Trunk comparison: Mercedes Benz GLE vs Opel Astra Wagon

Key Differences and Their Impact on Usability

Two clear deviations stand out from the measurements: The depth of the trunk (loading edge to trunk floor) of the Opel Astra Sports Tourer is 5.5 in or 1300% larger than that of the Mercedes‑GLE, and the loading edge of the Mercedes‑GLE is 6.3 in or 26% higher above the road than that of the Opel.

These two values together largely determine how easy or strenuous loading and unloading is in everyday practice.

Practical consequences: In the Opel, the trunk floor sits significantly lower below the loading edge, combined with a lower loading edge height relative to the road.

This makes loading heavy or bulky items overall easier because less lifting work against the height of the loading edge is required and heavy loads lie lower in the cargo area.

In the Mercedes, on the other hand, the 6.3 in higher loading edge requires more strength to lift loads; at the same time, the trunk floor is closer to the loading edge, so heavy items do not slide as deep into the vehicle — this facilitates handling bulky but not very tall loads.

For frequent loading of heavy items, shopping with heavy bags, strollers, or bulky sports equipment, the Astra is therefore more practical. For handling flat, wide, or relatively light long items, the smaller "drop" in the GLE can offer advantages when stowing.

By the way: Smaller differences (e.g., cargo lengths and widths of about 3–9% each) are below the 10-percent mark and are less significant in everyday use.

The GLE has slightly larger widths at the narrowest point and at the opening, and the GLE offers a bit more length with the seats folded down — however, these advantages are moderate and influence usability much less than the two highlighted differences in depth and loading edge height.