Trunk comparison: BMW 5 Series Touring vs Renault Austral

Key Differences

The BMW 5 Series Touring offers a cargo area length that is +11.8 in (≈19%) longer than the Renault Austral when the rear seats are folded down. With the first row of seats upright, the BMW's cargo area is even +9.1 in (≈27%) longer.

In contrast, the Renault Austral has a +3.1 in (≈700%) greater depth between the loading edge and the trunk floor and a +4.7 in (≈18%) higher loading edge above the road.

Smaller differences: the trunk opening of the Austral is 1.2 in (≈4%) higher, the narrowest trunk width is 3.1 in (≈8%) larger in the BMW, and the width of the trunk opening is 2.4 in (≈6%) larger in the Austral.

Impact on Usability

The significantly longer cargo area of the BMW (both with folded seats and with the rear bench upright) makes it better suited for long items such as skis, slats, furniture panels, or narrow, long boxes. Those who regularly transport long cargo or frequently fold down the rear seats will benefit from the BMW.

The considerably greater depth of the Renault (distance from loading edge to trunk floor) and the higher loading edge mean: the Austral offers more vertical volume behind the loading edge and feels deeper when loading, but is harder to access.

The higher loading edge (≈4.7 in) makes lifting heavy items into the trunk more difficult and makes frequent loading less comfortable. Conversely, the greater floor depth in the Austral can help bulky, tall cargo to be better recessed in the cargo space.

The slightly higher trunk opening of the Austral (+1.2 in) makes it marginally easier to load tall items but is not a major advantage compared to the other differences.

The somewhat larger narrow width in the BMW (+3.1 in) helps when loading wider parts through tight spots in the trunk, though this advantage is under 10% and only moderately noticeable in everyday use.

Conclusion: For frequent transport of long items or when the rear bench is often folded down, the BMW 5 Series Touring is the more practical choice.

For users who want more "deep" loading height and rarely lift heavy items over the loading edge, the Renault Austral may fit better due to its greater floor depth but must accept the higher loading edge.