BMW X5 is one of the biggest cars in its class. It is bigger than the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Volvo XC90, and Range Rover Sport. However, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 come with third-row as standard. But does BMW X5 have a third-row?
Yes, BMW X5 has a third row. However, the third-row package is only for the BMW X5 xDrive40i base model. Other BMW X5 trims don’t have a third-row package and can only seat up to five people. Additionally, interested users will have to pay some extra cash to get the third-row package.
Is the third-row package suitable for all BMW X5 trims?
No, the third-row package is only available for the BMW X5 xDrive40i trim. This means that other BMW X5 trims, such as the xDrive45e Hybrid and M50i cannot be upgraded to a third-row. These are just 5-seaters like the BMW X3. The third-row package that is available for the xDrive40i allows the buyer to upgrade the car to a seven-seater.
Which BMW third-row seating is more comfortable – BMW X5 or BMW X7?
Despite BMW X5 and BMW X7 offering third-row seating, the third-row seating in the X7 is more comfortable and spacious than the third-row seating in the X5. This is because the BMW X7 comes with a more spacious cabin than the BMW X5. Here are their dimensions:
BMW X5 measurements:
- Seating capacity of five or seven passengers with an optional third-row
- Front/rear/third-row legroom: 39.8-inches/37.4-inches/NA
- Front/rear/third-row shoulder room: 60-inches/58.1-inches/NA
- Cargo capacity: 33.9 cubic feet or 72.3 cubic feet with all the rear seats folded
BMW X7 measurements:
- Seating capacity seven passengers or six with second-row captain’s chair
- Front/rear/third-row legroom: 39.8-inches/37.6-inches/NA
- Front/rear/third-row shoulder room: 60-inches/58.1-inches/47.9-inches
- Cargo capacity: 12.8 cubic feet behind third-row, 48.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 90.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.
Features of the BMW X5
Appearance
The BMW X5 comes with a traditional SUV design that also looks luxurious and handsome. It has a large kidney grille, a panoramic moonroof, 19-inch alloy wheels with a BMW badge, and lovely LED adaptive headlights. Overall, it looks classy and attractive.
Performance
Porsche Cayenne may be the best performing mid-size luxury SUV, but the BMW X5 is not far off. Thanks to its powerful engine that deliver excellent power. BMW X5 has three engine options; a 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 gas engine, a 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 hybrid, and 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 gas engine.
The base BMW X5 is not very powerful, but it is better than most cars in its class. The BMW X5 M50i is one of the best-performing cars in the class as it produces a maximum of 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, it has a top speed of 155 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in just 3.8 seconds.
Comfort
As stated above, BMW X5 is among the most spacious cars in its class. It has a big cabin with large and comfortable seats. Besides, it also has a large cargo area that can store lots of luggage, making it one of the best cars for off-road driving or outdoors.
Fuel efficiency
BMW X5 is among the best-performing cars in their class. Surprisingly, it is also one of the most fuel-efficient mid-size luxury SUVs. This car has an EPA rating of 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and a combined 23 mpg. It is more fuel-efficient than the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Mercedes GLE, and Range Rover Sport.
Safety
BMW X5 is one of the safest cars in its class. It is safer than the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, and Volvo XC90. Only Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class can be considered to be safer than the X5. It boasts several top safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive brake lights, dynamic cruise control, and much more.
Price
When compared to most of its competitors, the BMW X5 is quite expensive. Nonetheless, buyers get powerful, high-performance, spacious, and safe mid-size luxury SUVs. The base BMW X5, the xDrive40i goes for about $60,300, while their performance model, the M50i goes for around $82,600.
FAQ
Is the BMW X5 expensive to maintain?
Yes, BMW X5 is among the most expensive midsize luxury SUVs to maintain. This is because this car reports more issues than most midsize SUVs, aside from the Range Rover Sport. On top of that, BMW spare parts are quite costly compared to other brands like Mercedes and Audi.
What is high mileage for BMW X5?
The high mileage for the BMW X5 is 100,000 to 150,000 miles. So, if you’re considering acquiring a used BMW X5, pick one with 100,000 or fewer miles. When BMW X5 hits 100,000 miles, the car starts to develop serious issues, which can drive up the cost of ownership.
Is there any BMW model with a standard third-row seating?
Yes, the BMW X7 comes with standard third-row seating. The third-row in the BMW X7 is more spacious than the third-row in the BMW X5. What’s more, unlike the BMW X5 where you have to pay for the third-row package, you don’t have to pay an extra dime to get the BMW X7 with third-row.
Does BMW X6 come with a third-row?
Unfortunately, the BMW X6 does not come with a third row. This is because it is very compact and cannot accommodate third-row seating at the moment. Besides, its rear seats are quite cramped up as it has a sloped roofline. If you want a mid-size BMW SUV with 7-seats, consider getting the BMW X5.
Final thoughts
Now that you know BMW X5 comes with a third-row package option, you can add it to your car so that your kids, their dogs, and friends can all be carried in one car. However, it is vital to note that the third-row package provided by BMW is only for their base BMW X5 xDrive40i model and not the xDrive45e plug-in hybrid or M50i.
What’s more, the third-row package is not free of charge but an additional cost. Besides, it is not suitable for adults as it is quite cramped. Overall, having an option for third-row is an excellent idea for people who want some extra seats for their dog or kids.
