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Mercedes-Benz SUV Research
Which Mercedes-Benz SUVs Have Three Rows?
If you need more than five seats, Mercedes-Benz gives you several ways to get there. From compact SUVs with an available third row to the full-size GLS with three rows standard, the right choice depends on how much space you need, how often you'll use the third row and whether you're considering a gas or electric SUV.
The short answer
Mercedes-Benz currently offers five SUV families with three-row capability in the U.S.: the GLB, EQB, GLE, GLS and EQS SUV. The GLB, EQB, GLE and EQS SUV offer an available third row for seating up to seven. The GLS is the only one of the five with three rows standard, seating seven with its standard second-row bench or six when equipped with available second-row captain's chairs.
Mercedes-Benz 3-row SUVs at a glance
The biggest difference isn't simply whether a third row exists. It's how each SUV uses it. Some Mercedes-Benz SUVs give you the option of extra seats when you need them, while the GLS is designed as a three-row SUV from the start.
| Mercedes-Benz SUV | Third Row | Passenger Capacity | What Makes It Different |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLB SUV | Available | 5 standard Up to 7 with optional third row | Compact Mercedes-Benz SUV with the flexibility to add two additional seats. |
| EQB SUV | Available | 5 standard Up to 7 with optional third row | All-electric SUV with compact exterior dimensions and available seating for seven. |
| GLE SUV | Available | 5 standard Up to 7 with optional third row | Midsize Mercedes-Benz SUV that adds available third-row flexibility without moving all the way up to a GLS. |
| GLS SUV | Standard | 7 standard 6 with available captain's chairs | The dedicated three-row SUV in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with three power-adjustable seating rows. |
| EQS SUV | Available | 5 standard Up to 7 with optional third row | Electric luxury SUV with an available third row and seating for up to seven. |
A closer look at each Mercedes-Benz SUV with three rows
Compact SUV
Mercedes-Benz GLB
The GLB is one of the more unusual choices in the Mercedes-Benz lineup because it can fit an available third row into a compact SUV. Mercedes-Benz lists the GLB with seating for five as standard and seven when equipped with the optional third-row seats. That gives shoppers who don't necessarily want a large SUV the ability to carry two additional passengers when needed.
Electric SUV
Mercedes-Benz EQB
The EQB takes a similar approach to the GLB, but with an all-electric powertrain. Mercedes-Benz lists passenger capacity at five with seating for seven available. For shoppers looking for both electric driving and occasional third-row flexibility, the EQB is the compact EV option in the current lineup.
Midsize SUV
Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV
The GLE SUV comes standard with seating for five, but an available third-row package increases passenger capacity to seven. That makes the GLE an important middle ground in the lineup: more interior space than the compact GLB, while still giving buyers the choice of whether they actually need three rows.
Three-Row SUV
Mercedes-Benz GLS
If a third row is something you'll use regularly, the GLS is the most straightforward Mercedes-Benz choice. Three-row seating is standard in every GLS. The standard second-row bench gives the GLS room for seven, while available second-row captain's chairs create a six-passenger layout with a walk-through to the third row.
Electric Luxury SUV
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
The EQS SUV is another electric Mercedes-Benz option with available seating for seven. It comes standard with two rows and seating for five, while an optional third row adds two additional seats. Mercedes-Benz also allows the rear seating rows to fold for additional cargo flexibility when those seats aren't being used.
Which 3-row Mercedes-Benz SUV is right for you?
There isn't one answer for every family. The best choice depends largely on how often those extra seats are actually going to be occupied.
If you only need a third row occasionally
The GLB and GLE let you add third-row seating without making three rows the entire focus of the vehicle. Both are five-passenger SUVs in their standard configuration and can be equipped to seat seven.
If you regularly need three rows
The GLS is the clear place to start. Mercedes-Benz makes three-row seating standard in every GLS, and the second row can be configured with either a three-passenger bench or two individual captain's chairs.
If you want an electric Mercedes-Benz with seven seats
Both the EQB and EQS SUV offer an available third row and seating for up to seven. They approach the idea from very different ends of the lineup: the EQB is compact, while the EQS SUV emphasizes a more spacious luxury experience.
One important detail when shopping
An SUV model that offers seven seats does not mean every vehicle in inventory has seven seats. On the GLB, EQB, GLE and EQS SUV, the third row is optional. If seven-passenger seating is important to you, confirm that the individual vehicle you're considering is equipped with the third-row seating option.
Which Mercedes-Benz SUVs do not have a third row?
Not every Mercedes-Benz SUV is designed for seven passengers. Current Mercedes-Benz USA vehicle information lists the GLA, GLC, GLC Coupe, GLE Coupe and G-Class with seating for five rather than seven. Mercedes-Maybach SUV models also use more passenger-focused two-row configurations rather than a three-row layout.
That distinction matters when comparing models that may look relatively close in size. For example, the GLE SUV can offer an optional third row, while the GLE Coupe is a five-passenger vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz 3-row SUV FAQs
Which Mercedes-Benz SUV has seven seats?
Several Mercedes-Benz SUVs can seat seven. The GLB, EQB, GLE and EQS SUV offer seating for up to seven when equipped with an available third row. The GLS comes standard with three rows and seating for seven, or six with available second-row captain's chairs.
Does the Mercedes-Benz GLE have a third row?
Yes. The Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV comes standard with seating for five and offers an optional third-row seating package that increases passenger capacity to seven.
Does the Mercedes-Benz GLB have a third row?
Yes. Mercedes-Benz lists the GLB with seating for five as standard and seven with the optional third-row seats.
Does the Mercedes-Benz GLS have three rows?
Yes. Three-row seating is standard in every Mercedes-Benz GLS. The standard second-row bench provides seating for seven, while available second-row captain's chairs create a six-passenger configuration.
Does the Mercedes-Benz GLC have a third row?
No. Mercedes-Benz currently lists the GLC SUV with seating for five. Shoppers who want a Mercedes-Benz SUV with available seven-passenger seating can consider models such as the GLB or GLE, while the GLS offers three rows standard.
Which electric Mercedes-Benz SUVs have three rows?
The Mercedes-Benz EQB and EQS SUV both offer an available third row with seating for up to seven passengers.
Is the third row standard on every Mercedes-Benz 7-passenger SUV?
No. Three rows are standard on the GLS. On the GLB, EQB, GLE and EQS SUV, third-row seating is optional, so individual vehicle equipment should be confirmed before purchase.
Need room for more?
Explore the Mercedes-Benz SUVs currently available at Mercedes-Benz of Latham and find the seating configuration that works for you.