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No—the 2023–2026 BMW X5 does not offer a third row in North America[1]. BMW discontinued the optional third-row seating in January 2022 and later confirmed it would not return[2]. The current X5 is strictly a two-row, five-passenger SUV. If you need seven seats in a BMW, the X7 is now your only new-vehicle option[3].
When Did BMW Remove the X5’s Third Row?
BMW officially stopped offering the X5’s third-row option in January 2022[2].
The company initially blamed semiconductor shortages affecting control modules for the rear climate system. Many dealers expected the option to return once supply chain issues resolved. But by March 2022, BMW confirmed the third row would not come back for the 2023 model year—or any year after[2].
The phased elimination actually started earlier for certain variants. X5 M performance models lost third-row availability in 2020, and plug-in hybrid versions (like the xDrive45e and xDrive50e) never offered the option in the current G05 generation[2].
Why Did BMW Discontinue the X5’s Third Row?
Two main reasons: low demand and product lineup strategy.
Low Take Rates
Only about 15% of X5 buyers chose the optional third row[2]. That’s a small percentage for BMW to maintain a separate assembly process, quality control, and parts inventory. When you factor in the engineering compromises required—air suspension, modified cargo floor, rear climate controls—the business case weakened.
X7 Cannibalization
Here’s the real reason. BMW launched the X7 in 2019 as a purpose-built three-row SUV[4]. Every seven-seat X5 sold meant a potential lost X7 sale—at a higher price point. One Reddit owner who bought a 2020 X5 with the third row was told directly: “they stopped offering the third row in X5 mostly because it was viewed as hurting X7 sales”[4].
From a business perspective, it makes sense. Why sell a $75,000 X5 with cramped third-row seats when you can direct that buyer to an $82,000+ X7 with proper three-row accommodations?
Was the X5’s Third Row Actually Usable?
Barely—and only for children.
The X5’s third row offered roughly 23–24 inches of legroom[2]. That’s emergency seating at best. One BimmerPost forum member summed it up: “I can’t imagine a 3rd row being usable at all in the X5”[5].
| X5 Third Row Specs | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Legroom | ~23–24 in. |
| Headroom | ~32 in. |
| Suitable for | Kids in boosters, short trips |
| Adult comfort | Poor to impossible |
Historical specs from forum reports[4][5]
Owners who had the third row generally used it for children in booster seats. Adults could squeeze in for short drives but wouldn’t tolerate anything longer. The X5’s overall length of 194 inches simply doesn’t leave enough space behind the second row for comfortable adult seating.
BMW X5 vs. X7: Which Has Three Rows?
Only the X7 offers three-row seating in BMW’s current lineup[3].
| Specification | BMW X5 | BMW X7 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers | 7 passengers |
| Third Row | Not available | Standard |
| Length | 194.2 in. | 203.3 in. |
| Starting Price | $67,600 | $82,400 |
| Cargo (3rd Row Up) | N/A | 16.3 cu. ft. |
| Cargo (3rd Row Down) | 72.3 cu. ft. | 48.6 cu. ft. |
| Cargo (Max) | 72.3 cu. ft. | 90.4 cu. ft. |
Data from Car and Driver and Edmunds[3][6]
The X7 is 9 inches longer than the X5, which translates to noticeably better third-row space. Second-row passengers also gain recline capability and available captain’s chairs with the X7[4].
The catch? You’re paying roughly $15,000 more at base price. And the X7’s larger footprint affects maneuverability—something to consider if you compare the X5 and X3 sizes and prefer something more manageable.
Can I Still Buy a Used BMW X5 With Third Row?
Yes—if you shop for 2022 or earlier model years.
The G05-generation X5 (2019–2022) offered the third row as an option before discontinuation. The previous F15-generation (2014–2018) and E70-generation (2007–2013) X5s also had the third-row option available[2].
What to Look For in Used X5 Models with 3rd Row
- Years to target: 2019–2021 G05 models (best chance of finding third row)
- Required option codes: Third-row seating package, air suspension
- Avoid: xDrive45e plug-in hybrid (never offered third row)
- Expect: Higher mileage and prices, as these configurations are relatively rare
Since only 15% of buyers opted for the third row, finding used examples requires patience. Certified pre-owned inventory typically has limited third-row X5s.
Does Any International Market Still Offer X5 Third Row?
Some do. The UK’s CarWow notes that “seven seats are a cost option” on the current X5 in Britain—excluding the 50e plug-in hybrid[7]. European and certain Asian markets retained the third-row option that North America lost.
If you’re importing or relocating from overseas, be aware that US-spec vehicles built after January 2022 won’t have the third row regardless of original market[2].
Alternatives to the BMW X5 If You Need 7 Seats
If BMW is your priority, the X7 is your answer. But competitors offer alternatives worth considering.
| Model | Seating | Starting Price | Third-Row Space |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X7 | 7 | $82,400 | Good |
| Mercedes GLE (3-row) | 7 | $60,500 | Tight |
| Audi Q7 | 7 | $61,500 | Moderate |
| Volvo XC90 | 7 | $60,400 | Moderate |
| Land Rover Discovery | 7 | $60,000 | Best in class |
Approximate 2025 pricing
If third-row comfort is paramount, Land Rover’s Discovery offers the most usable space at this price point. The Audi Q7 competes directly with BMW’s X7 while starting nearly $21,000 lower.
Key Takeaways
- The 2023–2026 BMW X5 does not have a third row in North America; BMW discontinued this option in January 2022 and confirmed it won’t return[1][2].
- BMW removed the third row due to low demand (~15% take rate) and to avoid cannibalizing sales of the X7, which launched in 2019 as BMW’s dedicated three-row SUV[2][4].
- The X5’s former third row offered only 23–24 inches of legroom—suitable for children but uncomfortable for adults on any trip longer than a few minutes[2].
- If you need seven seats in a new BMW, the X7 is your only option, starting at $82,400—approximately $15,000 more than a comparable X5[3][6].
- Used 2019–2022 X5 models may still have the third-row option, but these configurations are uncommon due to low original take rates.
FAQs
Does the 2025 BMW X5 have a third row?
No. The 2025 BMW X5 is a five-passenger, two-row SUV only[1]. BMW discontinued the optional third row in January 2022, and it has not returned for any subsequent model years, including 2025 and 2026.
Why doesn’t BMW offer a third row in the X5 anymore?
Which BMW SUV has a third row?
The BMW X7 is the only current BMW SUV with standard third-row seating[3]. It seats seven passengers across three rows and starts at $82,400. The X5, X3, X2, and X1 are all two-row, five-passenger vehicles.
How many seats does a BMW X5 have?
The current BMW X5 (2023–2026) has five seats arranged in two rows[1]. Earlier X5 models (2022 and before) could be optioned with a third row for seven-seat capacity, but this option was discontinued.
Is the BMW X7’s third row comfortable for adults?
Yes—more so than the X5’s former third row. The X7’s additional 9 inches in length provide significantly more legroom and headroom for third-row passengers[6]. Adults can ride comfortably in the X7’s third row for moderate distances, unlike the X5’s cramped rear seats which suited only children.
References
- Car and Driver. (2025). 2026 BMW X5 Review, Pricing, and Specs. https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/x5
- Autvex. (2025). Does BMW X5 Have 3rd Row? A Full Guide by Year. https://autvex.com/does-bmw-x5-have-3rd-row/
- Car and Driver. (2025). 2026 BMW X5 vs. 2026 BMW X7 Comparison. https://www.caranddriver.com/compare/bmw-x5-vs-bmw-x7
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Reddit r/BMWX5. (2024). BMW X5 vs X7: Why Did You Choose the X5?
BMW X5 vs X7. Why did you choose the X5?
byu/HarriBallsak420 inBMWX5 - BimmerPost G05 Forum. (2024). 3rd Row in 2025 X5? https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2078976
- Edmunds. (2025). BMW X5 vs BMW X7 Comparison. https://www.edmunds.com/car-comparisons/bmw-x5-vs-bmw-x7/
- CarWow UK. (2025). BMW X5 Review 2026 | Price, Interior & Boot Space. https://www.carwow.co.uk/bmw/x5
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
