Trunk comparison: BMW 3 Series Touring vs Renault Austral

Comparison of trunk dimensions for the BMW 3 Series Touring and Renault Austral

Key Differences in the Trunk

With the BMW 3 Series Touring, the usable loading length with the front seats upright is significantly greater: the BMW offers +5.5 in (16%) more length than the Renault Austral. The BMW also remains longer with the seats fully folded down, although this advantage falls below the 10% mark at +5.9 in (9%).

The Renault Austral scores points for accessibility and trunk profile: the width of the trunk opening is +4.7 in (12%) larger than the BMW.

Additionally, the depth from the loading edge entry to the trunk floor is +2.8 in (700%) greater in the Austral, and the loading edge itself is +7.1 in (30%) higher above the road.

What Impact Do These Differences Have on Usability?

BMW 3 Series Touring – Advantage in length and easier loading of lower items:
The greater loading length with the front seats upright makes the BMW more practical for long items that need to be transported even with full seating (e.g., skis, long boards, or pipes).

The overall lower loading edge height in the BMW makes lifting heavy or bulky loads into the trunk easier.

Renault Austral – Advantage in opening, depth, and storage space for wide/large items:
The wider trunk opening significantly facilitates loading and unloading wider or bulkier items.

The considerably greater depth (distance from loading edge to floor) creates more usable capacity in the lower part of the trunk and allows better stacking or storing of bulky items below the loading edge.

However, this is offset by the significantly higher loading edge: lifting heavy loads is more strenuous, and very heavy items are less ergonomically loaded.

Conclusion

Those who prefer to carry long items with full seating and generally lower loading will find the BMW 3 Series Touring better.

Those who need wider or bulkier cargo and do not primarily lift heavy loads over the loading edge benefit from the Renault Austral (wider opening, significantly deeper loading area) but must consider the higher loading edge in daily use.