Trunk comparison: BMW 5 Series Touring vs Opel Astra Wagon

Key Differences

Two differences stand out clearly from the given dimensions: the height of the trunk opening on the Opel is 5.9 in (21%) larger than on the BMW, and the depth of the trunk (loading edge → trunk floor) on the Opel is 5.5 in (about 1300%) larger.

The other deviations are smaller: the BMW offers +4.7 in (7%) more cargo length with folded seats and +2.8 in (7%) more with the front seats upright; the loading edge of the BMW is +2 in (8%) higher above the road; the narrowest width of the trunk is +2 in (5%) larger on the BMW, while the width of the opening is only +0.4 in (1%) more on the Opel.

Impact on Usability

Opel Astra Sports Tourer – Advantages due to greater height and depth: The significantly higher opening height makes loading very tall or bulky items (e.g., plants, tall boxes, furniture parts) easier because less tilting and turning is required.

The significantly greater installation depth (deeper trunk floor relative to the loading edge) creates more usable volume below the loading edge and allows for deeper storage of luggage or shopping crates.

Disadvantage: a deeper interior also means a deeper recess below the loading edge, so heavy or long items must first be lifted over the loading edge — rolling flat items in and out can be somewhat more cumbersome.

BMW 5 Series Touring – Advantages for long and wide cargo: The BMW offers somewhat more cargo length (about 7% each) both with folded seats and with the front seats upright, and at the narrowest point a slightly greater width (+2 in).

This makes it more practical for long items like slats, skis, or long boxes as well as for somewhat wider cargo that does not fit into a too narrow bottleneck dimension.

Disadvantages: the loading edge on the BMW is about 2 in higher, making lifting heavy loads into the trunk more strenuous. The lower opening height can make loading very tall items more difficult.

Practical Conclusion: For frequently transporting tall, bulky, or irregularly shaped items (large boxes, plants, bulky luggage), the Opel is more practical in everyday use due to the larger opening height and the deeper loading floor.

For longer or somewhat wider goods that require a flat, long loading surface, the BMW is often better suited—provided that the somewhat higher lifting at the loading edge is not a problem.