X5, X3 - How Is "cargo Space" Defined?

[riflemn]

How is the cargo space in the BMW SUVs defined?

I measured (rough) the dimensions of the cargo area and came up with approx 38"x32"x20" for the X5 (with the 'cargo net') ... which, with generous additions for various nooks and crannies would still only come up to about 22 cu ft of trunk space. But the specifications listed are 54 cu ft?!?!

I found the X3 to be a little smaller in my rough (using a measuring tape) calculations ... but this is listed as having 71 cu ft of cargo space! A LOT more than the X5!?

Now, I am thinking of selling my 330i and getting an SUV (baby on the way) ... but these cargo definitions are confusing the heck out of me ...

The Lexus RX330 and the Volvo XC 90 are listed as having 84+ cu ft of cargo space!!!

Is this with the rear seats folded down?

What gives? ... Any insight from the forum?

[sean]

i am not sure about how the cargo space is calculated by bmw...i will look in a moment too figure that out. but yes the x3 does have more cargo room than the x5. if you look at both cars next to one another the floor in the trunk in the x5 is alot higher up than that of the x3 thus giving it more room. The cargo capacity of the x5 is probably with the seats at full upright position, could you have calculated it with them at most reclined position? anyways ill look here in a second and see what else i can come up with.


edit: one second on autos.com answered that question the cargo capacity for the x3 and x5 IS taken with the seats folded down. in fact the cargo calculations for the volvo and the lexus are done the same way.

[BMWLotAttendant]

I'd advise an X5 4.4, 4.6, 4.8.

Not that the 3.0 is worse....it just doesn't feel the same as the others.

I'd prefer an X5 over an X3 anyday.

Best of luck to ya!

[bimmer7]

just got an x3 3.0, very pleased with it. I got it in stick so it adds a much sportier feel than an x5 unless you get a 4.4 or 4.6