Trunk comparison: BMW 5 Series Touring vs Volvo XC40

Key Differences

The BMW 5 Series Touring offers a significantly longer cargo length: with the seats folded down, the trunk is 8.7 in (13%) longer, and with the front seats upright, even 7.1 in (20%) longer than in the Volvo XC40. The Volvo leads at the loading edge: the loading edge of the XC40 is 3.5 in (14%) higher above the road than the BMW.

Smaller differences include a 1.2 in higher trunk opening on the Volvo (+4%) and a 2.4 in wider narrowest trunk width on the BMW (+6%); the depth and width of the trunk opening are the same.

Impact on Usability

The longer cargo areas of the BMW make it more practical for long items such as slats, boards, skis, or long furniture parts — both in everyday use with the front seats upright and with the seats fully folded down. The BMW is thus better suited for transports where length is crucial.

The higher loading edge of the Volvo, on the other hand, makes it easier to drive over curbs and can be advantageous on uneven terrain, but makes loading and unloading heavy items more difficult because more height must be overcome.

Since the depth and opening width of the trunks are the same and the width differences are relatively small, both models differ little when transporting wide or tall cargo.

Overall: those who frequently transport long items or prefer easier loading and unloading at a lower height benefit from the BMW 5 Series Touring; those who prefer somewhat higher ground clearance and a higher loading edge (for example, for unpaved roads) might consider the Volvo XC40.