Trunk comparison: BMW 5 Series Touring vs Durchschnitt Subcompact

Key Differences

The BMW 5 Series Touring offers a significantly larger cargo area with the seats folded down: +24.4 in (48%) longer cargo space than the average subcompact.

With the front seats upright, this advantage is even greater: +18.1 in (73%). The width of the trunk opening is also advantageous on the BMW: +5.9 in (16%) compared to the subcompact.

On the other hand, the trunk opening of the subcompact is higher: +4.3 in (16%) and the loading edge of the subcompact is +2.8 in (11%) higher above the ground than on the BMW.

Additionally, the subcompact has a significantly greater depth from the loading edge to the trunk floor: +7.5 in (1800%). The narrowest trunk width is 3.5 in (9%) larger on the BMW — this difference is under 10% and therefore less significant.

Impact on Usability

The significantly greater length of the BMW (both with folded seats and with the front row upright) makes it much more practical for long items (e.g., slats, skis, furniture parts). The wider opening width facilitates loading and unloading wider loads and reduces maneuvering when loading.

The lower loading edge on the BMW (2.8 in lower) reduces the effort when lifting heavy items and is easier on the back during loading.

The subcompact scores with a higher trunk opening and greater depth behind the loading edge. The higher opening can help when loading very tall items, and the greater depth (loading edge to floor) is suitable for storing smaller, lower items in a deeper recess.

Overall, however, these advantages remain limited because the higher loading edge and shorter cargo space make transporting large or long items significantly less practical than in the BMW 5 Series Touring.