Trunk comparison: Audi A3 Sportback vs BMW 5 Series Touring

Key Differences

The BMW 5 Series Touring offers significantly more cargo space in length: with the seats folded down, the trunk of the BMW is 16.1 in (28%) longer, and with the first row of seats upright, it is 12.6 in (42%) longer than the Audi A3 Sportback.

In contrast, the Audi has a much deeper trunk area: the depth (loading edge to trunk floor) is 6.3 in (1500%) greater in the A3.

Smaller differences, below the 10% mark, include a 2.8 in higher trunk opening in the A3 (+10%), a 0.4 in higher loading edge in the A3 (+2%), and an 8–3.5 in wider width and opening width in the BMW (8–9%).

Impact on Usability

The greater length dimensions of the BMW make it significantly more practical for long or bulky loads: long boards, laminate flooring, skis, or furniture fit more easily without complicated rearranging or tilted seats.

Even with everyday luggage volume (with seats in normal position), the BMW offers noticeably more storage space.

The deeper loading area in the Audi, on the other hand, means more usable vertical depth: bulky, tall items can be sunk deeper into the trunk, and the cargo sits more "recessed" rather than on top.

This can be advantageous when transporting tall boxes or bulky containers and reduces the risk of cargo protruding over the rear seats. At the same time, the loading edge of the A3 is slightly higher, which minimally complicates lifting heavy loads in.

Practically speaking: Those who regularly transport long items or large volumes with folded seats are better served by the BMW 5 Series Touring. Those who often transport rather tall, bulky but not very long items and want to benefit from a deeper loading floor will find advantages in the Audi A3 Sportback.

Width and opening differences favoring the BMW exist but are moderate and less decisive in practice than the mentioned length and depth differences.