on the '20 GLS 580, I see the 'executive' 2nd row seat options are only available for the bench seat - massage, ventilated seats. Do the captain seats offer additional functionality other than let you get to the 3rd row? Do they recline or adjust differently?

 

I do not believe so. You can get optional seat heating on the captains chairs, but afaik, in addition to not offering the massage, ventilation, and pillow headrest, they have no additional movement or function to the bench seat.

 

It doesn't appear that way.
"The two luxury individual seats of the six-seat configuration, which are available as an alternative to the seat bench with 60:40 split, provide a passageway to the rear seats measuring 19 cm in width. In conjunction with the legroom in the middle row, this allows getting to the rear seats without having to fold the middle seats. This is practical when child seats are installed there, for example. The US market attaches particular importance to this room for maneuver. That is why the six-seat specification is standard there, while the seven-seater is the option."

 

That people would prefer the captain's chairs is amazing to me.

 

I like captain seats as it makes 3rd row access much better and faster. If you need quick access and can give up a seat it’s great.

I have had cars with bench and captain and it was a choice made by the needs I had at the time.

 

Thanks all. Given we have 3rd row mostly folded down, and the captain seats don't offer any other functional benefit, the bench seat will make more sense for us.

 

Same. Plus, my dogs have always preferred sitting on the bench to sitting in the third row/storage compartment.

 

I just noticed the website says the Executive Rear Seating comes with a "large center foldable console".

Does anyone know what exactly that is? And how will that fit with the 7-seat option.

 

There is an Android tablet or something or other in the center console. Take a look at the thread with the preliminary order guide/brochure.

 

Basically, the middle seat has a full size center console, like basically the entire seat folds over when you put it down, instead of just a part size center console. And it has storage, a wireless charger I think, this android tablet to control various things (including seat massage if you get the executive rear seat plus), and cup holders, plus the seats have pillow extensions on the head rest. So if the console is up, you have a regular 7 seater but with the console down, it's much more luxurious for the rear seats.

 

Ahh. Thank you.