[blutob2]

I currently own a 2022 X7 40i and potentially in the market to buy a 2024 X5 M60i. One of my kids are off to college so we might be downsizing to the X5 since we rarely use the 3rd row. I had an X5 50i loaner earlier this year and it was pretty decent. But my wife was concerned about the 2nd row and she didn't recall a way to move the seats back anymore. She thought they didn't have the same leg room as the X7. The X5 does look like it's 2" shorter in the 2nd row.

Has anyone gone from the X7 to X5 and offer any advice?

[Qsilver7]

X7 rear leg room: 37.6"

X5 rear leg room: 37.4"

[chefwong]

Bluto -

FWIW, the rear sears don't recline in the X5. This was a huge issue for me when I noticed how umcomfortable it was after ordering it and was just doing a rear vac/detail. Our previous X had rear recline.

If you don't care about this detail, and or try out how the rear seats feel at it's preset angle at the deal

I actually went to look at a X7 due to this, but still couldn't get past the additional length - wifey does putz with it around area's where sometimes every little inch counts for street side parking.

[blutob2]

Originally Posted by chefwong

Bluto -

FWIW, the rear sears don't recline in the X5. This was a huge issue for me when I noticed how umcomfortable it was after ordering it and was just doing a rear vac/detail. Our previous X had rear recline.

If you don't care about this detail, and or try out how the rear seats feel at it's preset angle at the deal

I actually went to look at a X7 due to this, but still couldn't get past the additional length - wifey does putz with it around area's where sometimes every little inch counts for street side parking.

Ok interesting they don't recline. That will definitely be a factor too since we take long road trips. Appreciate the info!

[bagd0003]

Originally Posted by chefwong

Bluto -

FWIW, the rear sears don't recline in the X5. This was a huge issue for me when I noticed how umcomfortable it was after ordering it and was just doing a rear vac/detail. Our previous X had rear recline.

If you don't care about this detail, and or try out how the rear seats feel at it's preset angle at the deal

I actually went to look at a X7 due to this, but still couldn't get past the additional length - wifey does putz with it around area's where sometimes every little inch counts for street side parking.

They do recline slightly if you get the optional third row.

[blutob2]

Originally Posted by bagd0003

They do recline slightly if you get the optional third row.

How does this make any sense? Why not offer a reclining 2nd row regardless of a 3rd row, haha.

[weinerbarn]

Owned 2 X7's and now have an X5M. The 2nd row feels much smaller, especially if the X7 had captains chairs. It's fine for teenagers or smaller adults in the second row of the X5. It's not cramped but I wouldn't want to ride back there for hours if I was 6'-4. The ability to move the 2rd row seats back in the X7 does make a huge difference in how the space feels.

[chefwong]

Originally Posted by blutob2

Ok interesting they don't recline. That will definitely be a factor too since we take long road trips. Appreciate the info!

It wasn't on my radar as all the tick boxes were checked on the build and I didn't check....

Assuming you have have captains in the current 7, the current rake of the rear IMO is unbearable. Kiddo's don't notice it or complain, but to it it's very noticeable on -comfort level-.

I'm sure there is a specific formula on -trunk usable depth- and if they had inclined the seats a inch back etc, XYZ would not fit in the trunk flat.
Have to put on my thinking cap on this one as I cannot recall what item but there has been times I've put stuff in the trunk in our *fixed* rear seat and the item basically came up to the edge of the tailgate.


However, with the said, in previous applications where I've needed that extra inch or 2 in the trunk as well, where the rear seat was is in full recline, by reclining it more forward, it allowed X item to fit without dropping the sear down.

[blutob2]

Originally Posted by chefwong

It wasn't on my radar as all the tick boxes were checked on the build and I didn't check....

Assuming you have have captains in the current 7, the current rake of the rear IMO is unbearable. Kiddo's don't notice it or complain, but to it it's very noticeable on -comfort level-

We actually have the bench in the X7. But yeah I guess I need to get to the dealer and check out the X5 more closely. The one dealer that is offering me the current deal is 240 miles away, but my local dealer should have one to at least look at more closely.

Thanks again.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

X7 rear leg room: 37.6"

X5 rear leg room: 37.4"

This is helpful but I believe it’s been measured that the x7s quoted legroom includes leaving space in the 3rd row. If you were to push back the 2nd row consuming all of the legroom of the 3rd row - I believe the 37.6 can grow by multiple inches giving the 2nd row of the x7 substantially more room compared to the x5.

[Steve737]

The X7 is definitely more comfortable in the Second row. I’m really surprised they didn’t add reclining rear seats in the X5. We were ok with it because we are almost empty nesters. Most of the time it’s just my wife and I. If we were still driving the kids around I don’t think this would work for us.

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by Steve737

The X7 is definitely more comfortable in the Second row. I’m really surprised they didn’t add reclining rear seats in the X5. We were ok with it because we are almost empty nesters. Most of the time it’s just my wife and I. If we were still driving the kids around I don’t think this would work for us.

Definitely agree. Many much less expensive cars are able to make 2nd row recline, I wonder why bmw didn’t do that. While it isn’t a huge deal to me, just cannot understand that decision

[chefwong]

Originally Posted by eelnoraa

Definitely agree. Many much less expensive cars are able to make 2nd row recline, I wonder why bmw didn’t do that. While it isn’t a huge deal to me, just cannot understand that decision

If one has rear seat passengers who are adults or just teens - thankfully my kiddos aint' keen on what is supposed to be comfy or not. But the angle of them while not exactly straight Vert, is just something I would say even an adult could not endure for anything more than a 20-30 minute trip. I think I'm on the generous side of 30 minutes as well. They're just not comfy at all being almost vert

[BigWagonFan]

I spent months looking for a car for 2+3 (FWIW I ended up with Audi Q7).

There is more space on X5 bench than on X7 bench. Yes I got it right. I can't say about leg room as I didn't compare that.

I believe that bench in X7 has a different profile. Most likely it's meant to be more comfortable for side passengers.

When it came to fitting child car seats I couldn't fit 3 in a row in X7 easily.

Also please note that 2nd row bench changes when you order X5 with a 3rd row. Its middle seat gets more narrow.

[blutob2]

Originally Posted by BigWagonFan

I spent months looking for a car for 2+3 (FWIW I ended up with Audi Q7).

There is more space on X5 bench than on X7 bench. Yes I got it right. I can't say about leg room as I didn't compare that.

I believe that bench in X7 has a different profile. Most likely it's meant to be more comfortable for side passengers.

When it came to fitting child car seats I couldn't fit 3 in a row in X7 easily.

Also please note that 2nd row bench changes when you order X5 with a 3rd row. Its middle seat gets more narrow.

Yeah we looked at the Q7 before purchasing the X7 but it just seemed to lack so many features and cargo space that the X7 had. We really wanted remote start but seeing where you're from, maybe that's not an option on any car, I really don't know. But in the US, Audi doesn't, well didn't in 2022 have remote start where BMW did.

But appreciate the feedback on the X5 bench, I just need to look at one more closely.

[Photographer918]

A lot depends on where the front seats are adjusted to. I can't sit behind myself, as my seat is all the way down and all the way back. Beloved spouse's seat however is all the way up - which also moves it forward a bit, and that creates enough space for me to easily fit behind her seat. If I was transporting multiple adults in the backseat, I'd have to move my seat forward a bit, and probably ask the smaller of the adults to sit behind me....

[cellarrat]

I have no experience with the X7 so can't compare, but the rear seat in my 45e is effectively unusable for adults going any distance. It is shocking how little space there is back there. With the front seat all the way back, I can't even get a briefcase between the rear of the front seat and the bottom of the back seat.

If you are not tall, and don't have the front seat all the way back, obviously the situation would be different. Fortunately I rarely have anyone sitting back there so it isn't really a problem

[BigWagonFan]

Originally Posted by blutob2

Yeah we looked at the Q7 before purchasing the X7 but it just seemed to lack so many features and cargo space that the X7 had.

I'm far from recommending Q7. Audi Q7 current model is from 2015 (MY 2016) and they're coming with a second lifting instead of a brand new generation.

I also find Audi quite a far behind BMW right now. Worse driving experience (suspension), worse engine/transmission (lag), worse assistants, no digital key, worse design (personal thing).

I had to choose Q7 because of fitting 3 child car seats. I really would love BMW to offer X5 with 3 individual seats in 2nd row. I'm curious what they come up with in G65.

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by Steve737

The X7 is definitely more comfortable in the Second row. I’m really surprised they didn’t add reclining rear seats in the X5. We were ok with it because we are almost empty nesters. Most of the time it’s just my wife and I. If we were still driving the kids around I don’t think this would work for us.

Reclining rear seats in the X5, I believe was offered until 2020. The reclining seats could also be adjusted forward and back and seemed to have a little extra padding. They came with the 3rd row seats. In the previous Gen X5, you could get them without the 3rd row seats.

[hotvee]

Originally Posted by blutob2

Yeah we looked at the Q7 before purchasing the X7 but it just seemed to lack so many features and cargo space that the X7 had. We really wanted remote start but seeing where you're from, maybe that's not an option on any car, I really don't know. But in the US, Audi doesn't, well didn't in 2022 have remote start where BMW did.

But appreciate the feedback on the X5 bench, I just need to look at one more closely.

Audi has started to offer remote start via app as a standard feature on most 2024 models - https://media.audiusa.com/en-us/releases/573
Considering how many options have become unavailable in X5 LCI, Audi is becoming competitive.

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by cellarrat

I have no experience with the X7 so can't compare, but the rear seat in my 45e is effectively unusable for adults going any distance. It is shocking how little space there is back there. With the front seat all the way back, I can't even get a briefcase between the rear of the front seat and the bottom of the back seat.

If you are not tall, and don't have the front seat all the way back, obviously the situation would be different. Fortunately I rarely have anyone sitting back there so it isn't really a problem

I am only 5-6 or 5-7. Even for my height, I cannot put a 22" carry on between driver seat and 2nd row bottom cushion. I have a rear facing convertible seat behind driver seat now, it is a Nuna Rava. It barely fits. X5 combine leg room are definitely not great for the exterior size it suggested. Packaging isn't great, or BMW choose to sacrifices practicality to archieve the 50/50 balance

[BigEvan1923]

The quoted legroom doesn’t come close to accurately describing real world feel in the rear seats. The difference between the two is dramatic. We daily both an X7 and X5 — while you can get away with doing a lot of the same stuff in the X5, it feels roughly 20% tighter inside - it’s noticeable. The lack of recline as mentioned is also annoying.