Would a SOCCER MOM need 3rd row seats?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Q5
Would a SOCCER MOM need 3rd row seats?
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!
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!
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 50
Likes: 17
‘23 AMG 53
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 508
From: Westchester, NY
2014 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon, 2018 Fiat 124 Spyder Lusso manual, 2005 Acura TSX manual
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 595
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 505
Likes: 201
From: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
2021 AMG GLE53 | 2013 SLK350 Sport
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 1,205
GLE 580
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.
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.
Here's a good video overview of the space and functionality of the 3rd row option:
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 475
Likes: 149
From: Florida
Aston Martin Vantage, GLE 43 AMG, Volvo XC60, BMW X1 35i, Ram 1500, BMW Z4 35i
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
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 279
Likes: 76
From: US-PNW
GLE350(V167) C300(W204)
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.
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.
