Is the 3rd Row Safe?
 

Do you consider the 3rd row to be safe in the X5 - or any SUV for that matter?

If so, for what ages (toddlers in carseats, children 7-10, etc.)?


Thanks!

No, next question.

Just kidding. I am not sure. I don't know if it has been tested by any reputable source. Sort of giving this a bump.

What kind of question is this? Sorry.:dunno:

It's a rational question, that's what.

Let me give you some background on my question: I recently went to the BMW dealership in (in Bellevue, WA). The salesperson I spoke to said that he would not recommend the 3rd row seat in the X5 - and if I really wanted a 3rd row seat, I should look at the Audi Q7.

So my question is: was that salesperson correct, or not? I haven't found any solid info about it yet (just speculation).

Thanks!

ps - 888, if you're not going to further the conversation, why bother posting? :dunno:

It's a good question. The third row is not designed for any car seat or booster seat, and BMW lists that safety warning in the E70 owner's manual. BMW state that children under 13 years or 5 feet in height should not ride in the third row, but only in the second row, and that car seats should not be installed in the third row.

So no, I do not consider it safe for children that need a car seat or booster seat. I think it is perfectly safe for a teenager that fits.

This may be an important question if you have a large family. I see the point. I would love to see if any reputable source has crash tested the third row on SUV's where it is an option. Somehow, I doubt it. I would personally feel much safer in the regular old back seat with more metal behind me.

Really surprised that a BMW salesman pointed you in the Audi direction though.

Great. Thanks for the info. This is what I was looking for.

Is there no test data for minivans either? I've often wondered when I sit in the back in the 3rd row.. my head is mere inches from the rear glass. Anyone hitting you from behind even at 25mph is not going to be a love tap.

I read at one point that the 3rd row in the X5 is engineered for a 50 mph rear ender. That's why they retained the awkward clamshell design for the tailgate. This info is from Emission over at the 'fest. Can probably find it with a search or post a question for him there.

that is one honest salesmen...
its not only unsafe in the 3rd row, but its really uncomfortable too. Even in bigger cars like the lexus GX.