +2.8 in/10%) exist but are less pronounced.

Impact on Usability

Mercedes-CLA Shooting Brake

• The significantly greater depth combined with the higher loading edge means: more lifting height and reach when loading and unloading. Heavy or bulky items must be lifted higher and then lowered deeper into the vehicle — this makes loading more strenuous for one person.
• A deeper trunk floor can offer more cargo volume below the loading edge despite the high loading edge, but it is unfavorable for rollable items (strollers, rolling suitcases) because they must be lifted over the edge.
• The slightly greater interior width at the narrowest point helps when placing narrower cargo but does not compensate for the limited accessibility due to the higher, narrower opening.

VW Golf Wagon

• The greater width of the trunk opening (+5.1 in/15%) and the overall lower loading edge make the Golf significantly more practical for wider and bulky items: mattresses, furniture boards, larger boxes, or TVs are easier to maneuver.
• The lower loading edge makes lifting heavy loads and loading rolling items easier; together with the slightly longer loading floor (with seats folded +3.5 in), this results in better everyday usability when transporting large items.
• The higher opening height of the Golf (+2.8 in/10%, not over 10%) additionally supports loading tall items but is numerically less pronounced than the other differences.

Conclusion: For frequent loading and unloading of heavy or wide items, the VW Golf Wagon is usually more advantageous in practice due to the larger opening and lower loading edge.

The Mercedes-CLA Shooting Brake offers more "basement" volume through the deeper interior and narrower opening but requires greater effort and is less comfortable for rollable cargo or wide goods.