Order the big GL Merc SUV, its 3rd row seat are fully electric :thumbup:

Looked at that, too underpowered

Downright scary... you trust yourself to drive well and follow the rules but you can't trust others... you can't even trust they're paying attention.

+1. :iagree:The 3rd row was a must for us. We wanted a maneuvarable SAV not too big, but yet able to haul 2 more rugrats if needed in a pinch. Again, nice to have that option, but def. not a going on any road trips.

How do you choose which of your three children has to sit in the third row? Or is the one that draws the short straw.

I did read somewhere that the second row is less comfortable in a 7 seater than in a 5 seater. Don't know if that is true.

So is the third row only suitable for short teenagers and dwarfs? It's a bit limiting.

No dwarfs, there is a 5' minimum height requirement for the 3rd row or the safety devices will not work as designed, according to BMW. I guess it would be OK for dwarfs that you didn't like very much, but that comes across as a little harsh.

The 3rd row seats in the X5 is recommended for ppl 5'7" and under. However I have heard that 6' ppl sat back there (not for long periods).

The dealer also said toddlers (5yrs old, even 4yrs old as long as they meet the requirement for boaster seats) can sit back there with a boaster seat.
The logic is if the seat belt is in the correct position right on the shoulder (not the neck).
You can not install infant or toddler child seats in the 3rd row because there are not child seat anchors back there.

I would think the 3rd row area is the safest place to be in, because of all the reinforcement around that area as well as the airbag curtains reaches back there and with minimum window/glass to shatter.
The 2nd row seats also provide frontal support for the 3rd row and the rear truck and bumper crumples on any impact absorbing most or all of the rear end collision.

IMHO your humble opinion is not humble enough!

You have to be more specific on what you disagree with and details.

BMW recommends the ppl 5'7" and under to sit in 3rd row?
I believe I heard that from BMW's advertisement when launch at auto shows. (maybe BMW marketing are idiots?)

Boaster seats in the 3rd row? Boaster seats don't have safety hooks for the anchors. What is your problem with that?
Boaster seats requirements are 40lb - 80lb and over 4'9" or at 9yrs.
Many toddlers are between 40-80lb and 4'9" at age of 4 -5.
So why can't they sit in the 3rd row.

What else? 3rd row being safest because the extra reinforcements around that area?

seat belt position on the child?

bumpers and Crumpling truck zone absorb impacts?

What???? be specific!!!:stickpoke

Personally I think you are an idiot for calling someone an idiot without detail. I don't mine you saying he is wrong but to call names. Simply uncivilized!!

Rock paper scissors maybe, more humane and entertaining ;)

Actually the 2nd row reclines in an X with 3rd row seating and are more comfortable, so that makes for another reason to have the 3rd row seating. I guess, BMW may be using that to justify the high cost of the 3rd row option ;)

I wanted reclining seats as we do long trips and the kids fall asleep but unfortunately you cannot have that without the third row option.
I agree reclining would be more comfortable. I think what I heard was more to do with the part that you sit on. If anyone is going for the third row just give the second row a good up and down bounce test, especially if you have a boney butt.