[
Official specs from BMW point out that the BMW i5 has a 17.3 cubic-foot trunk. “Superb!” You may say, when you're monitoring sedan trunk quantity. Oh, you didn't? Unusual. Properly, that'll be greater than the 16.7 cubes you get within the Honda Accord, which might swallow not solely all six normal baggage check luggage, but in addition the 38-quart cooler usually reserved for testing extra cumbersome SUVs. . The i5's Accord-besting quantity is much more spectacular when you think about it's an electrical model of the 5 Sequence, and certain sacrificing at the least some packaging to make up for the necessity for its platform to tug double obligation as an ICE and electrical automobile. Does matter. Properly performed BMW!
not so quick. As quickly as you open the trunk, it turns into instantly obvious that the i5 doesn't have anyplace near 17.3 cubic-feet of house. At the very least not utilizing the identical measurement methodology as each different carmaker. This isn’t a brand new phenomenon. The three Sequence additionally apparently has 17 cubic-feet, however sure, not likely.
I'm positive in some unspecified time in the future you'll learn that the i5 has “spectacular trunk house” and even “class-leading trunk house” as a result of the specs will definitely point out that. Nonetheless, by way of precise location, this isn’t the case. That technique is deceptive. I can't think about BMW going out of its technique to cheat this out; That is most likely a case of engineers utilizing some measurements they like for causes A, B and C. However I can't even think about that anybody at BMW paid consideration to the truth that this palanquin Trunks could also be marketed as bigger than these of their relative rivals. (I ought to word that BMW SUVs do not need this drawback).
So how a lot can truly match inside? that's what I'm right here for.
Like each baggage check, I exploit two medium-sized curler suitcases that will have to be checked-in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 extensive, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that hardly match overhead. (24L x 15W x 10D), and a small blue roll-board that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). To spice issues up a bit I additionally embody my spouse's fancy in a single day bag (21L x 12W x 12D).
Firstly, like many EVs, it has a big underfloor storage space. The i5 doesn't have a frunk (extra on that quickly), so I'll most likely should maintain the emergency cost twine in there.
Nonetheless, for the aim of stuffing as a lot stuff as doable within the trunk, you could want to maneuver that charging twine and use the house for baggage. That's precisely what I did. Fancy bag goes right here.
So far as the primary trunk compartment is worried, the primary signal that this isn't your typical 17.3-cubic-foot trunk is that it's not very lengthy. The above comparability isn't ideally suited given the digital camera angle and the totally different luggage used, however you possibly can clearly see that the Accord has loads of room within the trunk (above proper) on prime of the biggest blue bag. The i5 (above left) has none above the grey bag of comparable dimension.
To make the peak deficit even worse are these previous baggage check villains, the distant again seat launch latch. These are actually helpful, however I can't inform you what number of instances they've prevented me from becoming the complete bag contained in the trunk, leading to a pile of wasted house. The i5 is one other instance.
One other problem is that this bizarre formed space on the left facet of the trunk. it's ineffective.
Okay, let's see how a lot can match.
Unhappy trumpet. These are the 4 largest luggage with a elaborate bag on the backside and a charging twine on the prime. Even with all that additional house, there was no approach it would slot in the little blue curler bag. Imagine me, I attempted.
Now, apparently I can repack right into a smaller, soft-sided duffel bag and convey all my stuff with me. However what if I'm selecting folks up from the airport?
“However you stated you had a 17.3-cubic-foot trunk! I nearly introduced my cooler!”
The i5's important competitor, the Mercedes EQE sedan, can match all the baggage in (barely) 15 cubic-feet of house. Ergo, if measured utilizing the identical methodology that Mercedes and seemingly each different firm makes use of, lower than the i5. Even when BMW had used the identical methodology, the house saved would nonetheless end result within the i5's trunk being much less helpful than its quantity suggests. Its dimensions, particularly its lack of top, are extra vital right here than any general quantity.
Finally that is the best way to get right here.
Now, onto different issues.
The i5 doesn't have a frunk. True, the frunk is normally barely larger than a briefcase, nevertheless it's normally sufficient to retailer an emergency charging twine and a tire restore equipment (as I do in my Kia Niro).
That is what you’ll get in i5. The world's largest “engine cowl” and beneath it, in case you have the rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 mannequin, an enormous motor-sized cavity. If this had been an M60 or the upcoming xDrive40, there would probably be a entrance motor unit in that cavity. Both approach, no frunk.
Return to the trunk. There’s a small grocery hook on both sides. There's additionally a small bin on the best facet to carry the proprietor's guide or different objects.
In order that's the BMW i5 trunk. Now for some unhappy stuff testing information…
It’s with nice unhappiness that I announce the demise of the Small Blue Curler Bag. I picked it up someday with the deal with up and the plastic shell it was connected to was cracked/cracked and it had misplaced its connection to the transferring deal with. This had been my important suitcase for nearly a decade and though through the years I've changed a number of wheel items after too many airport miles, this time the injury was closing. Pun not meant.
As you possibly can see, I did an ideal job of repairing the injury with duct tape in order that I might take the bag to the press occasion I used to be truly supposed to go away for (this could have allowed me to buy this bag and some different objects) Additionally received permission to make use of the bag (check). Nonetheless, he was extremely savvy. I’ll want a brand new main suitcase, and though I can actually maintain the little blue curler bag with me to take care of continuity for baggage testing, it should imply retaining a bag in my storage only for baggage testing. shall be. I hardly ever use one of many medium black luggage. No, I’d search for a substitute of precisely the best dimension. It won’t be simple. That story subsequent time.
In the meantime, goodbye pal. It was good touring with you.