Hi all,

I‘m a soccer mom with a 11-year-old son. As we attend practices and tournaments, I find myself needing to transport my son and his teammates more often, so I've been looking for a larger size car that is also comfortable for a ride before and after the games. I've decided on the GLE, but I'm unsure whether I should add the 3rd row. Will it be sufficient for one or two 11-year-old boys to sit in the 3rd row? The travel time in the car ranges from as little as 15 minutes to as much as 4 hours.

I've sat in the 3rd row at a dealership once, but I haven't experienced long rides, so I'm not sure how comfortable it would be. I'd appreciate any opinion. Thanks much!

 

IMO, the 3rd row space is rather small for grown adults so I’d imagine it would be quite uncomfortable for long trips. Small kids, however, different story…but they will grow. You’d prolly be better off getting the GLS.

 

I find the third row in the GLE pretty decent because if theres also kids in the second row, it can be moved quite a bit further up and still be comfortable. Best to try it out in person though.

 

3rd row is fine for children, although not sure you’ll fit much soccer gear behind the third row. A Q7, X7, or GLS may work better.

 

Honestly don’t fall for the 3rd row trap. They are useless. They take away more trunk space. I have never been in a 3rd row that I could comfortably fit. They are great for kids however. If you have 1 kid with all of the soccer gear I think a GLE will be fine. The lack of 3rd seats gives you more trunk space. If you feel you do need more space a GLS will do you good.

 

I disagree.
Having owned both options on the V167 platform, I can say the 3rd row has come in handy. While true it is NOT designed for adults, it is perfect for kids and if absolutely needed, 2 medium sized adults (though not comfortable). Also, it does not take away from trunk space at all. If anything, it provides more since the 2nd row is powered and can be moved forward without collapsing the whole row altogether.

It works for some, it doesn't for others.

 

I agree with everything you mentioned, the only thing I would add: reduced storage underneath the floor of the cargo and no spare tire with a 3rd row.

Here's a good video overview of the space and functionality of the 3rd row option:

 

We had a Suburban to transport kids. We didn't want our daughter being carpooled by irresponsible idiot parents so we made sure to always drive and transport our daughter and her friends and team mates

 

Personally, I think the cut-off age for the third row seat, in the GLE specifically, is around 10 years of age. Then it became a bit tight and claustrophobic back there, especially that you mentioned you will be having a 4 hour trip in it.

I did have a road trip with my 3 kids and in-laws just last month. Kids are 8, 6, 4. We also had a roof basket to put our luggages. It was tight. I think this same road trip would be impossible next year.