RIMOWA Original Trunk XL: The Ultimate Review

HK$20,200

If the Trunk Plus is a mobile wardrobe, the RIMOWA Original Trunk XL is a mobile apartment. As the single largest case in the Original series, it exists for travelers who refuse to leave anything behind — fashion editors on month-long shoots, families consolidating into one bag, and anyone who believes that "packing light" is a myth invented by people who don't own enough shoes. This is RIMOWA at its most audacious.

First Impressions & Design

Seeing the Trunk XL in person is a humbling experience. At 80 x 55 x 37 cm, it's not just large — it's cavernous. The silver aluminum exterior catches light across its massive surface, and the parallel grooves, which look elegant on a Cabin, take on an almost architectural quality at this scale. This is a case that will be spotted from 200 meters away on a baggage carousel, and there's something deeply satisfying about that inevitability.

The 70/30 split design — deep base, shallower lid — is shared with the Trunk Plus, but scaled up. The lid opens to reveal a compartment so deep you could genuinely climb inside (please don't). Five leather handles are placed strategically: top, bottom, both sides, and a lid-edge handle for two-person lifts. Because at this size, two-person lifts are sometimes necessary. The silver finish is RIMOWA's classic — bright, reflective, and unapologetically metallic. At this volume, the silver has a certain "I've arrived" energy that the black models don't quite replicate. It's celebratory luggage for celebratory travel.

Build Quality & Materials

Engineering a case this large from aluminum is a genuine achievement. The Trunk XL uses the same anodized aluminum-magnesium alloy as its smaller siblings, but the frame, hinges, and riveting are all upsized to handle the structural demands of a 130-liter box that can hold up to 35 kg of contents. The hinges are the widest in the Original series, with heavy-gauge pins and reinforced mounting plates. The clasp mechanisms use stronger springs and thicker latch bars. Every stress point has been re-engineered for the XL's weight class.

At 7.1 kg empty, the Trunk XL is objectively heavy. A fully loaded Trunk XL plus the case itself can approach 42 kg — right at the upper limit of what airlines will accept. The leather handles are double-stitched with reinforced attachment points and are wide enough to distribute weight across your palm. The corner protectors are massive, almost industrial-looking blocks of anodized aluminum that absorb the worst of baggage-handling impacts. This is a case built for decades of hard use.

Features & Functionality

The Trunk XL features dual TSA combination locks, positioned to secure the lid at both upper corners. The Multiwheel system uses the largest wheels in the Original series — 8 wheels total, arranged as four oversized double-casters with deep-tread rubber tires that provide stability and smooth rolling even at maximum load. The telescopic handle is the thickest and most reinforced in the lineup, with a wide ergonomic grip that makes two-handed pulling feel natural.

Inside, the main compartment is vast and deep, with a flex-divider system and compression straps that can be tensioned to secure even partial loads. The lid compartment includes a full-length zippered mesh panel for shoes or accessories, and multiple tie-down points let you configure the interior around your specific packing needs. The base of the main compartment is flat and rigid — no sagging or buckling even with heavy items concentrated in one area.

Size, Weight & Capacity

At 130 liters, the Trunk XL can swallow a month's worth of clothing for two people, or a complete wardrobe for a season abroad. For context: you can fit approximately 20-25 folded shirts, 8 pairs of trousers, 6 pairs of shoes, two jackets, and toiletries — with room to spare. The 80 cm height exceeds standard checked luggage limits on some airlines, meaning oversize baggage fees are likely. The 7.1 kg empty weight is among the heaviest in the consumer luggage market.

Performance in Real-World Use

We tested the Trunk XL on an international relocation involving 3 flights. The oversized wheels were essential — on a fully loaded case, they absorbed bumps and maintained tracking remarkably well. Airport maneuvering was challenging in tight spaces but manageable on open concourses. The case was too large for standard luggage carts, requiring either a second cart or careful balancing. At baggage claim, the silver behemoth was impossible to miss, which we counted as a feature.

After the journey, the case showed the expected wear: corner scuffs, a few surface scratches, and one small dent on a side panel from what appeared to be a significant impact. All purely cosmetic. The locks, wheels, and handle functioned perfectly. The flex-divider kept everything in place despite the case being handled in multiple orientations during transit.

Who Is This For?

The Trunk XL serves a niche but passionate audience: expatriates moving between countries, fashion professionals on extended shoots, families who prefer one massive case over multiple smaller ones, and long-term travelers who genuinely need every liter. It's not a case for casual travelers or anyone who struggles with heavy luggage. If you need the capacity and can handle the weight, the Trunk XL is in a class of its own — no other premium luggage brand offers a metal case at this scale.