Trunk comparison: BMW X5 vs VW ID.3

Key Differences

Compared to the VW ID.3, the BMW X5 offers significantly more usable cargo length: with the seats folded down, the X5's trunk is 13 in (22%) longer, and with the first row upright, it is 9.8 in (32%) longer. The width of the X5's trunk opening is also larger by 5.1 in (14%).

In contrast, the VW ID.3 has a significantly greater depth between the loading edge and the trunk floor — 5.9 in (1500%) more — meaning the floor is noticeably lower there.

Smaller differences under 10% include the higher opening height of the X5 (+2 in / 7%), the higher loading edge of the X5 (+0.8 in / 3%), and the narrower pinch point in the ID.3 (X5 plus 3.5 in / 9%).

Impact on Usability

The greater cargo length of the BMW X5 makes it better suited for long items such as skis, furniture components, or lumber; folding down the seats creates noticeably more usable storage space.

The wider trunk opening of the X5 facilitates loading and unloading wider or bulky cargo – bulky boxes, bicycle parts, or large suitcases can be more easily angled in.

The significantly greater depth in the VW ID.3 means the trunk floor lies further below the loading edge.

This can have two effects: on one hand, more vertical volume can be accommodated at the bottom of the trunk (suitable for stacking or bulky but low loads), on the other hand, the lifting angle when loading and unloading heavy items increases — lifting over the loading edge is more strenuous and longer items that must lie flat can more easily slip in the deep area of the ID.3.

The smaller differences (opening height +2 in, loading edge height +0.8 in, pinch point +3.5 in) only slightly affect everyday usability: the slightly higher opening of the X5 makes it a bit easier to insert very tall items, the slightly higher loading edge of the X5 minimally increases lifting effort, and the nearly equal pinch point in the ID.3 somewhat restricts loading but is hardly noticeable in many everyday situations.

Conclusion: For transporting long and wide items, the BMW X5 is clearly advantageous. The VW ID.3 offers a different cargo volume behavior due to the deeper trunk floor, which can be useful for certain packing methods but complicates handling heavy or very long items.