The X5 is beautiful, but the 3rd row seat is a joke.

[AzNMpower32]

If you want a spacious third row, buy a minivan. Who are you kidding when you buy an SUV with a real 3rd row?

The X5 doesn't have the worst third row. I snapped this pic off a domestic (I think it mighta been a Chevy or GMC) at the last autoshow....it's the third row.

If you're thinking "whats so bad about that third row?": LOOK AT THE FLOOR HEIGHT! I literally crawled over the 2nd row seats folded flat and could NOT sit in the third row. The lamest 3rd row ever. Makes the X5's 3rd row look like a mansion (not that you should be ordering it).

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

If you want a spacious third row, buy a minivan. Who are you kidding when you buy an SUV with a real 3rd row?
...

Dunno if I would really want my granddaughter in any "3rd row" SUV,
inches away from the back tailgate.

No car can be all things to all people...the X5 certainly cannot,
even if the marketeers are trying their hardest.

[2007-x5]

Originally Posted by Chileno

I had a chance to look at the 4.8 X5 this weekend. Ideally I would like to replace my existing 4.4 for the new X5 sometime in the future. I was thrilled about the 3rd row seat option...perfect for my 2 year old twin boys. The truck is gorgeous, and I am sure it drives like a dream, but the third row seat is a joke. No only do you lose the spare, but when folded down you lose height, so it looks like the trunk has less space. To top it all off, not latch system on the third row seats?? so the baby car seats would have to be buckled a la Flinstone style (with the seatbelt). I will either just keep my existing X5 or jump over to an Escalade later on. I really need that 3rd row seat. Sucks, I really love the look of the new X5 too.

well "chileno" if you want a lot of space why dont you get a bus?

[RamVA]

I rented a Durango on a recent ski trip and the third row had good space for three short adults. Kind of cheap inside, but overall an impressive piece for low $30's.

[Chileno]

Originally Posted by 2007-x5

well "chileno" if you want a lot of space why dont you get a bus?

I've considered a used Greyhound bus, but I don't know if it would fit in my garage. Seriously guys, no need to get defensive. Lets not forget I currently own an x5. I sat in the 3rd row seat of the new Cadillac Escalade, and there was plenty of room for an adult, however, the drive was very limo like.

Funny thing about the X5 Nurburgring commercial is that it shows 7 adults getting out of the X5

[Bill Valley]

I do not think you would want to place car seats in the third row. You would have to climb all the way back there just to buckle the kids in. Is the the new X5 available without the 3rd row?

[Kewl X5]

Yes, the 3rd row seat is optional. If you don't get the 3rd row seat, you get more storage space underneath the cargo area floor.

Originally Posted by Bill Valley

I do not think you would want to place car seats in the third row. You would have to climb all the way back there just to buckle the kids in. Is the the new X5 available without the 3rd row?

[Kewl X5]

I agree with the "plasticky" look on the outside....in fact, too much non-painted plastic around the bumper area.

However, I disagree with your comment re: the aluminum hood. Aluminum is more expensive and BMW used it to lower the weight.

In fact, our '04 M3 has an aluminum hood to help save weight. The 6-series have aluminum doors as well. The M3 has carbon fiber bumpers underneath the plastic bumpers as well. Yes, the aluminum hood does feel lighter when you open it and close it on the M3, but that is the point is to decrease weight over the front axle for better handling.

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Actually i wouldn't say beautiful. Plastic fenders and an alumimum hood? Kinda tinny to me, and some of it inside looks kinda cheap IMHO. I believe my 2005 will be my last X5.

[xnsf]

The Volvo XC90's third row looks almost full-sized, compared with the other seats. BUT WHERE DO THE LEGS GO???

[xnsf]

and in that new X5 commercial, isn't there an adult exiting from the third row?