It's absolutely worth it to us. Wouldn't have gotten the car without it. We use it regularly for quick trips when we don't want to take a second car (5 kids in the family). The 14yo (who is tall for her age) and 7yo sit back there without any problems. LOVE being able to adjust the 2nd row seats as well... makes a huge difference in my opinion!

The *only* negative about the 3rd row seats according to the 7yo is that you don't get a/c if you only have the seat on the passenger side up. Sometimes we only need one seat up back there but usually put both up so she gets air flow. Oh and the seat being lower than the 2nd row does make it hard for her to hear or participate in conversations which frustrates her sometimes but it's not really that big of a deal.

In all, it was a no-brainer for us and we definitely made the right choice! As others have said, to each their own!

Thanks Stumpy Pete,

I think that's the same one I tried, I have a couple of others I will try. When we picked up the car, my 4 yr old daughter initially decided to only sit in the 3rd row...After much crying and negotiating she agreed on a booster for a quick test drive :rofl:
She is now back on the 2nd row but the 3rd row is really useful to us so we can take some of her friends along whilst keeping the little guy (2yr old) in his second row seat.
I wouldn't have ordered the car w/o it plus you get a much more flexbile 2nd row too...

C

It is useful for kids (and small adults). For us, when we go out with another couple who have a 4 yr old, it allows the 7 of us to travel together. Also, for people who purchased their X5, it could be an important consideration for resale (not only value, but increasing the potential pool of buyers, many of who will exclude considering a vehicle without the option).

Look here for photos of my E70 with 3rd row of seats. About 5 or 6 posts down, I have posted two photos of my children sitting in the 3rd row. There is _loads_ of room...

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e70-forum/...uk-photos.html

PS - just looking at the poll results, I guess it isn't "once and for all" ... basically a 50/50 split on whether people like them or not. But, having a 10 year old, 7 year old and 6 year old, the only reason the E70 was on our list of possible cars was because of the 3rd row of seats. Without the 3rd row, it's just a tall saloon car, and I see absolutely no logic in buying a car like this if you don't plan on getting the 3rd row. Buy an E60!

there are lots of other good reasons for getting an X5.

In addition to third row mine are:

1. four wheel drive capability - we don't get the 4wd e60 models in the uk - and we get snowed in at least twice a year
2. internal ambiance and ergonomics are much better than the e60
3. higher driving position - essential if you live in the country, as you can see over hedges
4. taller luggage area - essential for carrying tall plants back from garden centre
5. x5 looks better than e60

There are a myriad of other little things as well

that was the main reason we did it on the Volvo XC90 we got, and from what I hear, it more than doubles it's chances of a faster sell.

Totally agree! I could have gotten an E70 with or without the 3rd row seat because I love the X5 since day one.
I will be getting the E70 with the 3rd row seat because:
1. I have 2 kids (1 and 10 yr old). It will come in handy when we go out with friends on weekends and just take one car.
2. I have a ten year old girl. The extra seats will be handy to haul 2 more of her friends to go to the movies or Hanna Montana concert.
3. I always lease my X5's and the additional $15 - 20 dollars a month to add the extra seat is a no brainer.

My only concern with the 3rd row seat is the lack of spare tire. I don't care if they're run flat tires. Not a good feeling if you're driving in the middle of the California deserts or going skiing in the mountains. I will resolve that concern by purchasing a compatible donut spare tire from the local tire shop and toss it in the back for those long trips. Extra baggage but worth the peace of mind.

Lol, you were struggling after point number 3, I could tell! My post was actually just me being sarcastic - the X5 is a lovely car, 3rd row or not. We have an E60 as well and they are completely different cars :)

my 13 year old boy loves the thrid row, its secluded back there so its like he isnt evne there, haha