[Mosaud1998]

I've got a question for my fellow X7 owners. So, I somewhat convinced my parents to sell the Minivan (yes, we have a Sienna ). They said they'll sell it if they can get a 3-row LUXURY SUV... now hear me out. To me, that makes no sense. The youngest person in the house is 20.. and like 6 feet and some inches. Sisters going to get married soon. Then I'm next. So, to mean 3rd row SUV makes no sense if we're talking about the future. But, hey I'm not paying so. What're we going to do with a 3-row? Anyways, my younger brother, mom, and dad are going to go look at a few cars Friday. One of those cars is the X7. How tight is the 3rd row in the X7? I know in the Sienna, it's not that bad. I mean, my younger brother can't sit back there comfortably for hours. But, he tolerates it. We recently drove to Virginia in the Sienna. It wasn't that bad. There's a decent amount of room in the 3rd row of the minivan. But, that's with the 2nd row almost all the way up. I mean, is the X7 worth the extra 12k over an X5? I personally haven't sat in either one. Mercedes GLS is out the ballpark. Those things cost a fortune So, it's the Audi Q7, BMW X5/X7, and Mercedes GLE.

[wtwo3]

PM sent!

[blutob2]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

I've got a question for my fellow X7 owners. So, I somewhat convinced my parents to sell the Minivan (yes, we have a Sienna ). They said they'll sell it if they can get a 3-row LUXURY SUV... now hear me out. To me, that makes no sense. The youngest person in the house is 20.. and like 6 feet and some inches. Sisters going to get married soon. Then I'm next. So, to mean 3rd row SUV makes no sense if we're talking about the future. But, hey I'm not paying so. What're we going to do with a 3-row? Anyways, my younger brother, mom, and dad are going to go look at a few cars Friday. One of those cars is the X7. How tight is the 3rd row in the X7? I know in the Sienna, it's not that bad. I mean, my younger brother can't sit back there comfortably for hours. But, he tolerates it. We recently drove to Virginia in the Sienna. It wasn't that bad. There's a decent amount of room in the 3rd row of the minivan. But, that's with the 2nd row almost all the way up. I mean, is the X7 worth the extra 12k over an X5? I personally haven't sat in either one. Mercedes GLS is out the ballpark. Those things cost a fortune So, it's the Audi Q7, BMW X5/X7, and Mercedes GLE.

We got the X7 because we needed a 3rd row but now my oldest (18) is off at school. It definitely helped moving him in too but I think when the 16 yr old is gone then we might downsize to the X5. We keep the 3rd row folded 95% of the time too. Just never really use but it does help when we have family in town and want to car pool.

But regarding the Audi Q7, I was initially going to buy that one and didn't care for it all compared to the X7. Plus no remote start in Audi's, if you care about that.

[huskerdoc2020]

I tried to step down for my wife as I didn't think she needed the extra space like my X7, but after driving an X5 I felt like it was a significant step down in terms of space and ride. So ordered a second X7.

[unfoundnemo]

Perhaps they're looking ahead toward grandkids?

Our 15 year old (~5'8") sits comfortably in the back of the X7 for long periods. She was a little more comfortable in when we had our 2020 (captains chairs in the second row) than the 2022 with a bench, mainly because she could stretch a leg out between them here and there. She does ask that her sister sitting in front of her slides the seat up a little front of the standard position. She doesn't really like having her little sister back there with her because it gets a bit cramped, but was fine with the second seat down in the third row over the weekend on a trip.

I have been back there quite a bit for detailing and such on my own (I'm 5'10). I'd probably be comfortable for trips up to like an 30 min or so without issue. It's still a bit tight and a pain to get back there... it's workable with adults, but would only look toward it to serve as a single vehicle to take to dinner or something like that a few times a year. You'd have to get one of the BIG SUVs (Navigator, Grand Wagoneer, Escalade, etc.) to haul around more than 4 adults for longer or more frequent trips... but those aren't for me.

I'm looking forward to getting out of the X7 in a couple years once the older two are 18+ myself. I'll probably go back down to an X5/6... something with fairly comparable luxury that I could enjoy carving up the road a bit more (at least as much as possible in an SUV).

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by unfoundnemo

Perhaps they're looking ahead toward grandkids?

Our 15 year old (~5'8") sits comfortably in the back of the X7 for long periods. She was a little more comfortable in when we had our 2020 (captains chairs in the second row) than the 2022 with a bench, mainly because she could stretch a leg out between them here and there. She does ask that her sister sitting in front of her slides the seat up a little front of the standard position. She doesn't really like having her little sister back there with her because it gets a bit cramped, but was fine with the second seat down in the third row over the weekend on a trip.

I have been back there quite a bit for detailing and such on my own (I'm 5'10). I'd probably be comfortable for trips up to like an 30 min or so without issue. It's still a bit tight and a pain to get back there... it's workable with adults, but would only look toward it to serve as a single vehicle to take to dinner or something like that a few times a year. You'd have to get one of the BIG SUVs (Navigator, Grand Wagoneer, Escalade, etc.) to haul around more than 4 adults for longer or more frequent trips... but those aren't for me.

I'm looking forward to getting out of the X7 in a couple years once the older two are 18+ myself. I'll probably go back down to an X5/6... something with fairly comparable luxury that I could enjoy carving up the road a bit more (at least as much as possible in an SUV).

I have been back there quite a bit for detailing and such on my own (I'm 5'10). I'd probably be comfortable for trips up to like an 30 min or so without issue. It's still a bit tight and a pain to get back there... it's workable with adults, but would only look toward it to serve as a single vehicle to take to dinner or something like that a few times a year. You'd have to get one of the BIG SUVs (Navigator, Grand Wagoneer, Escalade, etc.) to haul around more than 4 adults for longer or more frequent trips... but those aren't for me.

This right here. That's what I told them. If they want something with enough room in the 3rd row to haul adults, neither the X7, Q7, or GLS will really work.

[bagekko]

The X7 is not as versatile as a minivan and should not be considered as an equivalent. With the captains chairs in second row you lose max big item(s) cargo capability compared to the X5.

We have two little kids and the plan was always to make the 3rd row for them all the time, in 2 yrs they have been back there 95% of the time. For vacations in the X7 if taking 5-6 people a cargo box is a must, and I always planned on getting it. I hate the giant SUVs which is a waste the majority of the time, rather have a reasonable 3 row SUV which drives and handles according to my style. I will never have a minivan and at the point now where its no longer an issue unless unexpected babies happen.

Will always need a 6-7 person SUV, only decision for next time is whether to get bench 2nd row not so much for the 7th person but so they can fold down to get larger items in there once in a great while, too lazy to use the trailer. I need that space when I bring 4 existing wheels and 4 new tires to the shop for my other cars, which is often.

[toddwalton]

With the Captain's Chairs in the 2nd Row, the 3rd Row is the same type of driving experience as a minivan. Plenty of room, doesn't feel claustrophobic, armrests in the 3rd Row, USB-C ports in the 3rd Row, etc.

Regarding legroom, when the 2nd Row is in its middle position (not too close to 1st, not too close to 3rd) there is plenty of legroom in the 2nd Row and 3rd Row.

We've got 2 off at college and 1 fully grown and when we need all 6 of us in the car at the same time no one is feeling cramped or arguing over who needs to sit in the way back. Cargo box on the roof with 6 duffle bags and we're all set for a vacation trip.

Like your parents, we were sick of minivan life and wanted a cool looking SUV that offered minivan-like people moving utility. The X7 is the answer. Drives like a car, too, not a truck. And a BMW at that. The thing handles like a sedan and has awesome acceleration.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

With the Captain's Chairs in the 2nd Row, the 3rd Row is the same type of driving experience as a minivan. Plenty of room, doesn't feel claustrophobic, armrests in the 3rd Row, USB-C ports in the 3rd Row, etc.

Regarding legroom, when the 2nd Row is in its middle position (not too close to 1st, not too close to 3rd) there is plenty of legroom in the 2nd Row and 3rd Row.

We've got 2 off at college and 1 fully grown and when we need all 6 of us in the car at the same time no one is feeling cramped or arguing over who needs to sit in the way back. Cargo box on the roof with 6 duffle bags and we're all set for a vacation trip.

Like your parents, we were sick of minivan life and wanted a cool looking SUV that offered minivan-like people moving utility. The X7 is the answer. Drives like a car, too, not a truck. And a BMW at that. The thing handles like a sedan and has awesome acceleration.

I think the two we're looking at have bench seats in the middle. Not sure how that affects the 3rd row

[toddwalton]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

I think the two we're looking at have bench seats in the middle. Not sure how that affects the 3rd row

Two ways:

First, the 3rd Row is claustrophobic for kids if they can't see through the center split between the Captain's. This can make them nauseous. Seeing through the split and out the windshield solves this.

Second, kids can't get into the 3rd Row down the split in the Captain's if the bench is there.

For adults who can see over the 2nd Row seats and couldn't squeeze through the split in the Captain's, the bench is fine.

Also be advised that the only way to move the 2nd Row seats to access the 3rd Row is by hitting a button and letting motors move everything. This sounds great, very convenient, but it is a slow process. Definitely go visit an X7 and watch the motors in motion as this may sway your buying decision.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

Two ways:

First, the 3rd Row is claustrophobic for kids if they can't see through the center split between the Captain's. This can make them nauseous. Seeing through the split and out the windshield solves this.

Second, kids can't get into the 3rd Row down the split in the Captain's if the bench is there.

For adults who can see over the 2nd Row seats and couldn't squeeze through the split in the Captain's, the bench is fine.

Also be advised that the only way to move the 2nd Row seats to access the 3rd Row is by hitting a button and letting motors move everything. This sounds great, very convenient, but it is a slow process. Definitely go visit an X7 and watch the motors in motion as this may sway your buying decision.

Yeah that's what I was thinking. Captains chairs would be better to go in and out of the third row. But, my folks might no like that. That's why I'm iffy on it still.

[toddwalton]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

Yeah that's what I was thinking. Captains chairs would be better to go in and out of the third row. But, my folks might no like that. That's why I'm iffy on it still.

If you only need 6 passenger seating and want the ultimate in SUV passenger luxury, you can get the Captain's.

If you need 7 passenger capacity or a lie-flat storage area, you need the bench.

[Mosaud1998]

So, we went out today and looked at the X7, X5 GLE, and GLS. The GLS looks like a damn boat and the seats feel like garbage. The GLS also feels tight compared to the X7. GLE has more second-row legroom compared to the X5.

Still in the comparing process. But, GLS is cut off for sure. GLE and X5 are our 2nd options if we decide the 3rd row doesn't make sense. Don't get me wrong, the X7 has hella room in the 2nd row. Not bad in the 3rd row also. We're leaning more toward the bench seat for the X7.

[Mosaud1998]

So, we got an offer of $22k for our minivan (I've got it listed at $22k. That's 3k above retail). I showed it to a gentleman Wednesday. He liked it and everything. He offered $20,750. I was at $21,250. Told him I'd let him know about his offer Thursday. Later that night, I had a talk with my parents and we decided to keep the van. I let him know and he was okay with it. I just got a call from him later this morning and he offered $22k. But, idk we're not really convinced about selling it for an X7. $70k for a car seems like a lot of money. Well, dads okay with it. But, I don't think it's really a good financial decision to make taking into consideration that interest rates are super high along with car prices. Also, the van is 12 years old with 78k miles on it and looks newer than a lot of 4-year-old cars I see. We can get at least 15 more years out of it. Plus, it's more of a want than a need. We don't need a new/luxury car. We've got 2 of those already.

[JayM40i]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

So, we went out today and looked at the X7, X5 GLE, and GLS. The GLS looks like a damn boat and the seats feel like garbage. The GLS also feels tight compared to the X7. GLE has more second-row legroom compared to the X5.

Still in the comparing process. But, GLS is cut off for sure. GLE and X5 are our 2nd options if we decide the 3rd row doesn't make sense. Don't get me wrong, the X7 has hella room in the 2nd row. Not bad in the 3rd row also. We're leaning more toward the bench seat for the X7.

If you need the third row or extra cargo space the x7 is the obvious choice. I was cross shopping these cars as well and found the GLE cargo space to be very limited

[Busa Dave]

I traded the 2021 X5MC for the M50 X7. This is my wife's daily driver and while we both liked the vehicle; we prefer the slightly larger X7. Not really that much difference in power when driving in the city or even getting on the highway. We have both done the sports car thing especially me with several vehicles modified to very high hp levels. The X7M50 or now the M60 is just about perfect with the amount of useable hp for that size of vehicle.

Plus, it is much easier to get in and out of. We haul two small grandkids around, so the first row of rear seats has 2 child seats in it all of the time.