Trunk comparison: Mercedes Benz GLE vs Volvo XC40

Key Differences

The Mercedes-Benz GLE offers significantly more cargo space in length: With the rear seats folded down, the cargo area is 10.2 in (15%) longer, and with the first row of seats upright, it is 5.5 in (15%) longer than in the Volvo XC40. The height of the trunk opening is also 3.1 in (11%) higher in the GLE.

Other measurements differ only slightly or are the same: The loading edge height is 0.8 in (3%) higher in the GLE, the narrowest width of the trunk as well as the width of the trunk opening are each 1.6 in (4%) larger. The depth of the trunk (loading edge to floor) is the same.

Impact on Usability

The significantly greater length of the cargo area makes the GLE noticeably more practical for long items (e.g., furniture parts, long sports equipment like skis or surfboards) and for transport tasks where the rear seats are often folded down.

Even with the seat row upright, the GLE offers more usable length for bulky cargo and larger luggage.

The higher trunk opening of the GLE makes it easier to store tall or bulky items and reduces the risk of bulky parts getting caught on the opening. This is especially advantageous when loading boxes, plants, or equipment that are height-restricted.

Since the depth of the trunk is the same, handling of flat or low-lying items does not change. The slightly higher loading edge of the GLE (+0.8 in) only marginally increases the effort required to lift items.

The slightly greater width (+1.6 in) can be helpful in individual cases but is usually not a decisive advantage over the XC40 in practice.

Conclusion: Those who frequently transport long or tall cargo clearly benefit from the GLE. For normal everyday use with mostly compact luggage, the differences are rather minor.