Which Mercedes Benz Models Have 3 Rows of Seats?

Mercedes Benz makes some excellent SUVs, but like many manufacturers, they are moving towards sleeker designs, with less passenger space. Thankfully there are still some models with the option for 3rd-row seating, and at a number of different price points.

Across the Mercedes SUV range, there are currently five models with the option for a 3rd-row seating package. We’ve covered each model below, discussing the interior space, seating cost, and how much each model costs.

Table of Contents

Mercedes Benz GLB

The GLB is Mercedes’ entry-level ‘large’ SUV. Starting at just under $40,000, it’s significantly cheaper than other models on this list, and even with the range-topping AMG model, you can pick one up for just over $50,000.

The GLB lacks plenty of the high-spec features that we’ll see in upcoming Mercedes models, but it’s still a competent vehicle. The GLB design results in 29 inches of legroom for 3rd-row passengers, and an impressive 34.8 inches of headroom.

Like many SUVs, the 3rd-row space won’t be comfortable for adults on longer journeys, but for children, the GLB is perfectly suited to longer trips. If you’re looking for a Mercedes Benz SUV on a budget, the GLB is your best option for 3 rows of seating.

The 3rd-row seating option costs $850 on both spec levels of the GLB:

GLB 250: $850

GLB AMG 35: $850

Mercedes Benz EQB

Mercedes EQB display — *The EQB begins at $54,000, with 3rd-row seats costing $1,250*

Next up is the Mercedes entry-level electric SUV, the EQB. As the name suggests, this is an equivalent to the GLB, with similar dimensions, but don’t go in expecting the same price tag. With the base EQB 300 starting at over $54,000, it’s hard to justify the electric premium here.

To the EQB’s credit, the interior design is an improvement over the GLB, and performance is improved. For 3rd row passengers, the space is identical to the GLB, with 29 inches of legroom and 34.8 inches of headroom.

If you’re looking to carry 7 and you want an electric vehicle, the EQB comes in cheaper than most of its rivals, although you’ll be missing out on some impressive features.

The 3rd-row seating option costs $1,250 on both spec levels of the EQB:

EQB 300: $1,250

EQB 350: $1,250

Mercedes Benz GLE

Mercedes Benz AMG GLE — *The GLE begins at $57,000, with 3rd-row seats costing $2,100*

The GLE is one of the mid-range Mercedes SUV models, if you can call a $57,000 car mid-range. All versions of this SUV come with the option for 3rd-row seating, with the expectation of the AMG 63S version.

The GLE adds some extra features when you choose the 3rd-row package. Included in the $2,100 price are two USB-C ports, and the ability to adjust the seats electronically. Whether this is worth the premium cost against the options on the GLB and EQB is debatable, but children will appreciate the charging points.

Mercedes Benz doesn’t list the official 3rd-row dimensions for the GLE, but the car itself is 12 inches longer than the GLB, so 3rd-row space will certainly be manageable for most passengers.

The 3rd-row seating option costs $2,100 on GLE models:

GLE 350: $2,100

GLE 450: $2,100

GLE 580: $2,100

GLE 53 AMG: $2,100

GLE 63S AMG: Not Available

Mercedes Benz GLS

Mercedes GLS — *The GLS starts at almost $78,000 with 3rd-row seats as standard*

The Mercedes Benza GLS is next, and unlike the previous SUVs on our list, this is made specifically for interior space. As a result, the GLS comes as standard with 3 rows of seating, and there’s plenty of room for every passenger.

With almost 35 inches of legroom for 3rd-row passengers, the GLS is a significant upgrade on any other Mercedes SUV when it comes to space. Overall this car is 204 inches long, so every passenger gets an abundance of room, making this ideal for larger families.

One requirement for the GLS is deep pockets. The base 450 model starts at $77,850 before options, and you can easily get close to $100,000 for a high-spec version.

For every GLS variant, 3rd-row seating comes as standard:

GLS 450: 3rd-row seating as standard

GLS 580: 3rd-row seating as standard

GLS 63 AMG: 3rd-row seating as standard

Mercedes Benz EQS

*The EQS starts at over $100,000, with 3rd-row seats costing $1,250*

The final Mercedes Benz model on our list is the EQS. Like the EQB, this is an electric-only model, but it’s not simply an electric version of the GLS. There are some similarities (the EQS is over 200 inches long), but this is a very different vehicle in design and price.

Unlike the GLS, 3rd-row seating is an optional extra here. Mercedes don’t offer dimensions for these seats, but we’d expect legroom to be plentiful, given the car’s size. Headroom may be an issue, though, due to the sloping roofline.

The EQS is clearly designed to go head to head with the likes of the Tesla Model X and BMW iX, and has the price tag to match. Starting at over $100,000, this is a seriously expensive vehicle, and I doubt many owners looking for a competent family SUV will focus on the EQS. If you have the budget though, this is one of the best large electric SUVs out there.

For both variants of the ESQ, 3rd-row seating is a $1,250 extra:

EQS 450: $1,250

EQS 580: $1,250

Which is the best 3rd Row SUV from Mercedes Benz?

Now that we’ve seen all the options from Mercedes, which SUV is best if you want to take advantage of 3 rows of seats? The simple answer would either be the GLS or EQS, as they come with the most space and the best features. The downside is those price tags, and it’s difficult to justify that much if your focus is on passenger space.

For our money, the GLE is a solid choice. The legroom and headroom will be sufficient for most passengers, and although the 3rd-row option is expensive, the USB charging points are a great addition.