Trunk comparison: BMW i4 vs Renault Austral
Key Statement
The BMW i4 offers more depth and especially more usable length with the front seats upright, while the Renault Austral scores with significantly more width at narrow points and a considerably larger trunk opening. Important differences (>10%) are highlighted in bold; another difference of exactly 10% (trunk length with folded seats) is listed but not highlighted.
Details and Impact on Usability
The BMW i4 has a loading surface that is
longer than the Renault Austral with the front seats upright. This means in everyday use: with the rear seats set back, longer items (skis, long boxes, furniture parts) can be transported more easily — practical if you regularly need to load long items. The depth of the trunk (distance from loading edge to trunk floor) is
greater in the BMW i4. Greater depth sensibly increases usable volume and allows bulky or taller cargo to be pushed further back before reaching the loading edge. In practice, this means more volume with the same exterior length and better stability when stacking. The Renault Austral, on the other hand, has the loading edge
higher above the road. This makes lifting heavy items more strenuous — when regularly loading heavy boxes or furniture, the BMW i4 is easier to handle due to the lower loading edge. At the narrowest point in the trunk, the Austral is
wider, and the trunk opening is even
larger. Specifically, this means wide or bulky items (e.g., suitcases, strollers, circuit boards, furniture parts) fit significantly more easily through the opening and can be maneuvered more easily in the Austral. For users who often transport wide cargo, the Austral is clearly advantageous. For comparison: with fully folded seats, the BMW i4 is 6.3 in (+10%) longer — a clear advantage at maximum cargo space, but just below the >10% criterion for highlighting.
Conclusion
- Those who frequently need to load wide or bulky items through a large opening benefit from the Renault Austral (larger opening, more width in the trunk). - Those who value more loading height/depth, longer usable length with upright seats, and a lower loading edge for easier lifting of heavy loads are better served by the BMW i4.