Trunk comparison: Mercedes Benz GLE vs VW Golf Wagon
Key Differences
Two deviations exceeding 10% stand out in the measured dimensions: The depth of the trunk (loading edge to trunk floor) of the VW Golf Wagon is 4.3 in or 1000% larger than that of the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The loading edge of the GLE is 6.3 in or 26% higher above the ground than that of the Golf Wagon.
Other differences include: the GLE has a 2.8 in (4%) longer cargo floor with the seats folded down, the Golf Wagon has 1.6 in (4%) more depth with the first row of seats upright, the height of the GLE's trunk opening is 1.2 in (4%) higher, the narrowest width inside the GLE is 1.6 in (4%) larger, and the width of the trunk opening on the GLE is 3.9 in (10%) larger.
Impact on Usability
The significantly greater depth of the Golf Wagon means a notably deeper cargo space below the loading edge.
Practically, this means: when loaded, there is more distance between the loading edge and the trunk floor — this allows for more usable volume vertically, but can make loading very flat items more difficult and requires guiding cargo when pulling it out from the deeper section.
Combined with the lower loading edge height of the Golf, this results in an overall easier-to-access cargo area for heavy or bulky items.
The significantly higher loading edge of the GLE (6.3 in) makes lifting heavy loads more strenuous; those who frequently load heavy boxes or furniture will appreciate the lower entry of the Golf as an advantage.
The GLE partially compensates for this with a wider opening (3.9 in, here not >10%) and a slightly larger narrow interior width, which facilitates loading wider items once they are at the level of the loading edge.
The smaller differences in length (±2.8 in / 4%), opening height (1.2 in / 4%), and narrowest width (1.6 in / 4%) are marginal in practice: they rarely affect everyday handling.
Conclusion: For frequent loading and unloading of heavy or bulky items, the VW Golf Wagon is more practical due to its lower loading edge and significantly deeper cargo well.
For wider or more voluminous cargo that fits through the opening, the GLE offers slight advantages due to its wider opening and larger interior width but is more demanding when lifting because of the higher loading edge.