[BritInSF]

I’ve had 3 kids (7 to teen) in my M50i with bench for 3 years.

When they were younger, we couldn’t attach three child seats next to each in a way that easily allows each kid to click in their buckle easily. It’s frustrating and one kid needed to be in the third row. The issue is that the latch anchor points on the second row outer seats are too inset.

Now, our eldest is out of a booster. For longer trips where we need max trunk space and all three are in the second row, our eldest finds the middle seat in the second row very uncomfortable.

If I pick up a new 2025 X7 (please Porsche, bring a 7-seat SUV to market ASAP so I don’t have to!), I’ll get the captain’s chairs.

[XB7]

I have and love my captains chairs but I only have one kid.
For me it was a must have

[ST23]

2 kids (infant and 2 year old) here, decided to go with bench seating for the main purpose of easily having either my wife or mother-in-law sit in the same row as the kids. Forward facing sits behind driver, infant rear facing in the middle, and adult behind passenger seat. It's quite roomy, and does not feel tight.

This works best since the kids are still using our Uppababy vista stroller (massive) we keep the 3rd row down most of the time.

[Photographer918]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

Captain's are the way for families with young children. The Bench is only needed only needed if one needs to 1) treat this like a truck and haul plywood frequently or 2) is a family of 7 instead of 6.

I’ll defer to you on families with young children. For anyone who regularly needs a three row SUV, I’d recommend something much larger - Escalade, Suburban, Wagoneer, Atlas, or Minivan. The X7 is best as a five seater, with rare use of a third row, just like the X5 is best as a two seater, with the backseat getting used very occasionally.

Long road trip - you won’t be filling the seats, unless you’re towing a luggage trailer. (Then again I concede that I have extreme ideas when I hear long road trip - I tend to think of 30 nights or so, and the need for survival gear or 70-80liters of water in the car….)

Now, if they upsize to an X9, that might work as a genuine three row…. :-)