Which BMW Models Offer Three Rows of Seating?

If you’re shopping for a new BMW and need room for up to 7 passengers, an important question is: which BMW SUV models come with three rows of seating? Although best known for luxury sedans and sporty two-door vehicles, BMW has stepped firmly into the world of family-friendly SUVs. Now multiple BMW models can be configured with an optional or standard third row to handle bigger crews and maximize interior space when needed.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to BMW three row SUV options. We’ll cover which specific models offer three rows, detail the interior dimensions and cargo flexibility, and help you determine if an X5 or X7 best fits your space requirements. Expert reviews of BMW’s SUV offerings are also included along with tips for test driving and getting the best deals on three row BMW models.

Overview of BMW SUV Lineup and Third Row Availability

BMW entered the SUV segment over two decades ago with the release of the midsize BMW X5 in 1999. This luxury crossover proved immensely popular and demonstrated that BMW could apply their trademark driving dynamics to roomier, more versatile vehicles just as well.

Additional SUV models soon followed, including:

• BMW X3 (compact SUV)
• BMW X4 (compact coupe SUV)
• BMW X6 (midsize coupe SUV)
• BMW X7 (full-size SUV)

Out of BMW’s current SUV lineup, two models offer the option for three rows of seating:

• BMW X5: Optional third row bench available, allowing 7 passenger capacity
• BMW X7: Comes standard with 7 passenger seating and a third row

So when answering the question “which BMW has three rows”, the X5 and X7 are the models that can be configured with extra seating. Let’s explore the details on how each SUV measures up:

BMW X5 Third Row Details

The BMW X5 sets the foundation for the modern luxury SUV segment. For 2023, the X5 is entering its fifth generation with updated styling, advanced technology features, and of course BMW’s renowned driving dynamics.

This midsize SUV offers great versatility, available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations plus a fuel efficient plug-in hybrid model.

While the standard X5 seats five passengers in two rows, prospective owners can add the optional third row package to allow seven total occupants. Key details on the BMW X5’s third row option:

• Splits 40/20/40 for flexible fold-down capabilities
• Best accommodates children and smaller adults due to limited legroom
• Third row effectively creates +2 seating while maintaining cargo space behind second row
• 33.9 cubic feet of cargo area with third row folded down
• Up to 72.3 cubic feet of cargo space with second and third row folded (nearly flat load floor)

The BMW X5 third row option adds welcome flexibility for larger families or those who frequently carpool kids for school and activities. You retain solid cargo volume even while the third row is deployed, so no compromise there. However, the smaller dimensions do not make this an ideal full-time seven seater SUV. The third row is perhaps best utilized as an occasional +2 seating area.

BMW X7 Third Row Details

As BMW’s largest SUV offering, the X7 brings serious passenger and cargo capabilities to the table. This full-size luxury SUV debuted in 2019 as BMW’s new flagship family vehicle.

The standard X7 configuration seats seven occupants across three rows. But the interior dimensions, pricing, and luxury appointments definitely step above what the X5 brings to market. Notable elements of the BMW X7 related to its three row seating include:

• Greater third row headroom, hip room and shoulder room versus X5
• Second row captain’s chairs optional for 6 passenger seating
• 12.8 cubic feet behind third row, 48.6 cubic feet behind second row
• Up to 90.4 cubic feet max cargo area with rear seats folded flat
• Same wheelbase as long wheelbase 7 Series sedan, optimized proportions

The X7 third row can genuinely accommodate average height adults for long road trips or daily commuting needs. Occupants enjoy expansive headroom thanks to the SUV’s boxy proportions and intelligent use of space. You also have the unique option of swapping the second row bench for captain’s chairs. This opens up easier access to the third row while still seating six in comfort.

Given the clear advantages in passenger room and cargo flexibility, the X7 solidifies its role as BMW’s premier three row SUV offering.

Buying Considerations for BMW 3rd Row SUV

If you’ve narrowed your SUV search down to BMW models with three rows, several factors will determine which option best fits your situation. It’s not exclusively about dimensions or seating capacity numbers.

Here are key considerations as you evaluate the X5 versus X7 for purchase:

Passenger Space and Comfort
The X7 third row is engineered for adults up to around 6 feet tall. The seat bottom cushions are mounted higher off the floor to allow suitable leg room. The X5 third row has less padding and primarily caters to small teens or children.

Standard vs Optional Configuration
Adding the third row option on an X5 boosts cost by around $2,100. The X7 comes equipped with three rows by default, wrapped neatly into trim pricing that aligns closer to standard X5 models.

Occupant Access
The X7 has doors that open wider for simplified third row access. The standard bench seat slides forward with one hand motion. X5 third row space can prove trickier to enter and exit frequently.

Cargo Flexibility
Both SUVs feature split-folding rear seats for prioritizing either passenger capacity or max cargo volume as needed. The X7 offers the most total cargo space at over 90 cubic feet.

Off Road Performance
The X5 and X7 are both equipped with sophisticated traction management systems. However the X5 has greater suspension articulation and ride height for venturing off pavement.

Fuel Efficiency
Go with the X5 plug-in hybrid model if maximum mpg is important. This nets 50+ electric miles and 20+ mpg when running hybrid mode. The turbo inline-6 X7 xDrive40i is rated at 21 city / 26 highway mpg.

Of course, cost is sure to be a driving factor as well. MSRP pricing lands the X5 in the $60,000 to $85,000 range, depending on configuration. The X7 spans from approximately $75,000 up to the six-figure mark for high performance trims. Ultimately there are great options at multiple price points if prioritizing interior space.

Expert Review of BMW Third Row SUV Models

The experts at Car & Driver have logged extensive testing miles with BMW SUV models over the years. They evaluate critical areas like ride comfort, interior ergonomics, performance abilities on pavement and off road handling.

Here are some excerpts highlighting their impressions around living with the X5 and X7 SUVs specifically regarding the available three row seating:

BMW X5 Review

“Unlike some other three-row crossovers, the X5’s extra row doesn’t seriously compromise second-row comfort or cargo space behind it. We fit two adults back there comfortably, although things are cramped.”

BMW X7 Review

“The X7 packs genuine space and comfort into all three rows. This should be cross-shopped more frequently with luxury sedans like the 7 series.”

The inputs from automotive journalists reinforce that both BMW models are compelling options relative to non-luxury three row SUVs. Overall cabin refinement, driving enjoyment, and passenger accommodations rate very well. The X7 quite clearly provides superior third row roominess over the X5 if that’s an absolute priority.

Some other ownership considerations around opting for a new 2023 BMW row SUV include:

Maintenance
Like most luxury vehicles, plan on higher maintenance costs over mainstream brands. Budget approximately $1,200 annually for scheduled service based on driving patterns.

Fuel Economy
These large SUVs call for premium grade gasoline. Combined fuel estimates span from around 21 mpg for X7 V8 models to 50+ MPGe for the electrified X5.

Safety Tech
Both SUVs offer expansive standard safety equipment: airbags, parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, forward collision warning and more. These family haulers have your back!

Shopping for Your BMW 3rd Row SUV

Once you’ve weighed the differences between the X5 versus X7 for BMW three row SUV models, it’s time to head out shopping! Local BMW dealers offer the opportunity to walkaround current inventory, build & price various configurations, plus test drive these SUVs fully loaded.

In Person Evaluation

Seeing these luxury SUVs firsthand brings key nuances and interior volume into realistic perspective. Pay particular attention to third row spatial proportions beyond basic dimensions. Measure sight lines, ease of entering/exiting, available features to keep rear passengers comfortable during long rides.

Test Drives

Get behind the wheel of both the X5 and X7 to form your own driving impressions regarding acceleration, steering and handling around town plus at highway speeds. Balance ride quality over bumps or uneven roads between models. Gauge overall noise levels and passenger comfort in all seating rows. Test drives remove assumptions.

Current Deals

BMW frequently runs special financing rates, SUV-focused incentive offers and BMW Certified Pre-Owned value opportunities. Discuss available deals and any order customization options with your dealer’s sales professionals. Timing your three row BMW SUV purchase right allows you to maximize value depending on local inventory availability.

FAQs on BMW 3rd Row SUVs

Does BMW offer captain’s chairs on their SUVs?

Yes – the X7 has an available configuration with second row captain’s chairs instead of the standard bench seat. This opens up easier access to reach the third row.

Can I get heated rear seats on a BMW X5 or X7?

Both SUVs allow you to add multi-zone climate control and heated rear seats for passenger comfort. Ventilated front seats are also available depending on trim selection.

What is the towing capacity on the X5 and X7 models?

The turbocharged BMW X5 can tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped. For the X7, maximum rated towing capacity spans from 5,600 to 7,500 pounds depending on powertrain selection.

The Verdict: Which BMW for 3 Rows is Best?

When evaluating BMW three row SUV options, the 2023 BMW X7 clearly emerges as the superior choice for passengers thanks to the engineering considerations made around its standard third row implementation. This full-size luxury crossover simply offers more interior volume in total – including added inches of second and third row legroom that lets it more comfortably welcome adults.

The X5 still retains merit by introducing the flexibility of going from five seater to seven seater capacity via the third row package. It lands at a lower price point too. However, that third row feels more occasional use and better tailored to younger riders. As an anytime luxury vehicle prepared to haul families, carpool groups, sports teams, and adventurous adult friends, there is no topping the creature comforts inside the exceptional BMW X7.

Ready to upgrade your drive? Reach out to local BMW dealers to learn more about currently available inventory, pricing and test drive opportunities for BMW’s innovative lineup of luxury SUVs, including the X5 and X7 three row models.