Trunk comparison: BMW 5 Series Touring vs VW Tiguan

Key Differences and Impact on Usability

The BMW 5 Series Touring offers a significantly longer cargo space with the front seats upright: 8.3 in (24%) longer than the VW Tiguan.

This practically means that long items like ladders, skis, or long boxes can often be transported in the BMW without folding down the seats. For users who regularly carry long loads or bulky materials, the BMW thus provides noticeable advantages in flexibility and everyday practicality.

In contrast, the VW Tiguan has a significantly higher load lip: 3.1 in (12%) higher above the road.

This makes lifting heavy items more strenuous and less back-friendly—especially when frequently loading and unloading boxes, tools, or angular furniture parts. A higher load lip can be associated with greater ground clearance but reduces ergonomics when loading.

Other smaller differences at a glance (not >10%): With the rear seats folded, the BMW has 7.1 in (10%) more loading length overall, at the narrowest point the BMW’s trunk is 2.4 in wider, the Tiguan’s trunk opening is 1.6 in higher and 1.2 in wider, and the depth from the load lip floor is 0.4 in higher in the Tiguan.

These differences only moderately affect everyday usability: the BMW’s greater narrow width slightly eases wider loads, the Tiguan’s higher opening helps with inserting tall items, which are otherwise harder to lift due to the higher load lip.