My neighbour was looking for a 7-seat electric SUV for her blended family — five kids between two households, two weekends a month in Wallonia. She'd looked at the e-5008, the EV9, the Model Y. She asked me which one. I took the time to lay out the figures properly.
Here's what I found — and what the manufacturer spec sheets don't tell you.
Which model has a genuinely usable third row in 2026?
Straight answer: only three models have a third row usable by adults for more than 30 minutes: the Kia EV9, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and the VW ID. Buzz LWB.
The other two — Peugeot e-5008 and Tesla Model Y — have third-row seats that suit children or occasional use. For adults on trips over an hour or on a weekend away, they're uncomfortable.
| Model | Length | 3rd row for adults | Boot (7-seat) | Price BE from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia EV9 | 5.01 m | ✅ Yes | 333 L | ~€70,000 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 | 5.06 m | ✅ Yes | 620 L | ~€59,990 |
| VW ID. Buzz LWB | 4.96 m | ✅ Yes | ~400 L | ~€65,000 |
| Peugeot e-5008 | 4.79 m | ⚠️ Children/short trips | 259 L | ~€51,900 |
| Tesla Model Y (7-seat) | 4.75 m | ⚠️ Children only | ~50 L | ~€55,000 |
Manufacturer figures are one thing. Real-world figures are this: with two adults in the third row and weekend luggage, only the EV9, Ioniq 9 and ID. Buzz pass the test.
What's the real-world range with 7 people and luggage?
WLTP figures are measured empty or nearly so. With 7 people and their bags, consumption rises by 10–15%. Applying the 0.78 coefficient for mixed Belgian conditions, here are the usable figures:
| Model | Battery | WLTP | Real-world range (0.78) | Loaded 7 pers. (−12%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 | 110 kWh | ~620 km* | 484 km | 426 km |
| Kia EV9 RWD | 99.8 kWh | 563 km | 439 km | 387 km |
| Peugeot e-5008 | 96.9 kWh | 502 km | 392 km | 345 km |
| VW ID. Buzz LWB | 86 kWh | 476 km | 371 km | 326 km |
| Tesla Model Y 7-seat | 82 kWh | 555 km | 433 km | 381 km |
*Official WLTP for the Ioniq 9 not yet published as of 23/03/2026 — manufacturer estimate based on battery capacity and certified consumption.
On the E411 in January with the family: Brussels to La Roche-en-Ardenne = 140 km. The return trip (280 km) is manageable for all models unless you leave with less than 60% charge. Plan a 20-minute top-up at the Fastned stations in Spy or Overijse if you're chaining trips.
By profile: which one to pick?
Belgian family with mixed driving (commute + Ardennes weekends)
Kia EV9 if the budget allows. It's the only one that combines a genuinely usable third row, a decent boot in 7-seat mode (333 L), good residual value and controlled consumption (19.5 kWh/100 km WLTP). Its 800V architecture lets it charge from 10 to 80% in 24 minutes on a 350 kW charger.
Ioniq 9 if you want the best space-to-price ratio. Bigger than the EV9, from €59,990, with 110 kWh and 350 kW charging. The most spacious in this comparison, at the best price in the premium segment.
For an in-depth comparison between the EV9 and the BYD Tang — with detailed TCO and residual value — see BYD Tang or Kia EV9: which one to choose in Belgium?
Tight budget (under €55,000)
Peugeot e-5008 is the only one under €55,000. It offers genuinely good range (502 km WLTP) and sufficient cabin space if your children use the third row. Its weak point: 259 L of boot space in 7-seat mode. If you regularly travel with 6 or 7 people and luggage, it won't work. If you use the third row occasionally, it's the best value in the segment.
The Tesla Model Y 7-seat (~€55,000 with the option) is the cheapest way to get a 7th seat — but it's not really a functional 7-seater.
Self-employed or company car (leasing, 2026 deductibility)
The 100% deductibility for company EVs is valid until 31 December 2026 only — 95% in 2027, 90% in 2028. A lease contract signed before that date locks in the rate for its entire duration.
In practice: on an EV9 at €70,000, that's €17,500 in tax savings at a 25% corporate tax rate. On the Ioniq 9 at €59,990: €15,000. The details (benefit-in-kind, registration tax by region, monthly payments compared with an ICE car) are in our guide on 7-seat electric car leasing in Belgium.
Frequent road trips (Belgium–France, Belgium–Netherlands)
VW ID. Buzz LWB is the most pleasant motorway cruiser in this segment — bright interior, high seating position, unique ambience. Its 800V architecture isn't here yet (the SSP platform arrives in 2027) but 200 kW charging is sufficient for reasonable breaks. On the Brussels–Paris run (300 km), a single 20-minute stop is enough.
What I wish I'd known before answering my neighbour
The real question to ask first: how many times per month will all 7 seats actually be used, and by whom?
- Never → don't buy a 7-seater: you're paying for bulk you won't use
- Sometimes, children under 12 → e-5008 or Model Y are enough
- Regularly, adults → EV9 or Ioniq 9, no other option
In practice, for my neighbour: blended family, adults in all three rows two weekends a month, E411 in winter. I settled on the Ioniq 9 — best cabin space, best boot in 7-seat mode, more accessible price than the EV9, and 100% deductibility still available if her husband registers it through his SRL before the end of 2026.
To fine-tune your TCO calculation, use our TCO simulator.