04-04-2023, 08:07 PM | #1 |
Kima
5
Rep 12
Posts |
SENSAFIN vs MERINO
Hello, I am about to order 2024 x5/x6 with sensafin leather, I am coming out from merino(X5) Would I feel comfort difference and if I get multi contour seats would they do same "braking in the back" and have so many seating adjustments? still deciding between x 6 red/black combo or x5 coffee. Thank you
|
04-04-2023, 09:02 PM | #2 |
Lieutenant
303
Rep 481
Posts |
You cannot compare Sensafin to Merino. I highly doubt anyone could go from Merino to Sensafin and be happy.
That said- I’m content with my Sensafin on my X5 40i. It’s better than Sensatec and Vernasca. But it cannot hold a candle to the luxury, smell and feel of merino. Do yourself a favor and get Merino- esp bc you’ve had it.
__________________
2023 G05 Phytonic Blue/Cognac, M Sport, Prem Pkg, Parking Assistance Pkg, 22", M-sport red brakes, heated armrests, 4zone climate, HK, extended shadowline
|
Appreciate
11
|
04-04-2023, 09:16 PM | #3 |
Private First Class
49
Rep 105
Posts |
I have a different opinion. My M3 has Merino and I have been totally happy with the Sensafin in my X5. Its still new but I think it will hold up better than merino, requiring less care and worry about scuffs/scraps. I do have multi-contour seats which I think are fantastic.
|
Appreciate
5
|
04-04-2023, 10:54 PM | #4 |
Lieutenant
379
Rep 498
Posts |
Ahhh the tantalizing smell of Merino! Never realized how much I enjoyed it until I had a loaner with sensafin for 2 weeks. The Merino multi-contour are much more comfortable in my experience.
|
04-05-2023, 06:57 AM | #5 | |
Captain
359
Rep 682
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
9
MJBradley1967198.00 1Boxer36.00 Blue87378.50 MystroX56322.00 Luigi524TD34.00 AGONXF30295.00 bandersen615.00 Gmag088.00 keg97170.50 |
04-05-2023, 07:00 AM | #7 | |
Lieutenant
303
Rep 481
Posts |
Quote:
We will see if my interior will smell like a plastic parts bin when the weather heats up in Texas. Lol.
__________________
2023 G05 Phytonic Blue/Cognac, M Sport, Prem Pkg, Parking Assistance Pkg, 22", M-sport red brakes, heated armrests, 4zone climate, HK, extended shadowline
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-05-2023, 07:23 AM | #8 |
Major
667
Rep 1,218
Posts |
If you get Merino you won't wish you had sensafin, if you get sensafin you may wish you had got merino.
__________________
2024 M60i Frozen pure grey/Black Merino
2023 M50i Tanzanite / Ivory/Night Blue Merino gone 2022 40i G05 Arctic grey/Ivory Merino gone |
Appreciate
13
MattTheCarNut303.00 1230vani660.00 MJBradley1967198.00 1Boxer36.00 MystroX56322.00 FLYZ100.50 GordoCLM259.50 AGONXF30295.00 BMWFLYNN54.00 keg97170.50 DaveDBD156.50 collector2853.00 Vak33134.00 |
04-05-2023, 09:31 AM | #9 |
Second Lieutenant
88
Rep 210
Posts |
If you get multiple scratches and staining on merino, you might regret.
Also it is always your family or friends who damage leather, not you. |
Appreciate
3
|
04-05-2023, 10:44 AM | #10 |
Captain
797
Rep 886
Posts |
I've not had Merino but have the real leather seats in my X3 and M3 and I wouldn't choose them over my cognac Sensafin.
__________________
M3 - X5 - 911 - Miata - Raptor - Edge
|
Appreciate
1
AloneAlien67.50 |
04-05-2023, 10:48 AM | #11 |
Major
1010
Rep 1,278
Posts |
Maybe M3 is different but I’m pretty sure you can’t get any of the nice leathers in an x3. Maybe the x3m but otherwise you’re not seeing merino or nappa. Most will agree the lesser quality leathers (vernasca and Dakota) are no better than sensafin but that’s not what the OP is comparing.
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-05-2023, 10:52 AM | #12 | |
Captain
797
Rep 886
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
M3 - X5 - 911 - Miata - Raptor - Edge
|
|
Appreciate
1
AloneAlien67.50 |
04-05-2023, 11:03 AM | #13 |
Major General
6322
Rep 5,355
Posts |
How is this even a comparison?? Sensafin is great plastic leather but as a detailer, I cant validate it or even imply it will compare to genuine leather let alone a premium leather like Merino. I have enough experience with it to not blindly have a opinion either way. I understand a element of some social/political movement against using real leather but we must keep this in some perspective.
Last edited by MystroX5; 04-05-2023 at 11:12 AM.. |
Appreciate
3
|
04-05-2023, 12:06 PM | #14 |
Lieutenant
564
Rep 549
Posts |
I currently have Merino and just ordered a 50e with Sensafin.
The Merino leather is fine, but IMHO it's not an upscale luxurious leather package like BMW has offered in the past (which have been a similar price point). Further, if you want to get heated seats (Climate Comfort Pkg), the car will also have ventilated seats, and when that happens, the perforated parts (mostly the whole seat!) is Vernasca leather, not Merino. Who knows, the perforated sections might even be Sensafin in the 2024s since it seems Vernasca is a thing of the past these days... Sensafin is a great imitation. Of course it's not leather, but if it's comfortable and durable, it's doing its job. As for smell, for me that faded away after about 6 months with the Merino (and I'm a regular car washer/non-smoker/keep a microfiber in the car to immediately address any spots/dust). |
Appreciate
2
tooloud10796.50 AloneAlien67.50 |
04-05-2023, 12:06 PM | #15 | |
Major
1010
Rep 1,278
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
3
|
04-05-2023, 12:16 PM | #16 |
Private
117
Rep 51
Posts |
FWIW, I also have full Merino in my M4 and love it, but after checking out an X5 with Sensafin in the dealership decided in terms of look and feel its pretty convincing, and ordered an LCI 40i with Sensafin. I’d rather spend the money on option packages rather than upgrading to Merino. It is of course a matter of personal preference.
|
Appreciate
3
|
04-05-2023, 12:26 PM | #17 |
Private First Class
94
Rep 104
Posts
Drives: 2021 x5 45e
Join Date: Dec 2022
Location: SoCal
|
Merino is softer, and it smells gooooood
__________________
2021 BMW X5 XDrive45e (G05) Phytonic Blue Metallic / Coffee Merino Leather
2017 BMW X4 XDrive20i (F26) Jet Black / Coffee Nevada Leather 2015 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Preimum (S550) Ebony (Retired) |
Appreciate
1
Blue87378.50 |
04-05-2023, 12:34 PM | #18 |
First Lieutenant
124
Rep 318
Posts |
Merino is all the folks say it is. On the 7 series I test drove, the Merino feels and looks good, multi-contour seats supple yet supportive, and it smells terrific. On the LCI upgrade, its but a $1950 upgrade. Worth it IMO. On my new 2023, however, I chose Coffee Sensafin. Partly for the $2450 ('24 price increased) savings over Merino, partly for its durability and ease of upkeep (got grandkids), and lastly for the unique quilt pattern and perforated texture. It really feels luxe and yet the seats are supportive enough for me. I don't know about the "back break" you mentioned. Coffee? Try to see it in-person and with the car exterior your choosing. It looks slightly different in sunlight than indoors. I like it overall...here's my '23 X5, indoor shot:
__________________
Test
|
Appreciate
1
TheCookieMonster298.50 |
04-05-2023, 02:28 PM | #19 | |
Captain
797
Rep 886
Posts |
Quote:
Did the Sensafin car have the multi contour seats? IMO those are way more important than the material covering them.
__________________
M3 - X5 - 911 - Miata - Raptor - Edge
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-05-2023, 03:23 PM | #20 |
Enlisted Member
24
Rep 32
Posts |
|
04-05-2023, 04:45 PM | #21 | |
Major General
4539
Rep 7,590
Posts |
Quote:
In regard to Sensafin…I have yet to personally experience it…but if it is a step up from the older Sensatec…maybe it will become more acceptable. I wonder if Sensafin will become to be accepted as well as or over natural leather like Alcantara has become accepted as a suede substitute. BMW’s Nevada, Boston, Dakota, and Vernasca leathers have never been a favorite of mine…and to me, the imitation leathers (Sensatec & Leatherette) may have been a better choice if Nappa or Merino weren’t available. The stamped grain in the leather (similar to a basket or foot ball) was unappealing to me. But I could see why owners that had pets or children could appreciate it. Not being at a place in their lives that would make owning the upgraded (and smoother) Nappa or Merino leathers…selecting the lesser grade leather that could take a beating might be a better decision.
__________________
2015 F06 650ix Gran Coupe`(Moonstone/Cohiba Brown)| 2014 F15 X5 50i MSport (Space Gray/Mocha)
Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral. Last edited by Qsilver7; 04-05-2023 at 04:54 PM.. |
|
Appreciate
1
Swappy542.50 |
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|