Trunk comparison: BMW 5 Series Touring vs VW Golf Wagon (Mk5)

Key Differences (highlighted: >10%)

Trunk length with seats folded down: The BMW 5 Series Touring offers about +7.9 in (≈12%) more length with the seats folded down than the VW Golf 5. This specifically means more space for long items like slatted frames, long packages, or skis.

Trunk depth (loading edge → trunk floor): For the VW Golf 5, this value is +2 in higher — relatively even +400% compared to the BMW.

Practically, this means the Golf has a significantly deeper inner floor below the loading edge (a distinct "trunk valley"), which greatly increases vertical capacity and allows luggage to be stored deeper, thus less visible and more stable.

Impact on usability

The larger longitudinal cargo space in the BMW (with seats folded) makes it better suited for long or bulky loads that need to be stored along the vehicle axis (e.g., slatted frames, long furniture parts, skis).

If long items are frequently transported, this reduces the need to place them diagonally or secure them externally.

The significantly greater "depth" in the Golf means higher vertical capacity inside the trunk: advantageous when a lot of volume needs to be stored at a low height or concealed (e.g., boxes, shopping bags, tools), and it also lowers the center of gravity of the cargo somewhat.

A downside is handling: due to the deeper floor, items must be lifted over the loading edge and set down, making loading and unloading heavy parts more strenuous and causing flat, long loads to lie less evenly.

Other, smaller differences (under 10%) also slightly affect practical use: The BMW's loading edge sits slightly higher (+0.8 in), which can make lifting harder.

The Golf's trunk opening is somewhat higher (+1.6 in), which helps when loading tall items. The BMW is wider at its narrowest point (+2.8 in) and has a slightly larger opening width (+2 in), which facilitates loading wider or asymmetrical items.

Conclusion

For transport tasks involving long items, the BMW 5 Series Touring clearly has the advantage. When it comes to storing a lot of volume low and concealed (possibly with a more compact outline), the VW Golf 5 scores with its significantly deeper trunk design.

Smaller differences in loading edge height and opening dimensions influence handling but are secondary compared to the two larger differences mentioned.