Last modified: Feb 2, 2024

Seat types

The type of seats installed can significantly impact comfort, functionality, and style. With advancements in technology and design, automotive seating has come a long way, from basic benches to sophisticated and specialized options catering to drivers' and passengers' diverse needs and preferences.

In this comprehensive article section, we will look at the different seat types commonly used in cars, ranging from standard front seats to versatile bench seats, luxurious captain’s chairs, and the unique third-row flap seats found in some 7-seater vehicles.

Standard Front Seats

The standard front seats are the most common type of car seat in the front row. These seats are typically designed for the driver and front passenger and provide basic seating comfort and support. They usually come with manual or power adjustments for height, recline, and forward/backward positioning, allowing drivers and passengers to customize their seating position for optimal comfort during long drives. In addition, standard front seats often feature adjustable headrests, lumbar support, and seat heaters or coolers for added convenience and luxury.

Mercedes-AMG EQS Front seats

Front row Captain Seats

Captain Seats in front row is typical used on MPV or Vans where driver can sit higher.

Volkswagen ID.Buzz Captain Seats in front

1+2 bench in front seats

A 1+2 bench in the front seats of a car is a seating configuration that consists of a single seat for the driver and a bench seat for two passengers positioned next to the driver’s seat. This type of seating option is only available on commercial vehicles.

This type of seating can be helpful in some commercial vehicles, such as delivery trucks or buses, where the driver may need to bring two coworkers while on the job.

However, this type of seating can also have some drawbacks. For example, the passenger seats in a 1+2 bench may be narrower or less comfortable than other types of seats, and the configuration may limit legroom or overall space in the front of the car. Additionally, the proximity of the passengers to the driver may only be ideal for some driving situations.

Mercedes eSprinter 1+2 front seat bench

Three-Seat Bench in Second Row

A three-seat second-row bench seat in a car is a type of seating arrangement where a single, continuous bench runs across the width of the vehicle’s interior, seating three people. This seat type is the most common in the second row for EVs.

Families often prefer the second-row bench seat, as it can accommodate multiple passengers and be more cost-effective than having individual Captain’s chairs or bucket seats in the second row. Additionally, it can provide easier access to third-row seats in larger vehicles.

Some second-row bench seats have a split-fold design, allowing one or both sides of the bench to fold independently. This split can provide added flexibility in terms of cargo space, as well as make it easier to access the third-row seats.

The middle seat of a second-row bench can be less desirable, as it may need more comfort and legroom than the outer seats.

Three-seat bench Hyundai EV5

Three-seat bench Mercedes EQS

Two-Seat Bench in Second Row

An uncommon seat configuration in the second row is a two-seat bench. This type of bench seat typically offers seating for two passengers side-by-side, with a shared backrest and seat cushion. Standard two-seat benches in the second row are often found in smaller vehicles or as an optional seating arrangement in larger vehicles. They may come with manual or power adjustments for reclining and can be folded down to create additional cargo space when not in use.

Taycan Turbo S Sport Turismo two seat second-row bench

Executive seat + two-seat bench

An executive seat combined with a bench in the second row of a car refers to a seating configuration that includes a combination of individual executive-style seats and a bench seat in the rear passenger area of a vehicle. This type of seating arrangement manufacturer offers some luxury SUVs or sedans designed to provide a versatile and flexible seating option for passengers.

The executive seat is typically a high-quality individual seat with premium materials, advanced features, and enhanced comfort. These seats may have features such as power adjustments, heating, ventilation, massage functions, and dedicated controls for air conditioning, lighting, and audio/video systems. They are usually positioned at the outer sides of the second row, providing a luxurious and comfortable seating experience for passengers.

On the other hand, the bench seat is a wider and typically more basic seat that spans the vehicle’s width and can accommodate two passengers. In addition, it may have a fixed backrest or a fold-down design, allowing it to be used as a seating option or folded to create additional cargo space.

Executive seat and bench in BMW i7

Twin Executive seats

Twin executive seats in the second row of cars refer to a configuration where two individual seats are positioned side-by-side, typically in the rear passenger area of a vehicle. Manufacturers design these seats to provide passengers with enhanced comfort and luxury, often focusing on executive or VIP transportation.

Twin executive seats are typically larger and more comfortable than regular rear passenger seats, offering additional legroom, headroom, and amenities for a premium travel experience. In addition, they may have advanced features such as heating, ventilation, and massage functions for added comfort.

Some twin executive seats may also offer power adjustments, allowing passengers to customize the seating position.

Regarding amenities, twin executive seats may have various features to enhance the passenger experience. These can include dedicated controls for air conditioning, lighting, audio/video systems, fold-out tables, cup holders, USB ports, and storage compartments.

Some twin executive seats may offer privacy screens, window shades, and other features to provide passengers with a secluded and exclusive environment. A refrigerator for the champagne is one option like this offered on Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 and Volvo EX90 Exclusive.

Twin executive seats are often found in luxury sedans, limousines, and high-end SUVs, commonly used for executive transportation, chauffeur-driven cars, or high-end limousine services. They are often associated with premium or luxury vehicle brands.

Twin Executive Seats in Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV

Twin Executive Seats in Volvo EX90

Captain’s Seat in Second Row

Captain’s chairs, also known as Captain’s seats or Captain’s chairs with a console, are popular seating options for the second row in many vehicles, especially in SUVs, minivans, and larger sedans. Captain’s chairs are individual seats that are usually larger and more comfortable than standard second-row benches, with armrests and additional padding.

Manufacturers often equip captain’s chairs with power adjustments and heating/cooling features.

Mercedes EQV Captain Chairs second row

Third-Row Folding Seats

Third-row car seats are additional spaces located at the back of a car, behind the second row. You find them in larger vehicles such as SUVs, minivans, and crossover vehicles with six or more seating places.

Third-row seats typically fold down or can be removed to provide more cargo space when not in use. In addition, some vehicles offer power-folding third-row seats for convenience, allowing the seats to fold down at the push of a button.

Third-row seats are often designed for children or smaller adults, as the space can be limited, and the seats may offer less comfort or legroom than the first or second rows. However, some larger SUVs and minivans offer more spacious third-row seating options, making them suitable for adults.

When considering a vehicle with third-row seating, it’s important to consider how often the passengers will use the third row and who will be sitting there. It’s also important to consider the ease of access to the third row, as some vehicles may have cramped or difficult-to-reach third-row seats.

Kia EV9 third-row seats

Kia EV9 third-row seats folded down

Third-row captain chairs

Third-row Captain’s car chairs are a type of seating configuration that replaces the standard bench seat in the third row with two individual seats.

This seating configuration is often found in larger SUVs or minivans, providing additional seating and comfort for passengers in the third row. In addition, third-row Captain’s chairs can be particularly appealing to families with multiple children, as it allows each child to have their own space and reduces the likelihood of arguments over seating arrangements.

The Captain’s chairs provide more comfortable seating for passengers, particularly on longer trips, compared to the third-row bench.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to third-row Captain’s chairs. One is that they reduce the overall seating capacity of the vehicle, as there are only two seats instead of three. Additionally, the extra space required for the Captain’s chairs can limit the cargo space in the vehicle’s rear.

Mercedes EQV Captain Chairs second and third row

In the EVKX EV database you can search for models with a specific seat type.

Continue to seat adjustment and features.

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