Trunk comparison: BMW 5 Series Touring vs Mercedes Benz GLC

Key Statement

The most noticeable difference: The BMW 5 Series Touring offers a significantly longer cargo area with the front seats upright than the Mercedes-Benz GLC – plus 6.3 in (≈17%).

Other differences exist but are much smaller: with the seats folded down, the BMW remains somewhat longer (+5.9 in / 9%), the trunk opening of the GLC is higher (+2.4 in / 9%), the loading edge of the GLC is higher above the road (+2 in / 8%), the narrowest width is +1.2 in (3%) larger in the GLC, and the opening width is +1.6 in (4%) larger.

The depth (from loading edge to trunk floor) is the same.

Impact on Usability

Because the BMW has a significantly longer cargo area with the front seats upright, it is more practical in everyday use for long items (skis, boards, long boxes) without folding down the rear seats. For users who often need to transport long cargo, the Touring offers a noticeable advantage.

The GLC scores points in height and opening: the higher trunk opening makes it easier to load tall items, and the slightly larger opening and interior width makes storing wider, bulkier cargo easier.

However, the loading edge in the GLC is higher, which makes lifting heavy items somewhat more strenuous. With the seats fully folded down, the volume advantage of the BMW remains but is moderate at only ~9% difference.

Conclusion: For longer, flat loads, the BMW 5 Series Touring is better suited; for taller or wider, bulkier items, the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers advantages in loading and space utilization but requires more effort when lifting heavy loads due to the higher loading edge.