Best Bimmer for Twins

Spent a few hours today test driving. X5 is just out of my price range even with the summer sales event going on. So I’m debating between the 540i and the X3.

But my main concern is the ability to put two newborn car seats side by side (one at the window, and one in the middle) so that an adult can sit at the other window in the back with them. I’m thinking it’ll be possible if at all in the 5 series, but might be tough in the X3.

But man, the new revamp in the new X5 entertainment console is soooo nice that it makes me not wanna even think about getting the X3 or the 5 series right now....

I’m so stuck because really the twins functionality with an adult in the back is my main concern - and I’m not ready to buy myself a Honda Odyssey.

The narrowest infant seats are about 17 inches wide. You should also consider how they'll fit front-to-back too. If you or momma are very tall, there can be some conflicts between the front seatback and the baby car seats. Before you spend tens of thousands of dollars on a new vehicle, take your seats with you when shopping and confirm that they fit not only in the back seat, but with everbody sitting comfortably where they would when you're driving. You might as well get used to lugging them around anyway.

By the time the newborns are running the infotainment equip by themselves the technology will be outdated. 

At about 35lbs or less than 2 years the kids will be in rear facing seats. The big seats, not the seats with a handle to carry. 

This is when you will have the greatest size challenge 

Latest and greatest X7 might be your best bet to fit two rear-facing and an adult.

But I'd still take both seats to a dealer to find out.

And then check out a Honda and Toyota dealer.

Did the dual car rear facing car seats and they do take up more room than you might think.

My suggestion?

Get the minivan, the Pacifica (especially in Hybrid form) is a decent looking and performing rig, plus getting two car seats in/out of it will be much, much easier on the back.  The Toyota is available in AWD (ugly as sin though) and of course the Odyssey is still a nice all around piece.  Kia has a good van now as well.

Again, I know from what I speak, you don't really realize how big a stroller is, even when folded, especially those that hold car seats.  On our Highlander, the stroller frame filled the cargo area and we were glad we weren't over 6ft tall as the rear facing seats take a lot of room.  Lifting the seats up and into the car was a pain, especially for the one mounted in the middle and they'll gain weight quickly.

If you haven't gotten your carriers yet (and you need to prior to getting to the Hospital, they won't let you go home without them and you won't have time to go get them once they are born), get them and take them to some dealerships to try them in the rigs you're looking at and yes you should try them in minivans as well.

People don't judge people by what they drive, but if they do its either about how you drive or if you're driving something and trying too hard to show off.  Don't be that guy, get what your family needs and be a good parent first.

Some recent GRM chatter on the topic

Wow.  Two car seats and an adult on one row of seats?  Better go big....

Tonnystark said:

But my main concern is the ability to put two newborn car seats side by side (one at the window, and one in the middle) so that an adult can sit at the other window in the back with them. I’m thinking it’ll be possible if at all in the 5 series, but might be tough in the X3.

So two car seats will then be next to each other.  Have you considered how difficult it will be to make the final buckle of the seat belts?  At least one (if not both) of the buckles will be obscured from view by the other seat.  Could be a real hassle.   

In reply to Tonnystark :

No offense, but based on the rest of your post, "twins functionality" does not at all seem to be your "main concern".

If this vehicle is primarily about you, get whatever BMW that will make you happier.  If this vehicle is primarily about your family, get whatever minivan that will be make your family happier.

It's not just about wanting enough space in back to be able to carry one, let alone two or more, additional adults in the back. It's about both adults in the front having adequate leg AND recline room to be comfortable. It's about fitting baby buckets, and strollers, and a Costco load of groceries all at once...Or worse yet an overnighter worth of twins gear on a weekend trip.  It's about having a usable space for changing dirty diapers/outfits on the go, rather than having to do it on the (poorly shaped/angled for such use) passenger seat. It's about having a more comfortable space to sit and nurse/feed them on the go. It's about having the ability to create an opening large enough for a baby bucket to pass through, or later to get your body into position to have enough leverage to force a screaming, flailing, hellspawn into their seat and get them strapped down, without slamming slamming doors with the cars parked on either side of you. And if you pull/stow one of the second row seats, with one kid second row and the other third row, it's about one parent being able to lock both in the same confined space so that they can strap the first in without worrying about where the second has escaped to.

Minivans are made for one purpose, and one purpose only... And they are exceptionally good at it.

Also, don't forget that whatever you get will be completely and utterly destroyed by the time you're done with it. Make sure you're comfortable with that happening to whatever you choose.

Used Caravan for the twins, used BMW for the funtimes. Sometimes it's not possible to have one car that will do everything you want.

Twins?  Get the minivan and get over it.  Quality of life with the minivan will be so much better. That being said, go ahead and bring a pair of car seats and wedge them in the cars you're interested.  Also while you're at it go ahead and try and fasten them with something in them,  I can't speak to you but all the vehicles you listed would be a royal pain in my back for me to safely put a squirming kid into in the rain/snow/sun.  I personally don't abide trash talk about minivans, personally I'm waiting for someone to discover you can put a sliding door on a crossover and it'll instantly have more utility.

You know that really cute/ hot girl, the one that has this quirky little habit of (fill-in-the-blank)?

Yeah, tell me how cute it is after weeks/months/years of it.

That’s what it’ll be like loading twins in something “cool”. You think it’s ok now, and it’ll be ok for a short time but that one cold and rainy day when they both have strep and you’re trying to not get soaked getting them buckled in in a rush to the pediatricians office... Well, let’s just say that cute/hot girl with the quirky habit ‘aint so cute anymore.

As the parent of twins, your correct answer is minivan.  You can rationalize or justify a BMW however you'd like and if you want one and can live with the compromises (including safety IMO), then go for it.  If you're truly concerned about function over form, minivan is your answer.

Another parent of twins.  If your goal is to fit two car seats and an adult in the rear seat you are going to need something pretty wide.  We do it in our Suburban, anything much smaller is going to be a no go.  What other vehicles do you have?   If you need one vehicle for commuting, road trips, weekends, etc.  I would lean toward SUV.  The sloping roofline of cars definitely makes it harder to get the kids and car seats in and out vs the taller more square doors of the SUV.  Also you will be shocked at how much space two little humans take up when you have to take all their stuff with you.  Have you looked at or purchased strollers yet?  Might be a tough fit in either 5 series or X3.  A minivan is smart, but definitely not necessary, but if you plan to get one anyway, why not just bite the bullet now?

Also if you look at bigger SUVs or minivans look for bucket seats in the second row.  This will be much better later, and in the meantime mom or other adult can sit in the center seat of the rear row and have access to both babies.