Would you want a 7-seater X1?

[414bhp]

Hi all!

The X1 competitor from Mercedes is the GLB and it has optional third-row for seating up to 7 passengers. Would you take third-row seats if they were available for the X1?

I had a few days with a 7-seat GLB 250 as a service loaner. (I wrote up my experience with the 7-seat GLB here on my blog.) I was skeptical that the third-row seats would be usable/desirable and dismayed that they gobble up nearly all of the trunk space.

But for my family with two small kids, the back seats helped in around-town situations where our party was 6 or 7 people and the little kids took the third row. That situation can frequently happen if the grandparents are in town or if we are doing a school carpool.

I'm curious to hear your opinion on third-row seating for compact SUVs!

Mike

[chassis]

Nice looking on the outside. That's the only positive for the GLB in my view.

Kids grow. In 2-3 years they will be too big for the third row. Maybe you will have ditched the GLB by that time.

Cylinder head issues are quite the thing with this car. Failed cylinder heads replaced under warranty are well-documented on mbworld, read more about it. Caveat emptor.

The interior is cheap. Do not expect what's left of the aura of MB to have influenced the interior. Materials, controls, space and visuals are cheap.

Summary: MB econobox, nice looking on the outside, cheap on the inside, with an unreliable engine. Do not buy/lease.

[Bc2005]

One of this issues I’ve found when you take a light duty vehicle (minivan or small suv) and actually put 7 into it, you may immediately exceed the max load rating of the vehicle.

I hauled around my son and his Boy Scout buddies in a Dodge minivan and it was really a pig to drive with myself and six 12-14 year old boys. The suspension was just not able to handle the load, especially when driving into campsites. The engine had enough power, but braking and handling was pretty bad.

[tturedraider]

So, basically the X1 would no longer be the X1. The X1 was created to be a compact, entry level SUV for BMW.

[Almuliman]

There was a brand new X1 on the Puget Sound chapter tour this weekend. Very nice looking small SUV, I mean SAV, and no, no way that would work with a 3rd row. As tturedraider says above, it wouldn't be an X1.

I'm sure BMW can invent a niche for something like that, though. Or is the X2 or X3 just that? If not, how's about an X1 Grand Coupé? An X4? X2 Kompakt?

<sigh>

[M5Rick]

Third row of seats in a micro suv just means you are planning to use it as a maybe taxi.

[p0p]

The x1 is more along the lines of a GLA250 NOT a GLB250.

[celsdogg]

No.

[RM7]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

No wonder we can't get a manual transmission in a 3-series sports sedan anymore.

Struggle is real.

[MJBO]

Originally Posted by hudsonchris

Hey there,

I totally get where you're coming from. Having that optional third-row in compact SUVs like the GLB does offer some flexibility, especially for those moments when you need to accommodate more passengers. It's interesting how those extra seats can come in handy for short trips or special occasions with larger groups.

I checked out your blog post about the GLB's third-row experience, and it's cool to see your firsthand take on it. It's a valid point that while the third-row might not be the most spacious, it can be a game-changer when you're in a pinch.

For me, having the choice for third-row seats in an X1 sounds appealing, especially considering those times when you need to squeeze in a few extra folks. It's all about finding that balance between seating capacity and trunk space, depending on your needs.

Thanks for sparking this discussion – it's a thought-provoking topic!

Best regards,
Hudson Chris

This is what Chat GPT wrote for me:

Absolutely, the addition of a third row of seats in the Mercedes Benz GLB brings some compelling benefits to the table. First and foremost, it significantly expands the seating capacity, allowing you to comfortably accommodate more passengers – perfect for family trips, carpooling, or outings with friends. This feature comes in handy when your needs evolve, and you find yourself requiring extra space.

Furthermore, the enhanced versatility is a major advantage. You can fold down the third row when you need to maximize cargo space, making it versatile for various activities – from grocery shopping to road trips. It's a great option for those seeking a balance between passenger comfort and cargo capacity.

Considering the luxurious nature of Mercedes Benz vehicles, you'll find that the third row doesn't compromise on quality. Passengers in the rear still get to enjoy premium materials, advanced tech features, and a comfortable ride – maintaining the brand's signature luxury experience.

As for your query about the BMW X1, I completely agree. It would be fantastic if more compact SUVs, like the BMW X1, offered a third row option. This would provide drivers with a similar level of flexibility and adaptability, catering to larger groups or growing families. It's a trend that can certainly enhance the driving experience and make these vehicles even more appealing to a wider range of drivers.

In summary, the third row in the Mercedes Benz GLB brings undeniable benefits in terms of seating capacity, versatility, and maintaining the luxury experience. The concept of expanding this feature to other models like the BMW X1 is intriguing and could further elevate the appeal of compact SUVs in the market.

[414bhp]

Originally Posted by Almuliman

I'm sure BMW can invent a niche for something like that, though. Or is the X2 or X3 just that? If not, how's about an X1 Grand Coupé? An X4? X2 Kompakt?

<sigh>

This is very funny!

[414bhp]

Originally Posted by MJBO

This is what Chat GPT wrote for me:

Absolutely, the addition of a third row of seats in the Mercedes Benz GLB brings some compelling benefits to the table. First and foremost, it significantly expands the seating capacity, allowing you to comfortably accommodate more passengers – perfect for family trips, carpooling, or outings with friends. This feature comes in handy when your needs evolve, and you find yourself requiring extra space.

Furthermore, the enhanced versatility is a major advantage. You can fold down the third row when you need to maximize cargo space, making it versatile for various activities – from grocery shopping to road trips. It's a great option for those seeking a balance between passenger comfort and cargo capacity.

Considering the luxurious nature of Mercedes Benz vehicles, you'll find that the third row doesn't compromise on quality. Passengers in the rear still get to enjoy premium materials, advanced tech features, and a comfortable ride – maintaining the brand's signature luxury experience.

As for your query about the BMW X1, I completely agree. It would be fantastic if more compact SUVs, like the BMW X1, offered a third row option. This would provide drivers with a similar level of flexibility and adaptability, catering to larger groups or growing families. It's a trend that can certainly enhance the driving experience and make these vehicles even more appealing to a wider range of drivers.

In summary, the third row in the Mercedes Benz GLB brings undeniable benefits in terms of seating capacity, versatility, and maintaining the luxury experience. The concept of expanding this feature to other models like the BMW X1 is intriguing and could further elevate the appeal of compact SUVs in the market.

ChatGPT aims to please!

[414bhp]

Originally Posted by chassis

Nice looking on the outside. That's the only positive for the GLB in my view.

Kids grow. In 2-3 years they will be too big for the third row. Maybe you will have ditched the GLB by that time.

Cylinder head issues are quite the thing with this car. Failed cylinder heads replaced under warranty are well-documented on mbworld, read more about it. Caveat emptor.

The interior is cheap. Do not expect what's left of the aura of MB to have influenced the interior. Materials, controls, space and visuals are cheap.

Summary: MB econobox, nice looking on the outside, cheap on the inside, with an unreliable engine. Do not buy/lease.

I'm actually a bigger fan of the X1 styling.

I see your point about the kids outgrowing the third-row seats fairly quickly. As soon as you are over 5' tall I think you'd want out.

Yeah, the interior is cheap. But it is cheap in a way that you won't mind your early elementary school kids mucking up. :-)

[414bhp]

Originally Posted by p0p

The x1 is more along the lines of a GLA250 NOT a GLB250.

I always thought the X2 was more like the GLA250, and the X1 was the GLB counterpart. Mainly because the X2 and GLA both have pumped-up hatchback vibes.

[414bhp]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

Third row of seats in a micro suv just means you are planning to use it as a maybe taxi.

Shuttling my kids around I feel like a taxi driver!

[nerdogray]

I don't even know seven people.

[10"]

The only X1 I’d want is with no backseats, a roll cage, manual transmission, and RWD.

[10"]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I bought one of those; it's called a "Bronco"...

nice—literally the ONLY SUV I like!