Unfortunately, the Mercedes GLE
does not come standard with a third row. However, it does offer this seating configuration as an option for purchase. It will cost you extra to increase your passenger capacity from five to seven, so it’s important to run an analysis on whether or not the investment is worth it.
The car insurance experts
at the Jerry app
know how to spot a good deal when we see one. So that’s why we’ve put together this deep-dive investigation about how much value there is to be found with the Mercedes GLE’s optional third row of seats. What is the Mercedes GLE’s third row like?
The Mercedes GLE is a midsize luxury SUV that comes standard with five seats across two rows of seating. However, don’t cross it off your list just yet!
An optional third-row seat package is available for an additional $2,100 on top of the starting MSRP of $56,150. But this package offers much more than simply upgrading your GLE from a five-seater to a seven-seater. Here are the included features that you’re sure to find useful:
Six-way power adjustment: Considering the GLE doesn’t get any bigger when you add a third row, this feature helps you effortlessly customize the configuration of your second-row seats to meet your passengers' needs regarding space.
Power-folding: The outer seatbacks of the second row have electronic power-folding for easier third-row entry and exit.
The bottom line: These convenient features create a dynamic passenger space, which helps make the $2,100 third-row upcharge a bit easier to swallow.
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Space and comfort
The six-way power-adjusting feature can optimize the space and comfort of your seats. So these metrics can vary, but here are the approximate measurements for legroom, headroom, and passenger volume on the Mercedes GLE:
Second row: 36.9 inches of legroom, 40.9 inches of headroom
First row: 40.3 inches of legroom, 40.5 inches of headroom
Many midsize luxury SUVs are not always overt about the space in their third row or their total passenger volume — but we think we know the game they are playing. They want the benefit of marketing their vehicle as “up to seven seats” without providing the metrics to justify its usability.
As you can see from the table below, the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5 both withhold their specifications. But from the dainty measurements of the other mid-size luxury SUVs mentioned, you can see why—they are below par compared to the more functional models, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Buick Enclave, and Kia Telluride.
Is the Mercedes GLE good for big families and long trips?
The features included in the third-row seat package are undoubtedly handy for additional passengers. Still, we’re not convinced that the size of the GLE’s third row is suitable for long road trips at full capacity — especially since they aren’t very transparent in the specification sheet.
We recommend you go with the Mercedes GLS
instead. This full-size luxury crossover SUV comes standard with a third row of seats that offer a comfortable 34.6 inches of legroom and 38.9 of headroom. This is a much more appropriate option for any extended journey with more than five passengers. 
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