Option to convert a seven seater to a five seater ourselves?

[aijunli]

I ordered a five seater, but was told that seven seaters have production priority right now. I only need five seats 99% of the time, but okay with a seven seater if the third row can be taken off / put on ourselves. For those who already have seven seaters, would you be able to tell if this is doable? Thanks in advance!

 

[jered]

I ordered a five seater, but was told that seven seaters have production priority right now. I only need five seats 99% of the time, but okay with a seven seater if the third row can be taken off / put on ourselves. For those who already have seven seaters, would you be able to tell if this is doable? Thanks in advance!

There are very few connection points for the 3rd row seats, but they are not trivially removable. While I suspect it would not be difficult with some basic disassembly, this may interfere with safety systems that verify the seats are latched/belted.

 

[aijunli]

There are very few connection points for the 3rd row seats, but they are not trivially removable. While I suspect it would not be difficult with some basic disassembly, this may interfere with safety systems that verify the seats are latched/belted.

Thanks. Good point about safety systems. No sure if it’s easy to tell if there are wires going into the seats. It would be nice to drive a five seater with longer range and a seven seater when needed. Had a Honda Odyssey many years ago, the bench third seat fold down just like the Gravity and the middles seats can be easily taken off, giving a huge cargo space.

 

[jered]

Thanks. Good point about safety systems. No sure if it’s easy to tell if there are wires going into the seats. It would be nice to drive a five seater with longer range and a seven seater when needed. Had a Honda Odyssey many years ago, the bench third seat fold down just like the Gravity and the middles seats can be easily taken off, giving a huge cargo space.

If your concern is just range, the extra seats really don't make much of a difference. The big range difference between 5 and 7 is an artifact of how EPA range is computed: https://lucidowners.com/threads/20-...n-5-seat-and-7-seat-gravity.10848/post-271276

 

[WeighingGravity]

I agree that the range penalty appears to be overstated and the space gained from a 5-seater is only a few feet essentially equivalent to the under-floor stowage space. Removing seats will not be that straightforward and adding them back even less so. If you are NEVER going to use the extra seats, I guess I can concede that a 5-seater is the right choice (though I'm questioning why you'd even be in this vehicle class) but for the trade-off, I think 7 seats is the clear winning choice for 99% of people.

 

[Neilnaples]

I agree that the range penalty appears to be overstated and the space gained from a 5-seater is only a few feet essentially equivalent to the under-floor stowage space. Removing seats will not be that straightforward and adding them back even less so. If you are NEVER going to use the extra seats, I guess I can concede that a 5-seater is the right choice (though I'm questioning why you'd even be in this vehicle class) but for the trade-off, I think 7 seats is the clear winning choice for 99% of people.

Actually according to the tracker in this forum only 62.1% of the people are buying 7 seats not 99%. We also preferred 5 seats. The extra space in the back is useful and I have no need for extra seats. They are making 5 seats as well. I have a VIN. And the car was produced 4 weeks ago….

 

[WeighingGravity]

obviously, the data shows what it shows, but I can't help it if 36.9% of you are making the wrong decision

 

[TahoeMichael]

obviously, the data shows what it shows, but I can't help it if 36.9% of you are making the wrong decision

Is there a smaller EV SUV that has the performance and range of the Gravity? It doesn't seem hard to understand why a lot of people might want the 5 seat variation. For me, the rear of the vehicle is for the dogs, not people who want seats.

 

[Elfin]

Is there a smaller EV SUV that has the performance and range of the Gravity? It doesn't seem hard to understand why a lot of people might want the 5 seat variation. For me, the rear of the vehicle is for the dogs, not people who want seats.

Yeah I would love smaller Gravity with the same performance and comfort but it doesn't exist.
Still might get the 7 seat even though I'd probably only use it a couple times a year.

 

[hmp10]

Given that the range difference between the 5-seater and the 7-seater is more an artificact of EPA categorizations than actual testing, I'd opt for the 7-seater if for no other reason, than broadening its appeal upon resale.

Although used car prices historically hold up better for smaller 5-seat SUVs, customers who are in the market for larger SUVs often want them for the greater seating capacity.

 

[Neilnaples]

Given that the range difference between the 5-seater and the 7-seater is more an artificact of EPA categorizations than actual testing, I'd opt for the 7-seater if for no other reason, than broadening its appeal upon resale.

Although used car prices historically hold up better for smaller 5-seat SUVs, customers who are in the market for larger SUVs often want them for the greater seating capacity.

Agree however sadly the resale value of high end electric cars has been atrocious lately. Most of these cars lose 50% value or more in 2 years. Not sure if it will make any difference if you have extra seats - with people focused on new technology and heavily discounting old tech. There are some interesting articles about PPF, ceramic coatings etc as well - in general these add almost no value if the car is worth 40% of the original list price. Great video by out of spec detailing on these products -with the same opinion shared in the video.

 

[TahoeMichael]

Agree however sadly the resale value of high end electric cars has been atrocious lately. Most of these cars lose 50% value or more in 2 years. Not sure if it will make any difference if you have extra seats - with people focused on new technology and heavily discounting old tech. There are some interesting articles about PPF, ceramic coatings etc as well - in general these add almost no value if the car is worth 40% of the original list price. Great video by out of spec detailing on these products -with the same opinion shared in the video.

In my case, I tend to buy and hold vehicles, so the calculation is more about what the resale value difference might be after 10 years. Whatever small difference in value there might be is probably overwhelmed by the improved utility (for me) of having the rear under-floor storage available.