Trunk comparison: Mercedes Benz GLE vs VW Passat Wagon

Key Differences

The VW Passat Wagon offers a cargo space that is 2.8 in longer with the seats folded down and 3.1 in longer with the first row upright than the Mercedes-Benz GLE; these differences are each under 10%.

The trunk opening of the GLE is 0.8 in higher, the narrowest loading width in the GLE is 1.6 in larger, and the opening width is 2 in larger — also smaller deviations.

Two differences are pronounced: the depth of the trunk (loading edge to trunk floor) is 3.5 in or 800% greater in the VW, and the loading edge of the Mercedes is 5.1 in or 20% higher above the ground.

Impact on Usability

The significantly greater depth in the Passat means more vertical storage space behind the loading edge. This makes it easier to store tall or bulky items within the floor recess but can make lifting heavy items more difficult because more depth must be overcome.

The significantly higher loading edge in the GLE makes lifting heavy loads more tiring and less back-friendly; in return, the loading surface sits higher, which can be more convenient when loading and unloading frequent, lighter items because you don’t have to reach down as far.

The smaller differences (Passat’s length advantage of 7–3.1 in, slightly larger opening and interior widths, and 0.8 in higher opening in the GLE) practically mean: The Passat is minimally better suited for very long items, the GLE offers somewhat more width when loading wide cargo.

Overall, the choice in usability mainly comes down to easier lifting and a lower loading edge (VW Passat) versus a higher, more accessible loading height and slightly more width (Mercedes GLE).