which has more second row space-- X5 or Q7
 

I realize there is a new X5 coming out, but how does the second row seat size compare between the current Q7 and the 2018 X5 in terms of legroom and width? I'm looking to replace a Range Rover and a spacious 2nd row is my top priority. I have no need for a 3rd row.

From the numbers listed on BMW, both 2019 and 2018 X5 seems to have similar amount of room in 2nd row. I think it is an inch or so shorter than Q7. One thing that I noticed in reviews is that in Q7, you can move the 2nd row seats and recline them but in 2019 X5 that's not an option at least in the current 2 row only model. The seats don't recline or move.

Not sure about 2019 X5, but in F15 the second row seats can move and recline if you have the comfort rear-seat option, which can be a standalone option or come standard with 3rd row option.

However, Q7 definitely has a bigger and more versatile second row, specifically due to the 35:30:35 split seats vs. the 40:20:40 in most of other SUVs. The 35:30:35 ratio allows putting two car seats side-by-side (one in the outboard position and the other in the center position) and still being able to lower the third seat to get into the third row. In a typical 40:20:40 configuration, this is almost impossible to do because the carseat in the middle would overlap the outboard seats, due to the very narrow middle seat. Audi definitely hit a home run when they designed the new Q7 with family in mind.

This was the review: that suggested no recline. In some other article I read it will be added as an option as you said once the 3rd row option becomes available next year.

I'll tell you without getting into the new X5, that the Q7 has more legroom in the 2nd row. The second row in the Q7 is enormous, and unless they did something spectacular to the X5, its never going to be close. I've been in many X5s and its a different feeling in the second row from the Q7

Don't see reclining option in the US BMW configurator either, and reportedly less legroom than the Q8.

I test drove a 2018 X5 prior and Q7 back to back prior to purchasing, and found the 2nd row of Q7 to be more comfortable/spacious than X5's (I am 6'2").

My 2015 X5 reclined the second row seats also - and adjusted forward and back. The 2019, apparently not so much....

Wasn't that standard only if you got 3rd row or perhaps you had "rear comfort seats" row option? I don't remember my X5 reclining or sliding much.
The other problem with X5's 2nd row is that the center is attached to driver side 2nd row, you couldn't fold one without the other, unlike Q7 which has 3 independently sliding and reclining seat. If that was the case with comfort seats, it meant you couldn't slide or recline pass and center seats on their own. It seems like they kept the same thing on new X5.

I had both of those, but at least it was an option. Rumored that reclining seats will be available in the 2019 X5 with the third row seat option, but haven't confirmed. I assume they would be the same split, which actually wasn't an issue for me. I've never put down just one second row seat in my Q7, but it's nice to have the ability, and to slide each independently. And I think the Audi seats are more comfortable.