Trunk comparison: BMW 3 Series Touring vs VW Golf Wagon

Key Differences

Among the measured dimensions, one difference stands out clearly: the depth of the trunk (loading edge to trunk floor) is 3.9 in or 1000% greater in the VW Golf Wagon than in the BMW 3 Series Touring.

All other deviations are within the single-digit percentage range (trunk length folded +7%, trunk length with front seats upright +9%, trunk opening height +8%, width at the narrowest point +6%, loading edge height +2%); the width of the trunk opening is the same.

Impact on Usability

The significantly greater depth in the Golf Wagon practically means more volume below the loading edge: the VW cargo floor sits lower, allowing bulky or high-volume items to be lowered further down and thus better concealed in the trunk.

This increases the usable storage capacity for bulky but not necessarily long cargo. On the other hand, the Golf has a slightly higher loading edge (+0.4 in), which can make lifting very heavy items slightly more difficult.

Since the cargo lengths (folded/upright) and opening height in the Golf are only slightly larger than in the BMW, differences in transporting long items or pass-through loading remain limited; the identical width of the trunk opening ensures that wide items fit similarly in both models.

Overall, the Golf Wagon offers noticeably better interior usability for bulky cargo due to the greater depth, while loading in the BMW 3 Series Touring—especially very heavy pieces—can be somewhat lower and thus more ergonomic.