GLB Class (X247) Produced 2020 to Present

Are the third-row seats worth it?

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Old Aug 26, 2023 | 03:55 PM
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2016 Mercedes AMG GT S
Question Are the third-row seats worth it?

Hi all!

Do you think the third-row seats are a good option for the GLB? Why?

I recently got a 7-seat GLB 250 as a recent service loaner. Considering the GLB's compact dimensions, I was skeptical that the third-row seats would be usable/desirable. (I wrote up my experience with the 7-seat GLB here on my blog.)

My family has two small kids, so I guess I have one of the best-case scenarios for the 7-seater. I was a bit dismayed that the rear seats gobble up nearly all the trunk space; as such, they are only useful to me in around-town situations where I have 6 or 7 people to move and a few pint-sized kids to stuff in the third row. But that situation could frequently occur if the grandparents are in town or if we join a school carpool.

I am positive on the third-row option for the GLB, but I'm interested in hearing your experiences.

Thanks!
Mike




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Old Aug 26, 2023 | 11:50 PM
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We have the 7 passenger version. If you regularly need to carry more than 5 and 2 of them are kids they’re great. The back seats have a height limit of 5’4” and as you realized, there’s little cargo room left. However, that’s also about the same on 7 passenger versions of other SUVs. If you plan on using that configuration to go on vacations, a rooftop carrier is a must. But pack soft side lightweight luggage because the roof top load limit is 165 pounds.

We have carried 6 high school softball players for a short distance. It’s crowded, their gear is at their feet, and the back seats are cramped. But it’s only 10 miles at most and they’re interested in getting there and not comfort.

If you’re a family of 4 that loves camping and want to have something that holds a lot more than you can get into a sedan, the 5 passenger is the vehicle.

If you regularly carry more than 4 adults on more than short trips, get a GLS, or a Metris passenger van.
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Old Aug 26, 2023 | 11:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Odd Piggy
We have the 7 passenger version. If you regularly need to carry more than 5 and 2 of them are kids they’re great. The back seats have a height limit of 5’4” and as you realized, there’s little cargo room left. However, that’s also about the same on 7 passenger versions of other SUVs. If you plan on using that configuration to go on vacations, a rooftop carrier is a must. But pack soft side lightweight luggage because the roof top load limit is 165 pounds.

We have carried 6 high school softball players for a short distance. It’s crowded, their gear is at their feet, and the back seats are cramped. But it’s only 10 miles at most and they’re interested in getting there and not comfort.

If you’re a family of 4 that loves camping and want to have something that holds a lot more than you can get into a sedan, the 5 passenger is the vehicle.

If you regularly carry more than 4 adults on more than short trips, get a GLS, or a Metris passenger van.
Thanks for the feedback! It sounds like my shorter impressions of the 7 passenger GLB match with the way you're using it. I appreciate the reply!
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Old Sep 1, 2023 | 11:37 PM
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Metris is just ugly.

VAN.EA will be released in 2026. hope we will get some nice vans.

I like the GLB with 7 seats
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Old Sep 11, 2023 | 03:29 PM
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Got a 2023 GLB 250 as a loaner. When we found out it had a 3rd row seat, the entire family was excited and bought one immediately (2022 GLB 35).

It's the perfect daily for our family and has the flexibility to carry 7 when in a pinch. Easy to park and fuel efficient.

Might put the Mercedes Roof Box and use it for long trips too.

If it didn't have the 3rd row, I wouldn't have purchased it for our needs.

It's called the "baby G" in our household.
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Old Sep 11, 2023 | 04:49 PM
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since you use it as the family car, what kind of wheels do you have for the GLB35?
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Old Sep 13, 2023 | 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by ILoveNY
since you use it as the family car, what kind of wheels do you have for the GLB35?
Right now factory/OEM 19" AMG wheels. I plan on putting on Brabus 19" or 20" wheels. Or even factory 21" amg wheels if I can find them for cheap.

I've always run 23" wheels with a 35 series sidewall (305/35/23 with 4.2" sidewall) and it doesn't bother the family as they're used to it. I'd run either a 265/45/19 or 255/40/20 on Brabus wheels. I'm still getting 4 inches of sidewall with the 255/40/20 tire.
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Old Sep 13, 2023 | 05:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Chedman13
Right now factory/OEM 19" AMG wheels. I plan on putting on Brabus 19" or 20" wheels. Or even factory 21" amg wheels if I can find them for cheap.

I've always run 23" wheels with a 35 series sidewall (305/35/23 with 4.2" sidewall) and it doesn't bother the family as they're used to it. I'd run either a 265/45/19 or 255/40/20 on Brabus wheels. I'm still getting 4 inches of sidewall with the 255/40/20 tire.
wow reallly?

I heard the ride quality is not family friendly on 20 and 21 inch wheels
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Old Sep 13, 2023 | 05:25 PM
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Originally Posted by ILoveNY
wow reallly?

I heard the ride quality is not family friendly on 20 and 21 inch wheels
All relative!
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