Car - back row seating rant

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mdooher

Hmm, what to write...
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#2714350 28-May-2021 09:54

Batman:

MadEngineer: They do. It’s called a bigger car.

yeah like how the BMW 7 series only has 2 at the back?

The 7 series BMW is rear wheel drive... who knows, when everything has batteries and 4 hub motors this might be a normal thing

Matthew

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#2714470 28-May-2021 11:42

mdooher:

The 7 series BMW is rear wheel drive... who knows, when everything has batteries and 4 hub motors this might be a normal thing

As is every other BMW sedan (some have an AWD option).

I think it is prrity clear that BMW has chosen to given up the center rear seat in order to optimize the car as a four seater. Means amenities can be put into that space.

Given the price point, and intended application, It seems likely that the center rear seat wouldn't get used anyway. As an example we use the 7 series as crown cars. I think it is highly likely that either a van an additional car would be arranged, instead of carrying 5 people in a 7 series, even if there was a fifth seat.

Regarding EV's, I think most of them have three seat benches in the back. Obvious 4 cheaters are of the Holden volt (Battery ran down the center of the cabin), and the BMW i3 (back seats between wheel arches, so too narrow for three people).

In general being an EV gives more packaging flexibility, and hub motors would free up even more space. That said, hub motors don't seem to be a popular choice for carmakers. I assume it is due to issues with unsprung mass.

WyleECoyoteNZ

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#2714499 28-May-2021 12:26

In a extreme example, the new ish BMW M5 CS has bucket seats, very similar to those in the front, in the back. The centre seat isn't useable as a seat.

WyleECoyoteNZ

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#2714502 28-May-2021 12:37

And as for the EVs, they'll need to be designed as a EV from the ground up to best accomodate rear seat passengers.

A recent example of this is the relatively new Mercedes Benz EQA. The rear seats bench is closer to the floor than you might expect, as the floor has been raised to fit the batteries

https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/eqa/hatchback/review/n22732/space-practicality

And it also loses boot space over it's GLA ICE sibling, again down to the batteries and electric motor.

As it wasn't designed as a EV, it's compromised in being turned into a EV

MadEngineer

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#2715079 29-May-2021 12:05

Batman:

MadEngineer: They do. It’s called a bigger car.

yeah like how the BMW 7 series only has 2 at the back?

Yes, because people who have luxury cars like that are going to squash three people into the rear seat. Rolling eyes

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Batman

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#2715177 29-May-2021 12:26

maybe the need for 3 at the back will pass as the big kids will grow up and drive their own cars (or be driven by their own cars)

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#2715179 29-May-2021 12:27

Bung: For most people the back seat is usually empty or carrying the stuff that won't fit in the boot. Are you looking for a vehicle to suit a new career as an Uber driver?

soon to have 3 teenagers

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Fred99

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#2715258 29-May-2021 16:22

Batman:

Bung: For most people the back seat is usually empty or carrying the stuff that won't fit in the boot. Are you looking for a vehicle to suit a new career as an Uber driver?

soon to have 3 teenagers

Perfect solution for the school run. They'd rather walk unless it's raining - oh wait.

Batman

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#2715271 29-May-2021 16:52

nah we're using this one, it's better. more power (power = number of persons x number of sandals), got weather shade, and kangaroo bars. turning is a small issue but the kangaroo bar takes care of that.

just can't find a model with bucket seats

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