Trunk comparison: Mercedes Benz CLA Shooting Brake vs VW Passat Wagon
Key Differences (Highlight: >10%)
- With the rear seats fully folded down, the VW Passat Wagon is 9.1 in (13%) longer than the Mercedes‑Benz CLA Shooting Brake. - The trunk opening of the VW Passat Wagon is 3.1 in (11%) higher than that of the CLA Shooting Brake. - The depth of the trunk (distance from loading edge → trunk floor) is 5.1 in (144%) greater in the Mercedes‑Benz CLA Shooting Brake than in the Passat Wagon. - The loading edge of the Mercedes‑Benz CLA Shooting Brake sits 4.3 in (17%) higher above the road than that of the Passat Wagon. - The width of the trunk opening is 7.1 in (21%) greater in the VW Passat Wagon than in the CLA Shooting Brake.
Impact on Usability
- Transporting long items: Due to the 9.1 in greater length with folded seats, the Passat Wagon has a clear advantage when transporting very long items (e.g., slats, long furniture parts, skis). Those who regularly transport longer cargo will benefit from the Passat.
- Loading large/voluminous items: The greater width and higher opening height of the Passat (plus 7.1 in width, plus 3.1 in opening height) make loading and unloading wider or taller items significantly easier. Large boxes, furniture parts, or bulky items can be maneuvered more easily in the Passat.
- Depth of the loading floor and loading edge: The CLA has a significantly greater depth between the loading edge and trunk floor (+5.1 in) and a higher loading edge (+4.3 in).
This means: In the CLA, the trunk floor sits deeper below the loading edge (greater vertical cargo space), which can provide additional volume inside, but at the same time heavier items must be lifted higher to get over the loading edge.
The higher loading edge increases physical effort when loading and makes it more difficult to load very heavy or bulky items compared to the Passat.
- Everyday usability / daily scenarios: For frequent shopping, strollers, suitcases, or frequent loading and unloading in the city, the Passat is more practical: lower loading edge and larger opening facilitate quick, ergonomic processes.
The CLA can offer slightly more usable storage volume inside due to the deeper floor at the same exterior length, but is less comfortable when lifting and fitting bulky loads.
In summary: The Passat Wagon is the more practical choice for transporting larger, bulky, or hard-to-maneuver items (more length with folded seats, wider and taller opening, lower loading edge).
The CLA Shooting Brake potentially offers more usable volume under the loading edge due to its deeper loading floor, but this comes at the cost of a higher loading edge and thus more difficult loading.