Yeah, I'm pretty sure I will enjoy the Keyless Go. The power easy seats was the one I was thinking of forgoing but it would be nice. My kids are 9, 6 and 4. I've heard others say the car cools down quickly but Texas summers are hot and when I was looking at the vents today, there is only the middle console vent for the 2nd and 3rd row. Not sure that's enough air to blow back there esp with the 2nd row up blocking the airflow to the 3rd row. Maybe I'm wrong? Thanks for the advice. It helps.

i had a 2011 X164 without the 3-zone and yes it was pretty hot back there for the kiddies when we had the in laws in the 2nd row. not to mention the 3rd row moonroof that had the semi-sheer shade - that only let in more light and heat. the rear quarter windows helped a little bit, but nothing like having vents back there!

this time we got a 550 which includes the 3-zone and it's a big improvement for the kiddies. we also did not get the pano so there is no more moonroof either.

even in the 2nd row with the extra ceiling vents and side door vents, that is worth it. mine are young and still in convertible car seats so the higher up vents are nice for them to have since the ones by the legs/feet take a while to get up their faces. it's not even THAT hot in So Cal and we find it very useful.

keep in mind that some 14's don't have the rear quarter window openings for 3rd row so that 3-zone might come in even handier in those vehicles. (especially since it appears that that "option" is only available to pano roof GL's, so there will be additional heat and light from those openings)


if you've had keyless go in any other car, it's very hard to go back. i've had it for 6-7 years and wouldn't get a car without it anymore.

honestly the power easy entry is only for folding down and given that you have kids, often times there will be crap on the seats and it may or may not fold entirely. the manual lever is good enough IMHO.

TX mom,

I would say being in TX the 3rd row climate is a must. I also love the keyless go, it stays in my purse and never comes out. The kids love locking the car themselves by touching the handle.

Power easy entry would be nice IF you get the dealer to modify the second row headrests so that they can fold back flat. Otherwise you will have uncomfortable kids in that second row with the headrest sticking out. Since my car was preowned I didn't have the option, but if I did I would get the easy entry and have them remove the pins so the headrests go back.

Another thing to consider is whether you expect the kids to be able to exit the car themselves or will you be walking around the car and letting them out. My 12 year old and 8 year old are able to manage opening up the 2nd row and closing it back down without the easy entry and then I get the 5 year old out on my side since he is behind the drivers seat. However, your kids are a little younger. If you are considering not getting power easy entry then take them to the dealership and see if they can manage to fold up the second row seat on their own without the power easy entry if you plan on them getting out on their own.

Hope that helps.