Trunk comparison: BMW 5 Series Touring vs Citroen C3

Key Differences

The BMW 5 Series Touring offers a significantly longer cargo space: +21.3 in (40%) with the seats folded down and +16.5 in (63%) with the first row upright compared to the Citroën C3. In width, the BMW has an advantage both front and rear: the narrowest point in the trunk is +4.3 in (11%) larger, and the width of the trunk opening is even +7.1 in (20%) larger than in the C3. In contrast, the Citroën has advantages in vertical dimensions: the height of the trunk opening is +3.5 in (13%) greater, the depth from the loading edge area to the trunk floor is significantly more pronounced (+9.1 in (2200%)), and the loading edge overall is +4.7 in (18%) higher above the road than in the BMW.

Usability — Practical Consequences of the Differences

The BMW 5 Series Touring is practically superior when it comes to long or wide loads: the significantly greater cargo length and wider opening make transporting furniture, long items (e.g., skis, slats, pipes), and bulky boxes easier.

The lower loading edge makes lifting heavy items simpler and reduces physical strain when loading.

The Citroën C3 is advantageous in everyday use when frequently transporting tall or narrow items: the higher opening height allows loading larger vertical objects, the pronounced trunk depth/recess creates a deeper, protected storage space where luggage lies more stably and stacks better.

However, the higher loading edge makes lifting heavy loads more strenuous, and the significantly shorter cargo length and smaller width strongly limit transporting long or very wide items.