Trunk comparison: Mercedes Benz GLE vs VW ID.3

Key Differences

The most significant differences concern the cargo lengths, the width of the trunk opening, and the depth from the loading edge to the trunk floor.

Specifically: The Mercedes-Benz GLE has +16.1 in (27%) more cargo length with seats folded down and +10.2 in (33%) more with the first row upright than the VW ID.3. The width of the trunk opening is +5.5 in (15%) larger on the GLE.

Conversely, the depth (loading edge → trunk floor) is +6.3 in (1500%) greater on the VW ID.3 than on the GLE.

Smaller deviations: The height of the trunk opening on the GLE is +2.4 in (8%) larger, the narrowest width is +1.6 in (4%) larger; the loading edge height of both vehicles is the same.

Impact on Usability

Because the GLE offers significantly longer cargo spaces, it is better suited for long items (e.g., furniture parts, skis, long boxes) and larger overall loads, especially when the rear seats are folded down.

The wider trunk opening facilitates loading wide or bulky items and reduces obstruction issues when maneuvering suitcases or furniture.

The deeper trunk floor of the ID.3 means more usable vertical height below the loading edge: tall items can be better accommodated standing up, and there is more "deep space" in the floor for bulky but not particularly long cargo.

At the same time, loaded items in the ID.3 sit further below the loading edge, which can make lifting/placing heavy loads somewhat more challenging and should be considered when loading with short ramps or rolling containers.

Practically, this means: For transport tasks requiring length and wide opening (e.g., longer furniture parts, many suitcases), the GLE is the better choice.

For loads benefiting from additional depth/volume below the loading edge (e.g., tall items, hidden or deep storage compartments), the ID.3 offers advantages. For everyday items like shopping bags or moderate luggage amounts, both vehicles are similarly manageable due to the same loading edge height.