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

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.

:iagree:

I laughed when I opened the door and saw the third row. I was like, "Are you kidding me with that?!?"

Anyways, I quickly overlooked the E70 on Friday and was more impressed with the 06 4.8 in the showroom.

Third row seat is designed for kids 10 year or younger. That's how it is for most SUV's in this class.

I didn't think this was the case--are you sure? On the plus side, you get air suspension in the rear and tilting second row backrests with sliding bases.

Just allows BMW to say "seats 7"

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.

We were looking at the X5 for the very same reason - the third row. It is a joke. My kids are 3 and 7, and one is in a car seat, the other a booster seat. Neither will fit in the third row, not to mention the latch issue.

The 3rd row is for your pets.... (if you have chihuahuas) :trustme:

Has anyone compared XC90, MDX and Q7 third row? None of them have latch for car seat. Here is the pictorial comparison.
X5
http://s113117221.onlinehome.us/Images/bmwx24.jpg

Volvo XC90
http://www.volvocars.us/NR/rdonlyres...35_900x373.jpg

Audi Q7
http://www.audiusa.com/etc/medialib/...0043.Image.jpg

Acura MDX
http://s113117221.onlinehome.us/Images/acura-mdx.JPG

Q7 has the Latch - I know cause I bought one instead of the X5. So far we love it.