Boot space is quoted in litres, but nobody packs in litres. What you need to know is whether your suitcases, the golf bag and the pushchair will go in without anyone holding a case on their knees. This guide translates the boot sizes of every vehicle in our fleet into real luggage, explains the trade-off between seats and space, and shows exactly what to tell us when you book an airport run.
- Our executive saloons have 540-litre (E-Class) and 520-litre (5 Series) boots: two large suitcases plus hand luggage is the comfortable load.
- More seats does not always mean more boot. With all seven seats in use the SEAT Alhambra has about 267 litres; run as a five-seater it has around 658.
- Give us passengers, large cases, cabin bags and anything bulky when you book, because the fixed fare and the vehicle are both based on that count.
How many suitcases fit in a saloon taxi?
Two large suitcases plus hand luggage. That is the realistic load for both of our executive saloons, and it covers most couples and many small families. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a 540-litre boot and the BMW 5 Series 520 litres, so there is little to choose between them for luggage.
Two details catch people out. The plug-in hybrid version of the E-Class has a smaller boot of around 370 litres, so if you tell us you are carrying a lot we will send a car with the full 540. And the 5 Series has a conventional saloon boot lid rather than a hatchback, which makes tall items such as a folded pushchair or a golf bag worth mentioning in advance.
How much luggage does each vehicle in the fleet take?
The table uses the figures from our fleet pages. Litres are the maker's measurements; the last column is the practical load we plan around.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Luggage space | Realistic load |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Up to 4 | 540 litres | Two large cases plus hand luggage |
| BMW 5 Series | Up to 4 | 520 litres | Two large cases plus cabin bags |
| SEAT Alhambra | Up to 6 | About 267 litres with all seats up; about 658 as a five-seater | Soft or cabin bags when full; several large cases as a five-seater |
| Mercedes-Benz V-Class | Up to 7 | About 610 litres with every seat in place (more on the Long and Extra-Long) | About four large suitcases with a full load of passengers |
| Ford Tourneo | Up to 8 | 514–787 litres (standard body), 632–999 litres (long wheelbase) | Several large cases plus cabin bags for a full group |
Why can a bigger car carry less luggage?
Because the third row of seats sits where the boot would be. The SEAT Alhambra is the clearest example: with every seat occupied its boot shrinks to about 267 litres, enough for a few soft bags. Fold the two rearmost seats and it opens to roughly 809 litres; used as a five-seater it has around 658, which takes several large suitcases. So a family of four with four big cases often travels better in an Alhambra set up as a five-seater than a family of six with the same bags.
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Ford Tourneo are the exceptions, because both keep a genuine boot behind the back row even when every seat is taken. That is why they are the vehicles for groups flying with hold luggage. The V-Class also has a low, lip-free load floor and a rear window that opens separately from the tailgate, which helps with heavy cases at the kerb.
Do child seats reduce the space?
They take a passenger place rather than boot space. Child and booster seats are available on request for any vehicle, but each one uses one of the seats, so a family of two adults and two young children fills an E-Class. Add a pushchair and two large cases and you are into MPV territory. Our guides to airport taxis with children and travelling to the airport with a baby cover the rest of the family kit.
Can you take golf clubs, skis or a bike box?
Yes, in the right vehicle and with notice. Our fleet guidance is simple: if you are carrying golf clubs or skis, book an MPV rather than a saloon. A golf bag is long and rigid, a ski bag longer still, and neither goes through a saloon boot opening at an angle that leaves room for suitcases. With the rear seats of the Alhambra folded, loads up to about 2.95 metres long will fit, although that uses seats you may need for people. Tell us the item and its rough length and we will match it to a vehicle.
Mobility aids and folding wheelchairs are handled the same way: mention them when you book. Our article on booking taxis for elderly or less-mobile passengers has more on planning those journeys.
What should you tell us when you book?
Five numbers: passengers, large hold cases, cabin bags, child seats, and any bulky or oddly shaped items. Your airline's baggage allowance is not a guide to the car: what matters is how many bags you will actually carry out of the front door, so count those rather than what the ticket permits.
Accuracy protects your fare as well as your space. Our terms quote a fixed price based on the details you give, and additional charges may apply for extra passengers or luggage beyond what was booked. If your plans change after booking, let us know early so the vehicle can change with them.
Which vehicle suits your trip?
- Couple, two large cases: E-Class or 5 Series.
- Business traveller with cabin bags only: either saloon, with plenty of room to spare.
- Four adults, a large case each: an MPV. Our fleet pages point to the Alhambra or V-Class for this.
- Family of five with a pushchair and cases: V-Class, which keeps boot space with the seats in use.
- Group of seven or eight with hold luggage: Ford Tourneo for up to 8, or the V-Class for up to 7.
- Cruise holiday: cruise luggage is often heavier than a flight allowance, so describe it in full when booking a Southampton cruise transfer.
If you are not sure, give us the list and let us choose. It is far easier to send a larger car than to repack on the pavement at 5am. The whole range is on our fleet page.