X5 storage space with third row seats

[Spanky Deluxe]

Hey all,

We're thinking of selling our X3 and getting an X5 instead. Can anyone comment on the luggage space with the seven seater option? Particularly with the third row seats folded down. We'll very rarely need the third row but it could come in really handy for ski trips with friends (last year seven of us went in two cars) to save on travel costs (with a big roof box though). I'm just wondering how general boot space is without the boot seats in use and how it might compare to an X3.

[dbox]

enough space for me and I have 4 kids. My previous X5 (no 3rd row) did of course have more storage below the floor but the 3rd row still has a nice lockable space.

[GoVols!]

You lose the under floor storage capacity, but you gain slideable 2nd row seats that you can push forward to give the cargo area more space when the 3rd row is down.

I have the 3rd row. Got it for the future kids. We have used it with adults 4 or 5 times in 2 years but never for more than cross town trips. Dont know how far you drive for ski trips, but I wouldnt want to be back there for more than a half hour or so. The seat is for small kids or short trips ONLY.

Also, when the seat is up, storage capacity inside is essentially zip.

[Price]

Originally Posted by Spanky Deluxe

.. how it might compare to an X3.

We went from X3 to X5 and it's a big improvement. We have 3rd row seats too, and yes, when they're up, not much space left (not to mention the seats no match to, say, LR3). But as also mentioned, having the ability to move the 2nd row forward really outweights the loss of the under floor storage capacity.

[Marauder73]

I agree! It's awesome to be able to adjust the 2nd row seats back and forth when ordered with the 3rd row. It's also split, so you can still use 1 of the back seats and still have some room left for baggage. The 3rd row is actually usable, even for shorter adults (5' 5" max), for short drives up to an hour I'd say. Resale value is also substantially enhanced! It really puts the "utility" in Sports Utility (activity -haha) Vehicle. There is room for a couple of carry-on luggage behind the 3rd row as well.

[GoVols!]

On a side note, I have not compared this myself, but I have heard rumblings that when the 3rd row is purchased, the comfort of the 2nd row cushions decreases. Supposedly the seats are made differently somehow and are much firmer than on non-3rd row X's.

[brian5]

I have 3rd row seats. The design and bulk of them is a problem in the E70.

In 3.5 years, I've probably used them on 5 days. For me, it not been worth it. They are so cramped and no good for 15-year olds and older (and they can't be used with car seats either).

I hardly ever slide the second row of seats forward -- the trunk area is large enough for trips. So that's not been a benefit for me.

[onefish2]

The 3rd row seats are not for adults. Small children under 8 makes more sense. I took a bunch of people to a concert one night. One guy decided he wanted to sit in the 3rd row. He is a small guy at 5'4" and maybe 150 pounds and he had to sit across both 3rd row seats all squashed up.

You decide for yourself.

[NOX 3.2]

3rd row seat is a very nice option to have. It also gives you rear suspension leveling which also helps when towing. My son's friend had a leg on a cast , and we were able to seat him on the 3rd row with the second row split down, nice.

[bren3085]

Question..if you have 3 or 4 people on a road trip.. would it be more comfortable to put the second row of seats down and sit on the 3rd row so you can stretch out your legs?