[RPA8888]

The Sensafin product is definitely the most impressive imitation leather that I've seen in a vehicle - at least as it appears when new.

The only concern that I would have with it is how it ages - specifically how the material degrades over time with exposure to heat and UV light. For example, do some areas of the interior that are more subjected to some direct UV light become color-altered? Is the material stain-resistant?

I've dealt with leather interiors in cars for 50 years. I can work with it and it definitely lasts.

I don't think I would want to risk giving Sensafin a go in a $90k vehicle.

[mscot]

Originally Posted by Giggler

Count me as one of the many LCI owners here who own or have owned iDrive 7 cars and prefer the iDrive 8.5 interface. I had some frustrations at first with losing shortcut buttons and HVAC, but I quickly adapted.

I'm 50 and came from a 2017 4Runner, which is basically a 20 year old vehicle. No touch screens at all. It took me the drive home from the dealer to sort it out.
The panic about touch screens is silly.

[RPA8888]

For me, the interface with the car should be about choices. Varying ways to go about accomplishing a task or creating an outcome. The physical button layout on the X5 has been excellent I think. Not a random dispersement of buttons, but well organized according to function.

If BMW's intent was to provide extra convenience for the driver, ok - add redundant functionality that can be accomplished within the iDrive interface. Add that in conjunction with the physical buttons.

Reality is - the move to eliminate the buttons is 100% cost reduction motivated.

The currently automotive value environment from the manufacturer's perspective is focused and centered on cost reduction.

Regarding the topic of technology advancement relative to iDrive interface in conjunction with physical buttons - there's an excellent segment in this video (starts at about the 1 minute point) that touches on this...

[Heavyd]

Originally Posted by Giggler

Count me as one of the many LCI owners here who own or have owned iDrive 7 cars and prefer the iDrive 8.5 interface. I had some frustrations at first with losing shortcut buttons and HVAC, but I quickly adapted. I seriously roll my eyes at the people who either judge without experience or are refusing to adapt. The truth is the new curved screen provides a better cockpit view and better ability to interface with the car’s functionality. I originally didn’t like 8.5 but I quickly adapted and now I’m a huge fan of this car.

There’s a few folks here who proudly admit they intentionally bought one of the remaining 2023’s instead of a LCI 2024 specifically because of the buttons and I can’t help but laugh at how foolish of a decision that was because they’re missing out on some substantial engine and technology upgrades that make it a much better car overall in terms of power, efficiency and technology… all because of a misguided refusal to adapt to a new interface.

I still remember the frenzy about the idrive 7 digital instrument cluster

[Mixitt]

Originally Posted by RPA8888

For me, the interface with the car should be about choices. Varying ways to go about accomplishing a task or creating an outcome. The physical button layout on the X5 has been excellent I think. Not a random dispersement of buttons, but well organized according to function.

If BMW's intent was to provide extra convenience for the driver, ok - add redundant functionality that can be accomplished within the iDrive interface. Add that in conjunction with the physical buttons.

Reality is - the move to eliminate the buttons is 100% cost reduction motivated.

The currently automotive value environment from the manufacturer's perspective is focused and centered on cost reduction.

Regarding the topic of technology advancement relative to iDrive interface in conjunction with physical buttons - there's an excellent segment in this video (starts at about the 1 minute point) that touches on this...

He, and you, nail it regarding choices. Thanks for sharing.

IOW, BMW created the "perfect", easy to operate/control car with this variant.

I normally trade out of cars in 3-5 years. Am keeping my 2019 X5.

About time I fixed her up with a new coat of ceramic coating although she's still beading 4 plus years later.

Merino leather is holding up great.

[cobramite]

Originally Posted by Heavyd

I still remember the frenzy about the idrive 7 digital instrument cluster

The hissy fit that a few are having about "buttons" reminds me of the heads exploding when the Corvette shed its pop-up headlights(C6) and round tailights(C7). Those meltdowns proved nor achieved anything and neither will the ruffled feathers and twisted nuts over a few buttons.

[RPA8888]

Originally Posted by cobramite

The hissy fit that a few are having about "buttons" reminds me of the heads exploding when the Corvette shed its pop-up headlights(C6) and round tailights(C7). Those meltdowns proved nor achieved anything and neither will the ruffled feathers and twisted nuts over a few buttons.

Well - alrighty then...

[cobramite]

Originally Posted by RPA8888

Well - alrighty then...

Glad you enjoyed that.

[LOFT]

On the broader subject of X3 vs X5 (not the buttons) I rented my first X3 from Sixt here in Las Vegas. I’ve been renting X’5’s from Sixt where ever they are located in the US because of decent pricing and I don’t have to re-learn the driver interface if I show up at 11 pm since I own a 45e.

I’m halfway through an 8 day rental and I’m impressed with X3. It is a real “little brother” to the X5…decent HP, good torque and probably light weight because of S Drive. We drove it up to Zion Canyon (3 hours up and 3 hours back) at regular speeds of 75 mph. It was a quiet and stable ride. My wife liked it a lot better than the X5 because it’s smaller and easier to get into. I obviously prefer the X5, but I think the X3 is respectable and shouldn’t be written off because us X5 fanboys love our cars.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by LOFT

I obviously prefer the X5, but I think the X3 is respectable and shouldn’t be written off because us X5 fanboys love our cars.

I think the biggest reason many people wrote off the X3 is because there is a big dropoff in luxury and materials between the two. That will change next year when the G45 comes out since it is expected to match the materials and technology of the X5.

[Giggler]

Originally Posted by Heavyd

I still remember the frenzy about the idrive 7 digital instrument cluster

The Luddites hate new technology haha

I came from a 2015 Lexus IS when I bought my G20 M340i… during the test drive I had a genuine “holy shit” moment when I realized how much more advanced iDrive7 is compared to dated Lexus infotainment. I couldn’t believe it! I almost had a similar feeling going from idrive7 to 8 because the curved screen and HUD advancements make it a whole new experience.

[eelnoraa]

We can always say a car is faster, larger, taller, or more expansive. It is quantifiable. Preference cannot be measured. After all, it is just a car, in a few years, most of you will switch to another car. So the decision is temporary enough that I don’t see why it matters.

[Photographer918]

Originally Posted by cobramite

The hissy fit that a few are having about "buttons" reminds me of the heads exploding when the Corvette shed its pop-up headlights(C6) and round tailights(C7). Those meltdowns proved nor achieved anything and neither will the ruffled feathers and twisted nuts over a few buttons.

Not having a hissy fit - provided clearly laid out safety concerns about changing interfaces from single clicks to multiple screen touches. But you can’t seem to have a discussion about the topic without getting emotional about it, and arguing like a three year old that others are having a hissy fit or meltdown.

That’s generally the sign of inferior intellect or insecurity. So, just in case you need to hear it again: Your car is excellent for you. I’m truly happy you enjoy it, and hope you never have a near miss because you’re distracted by the screen. You have excellent taste and should be admired by all.

[FastMarkA]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

I think the biggest reason many people wrote off the X3 is because there is a big dropoff in luxury and materials between the two. That will change next year when the G45 comes out since it is expected to match the materials and technology of the X5.

This is absolutely the case for me.

Sizewise, the X3 would work, but once you've had multi-contour seats, nicer finishes, massage seats, a power telescopic steering column...the current X3 gets dismissed.

Excited to see the G45 next year.

[Mixitt]

Originally Posted by cobramite

Glad you enjoyed that.

Speaking of "hissy fits", keep 'em coming, FRIEND.

Ahhh, the good old days.

https://www.atlanticbt.com/insights/...radio-buttons/

[cobramite]

Originally Posted by Mixitt

Speaking of "hissy fits", keep 'em coming, FRIEND.

Ahhh, the good old days.

https://www.atlanticbt.com/insights/...radio-buttons/

Must have really made your day, FRIEND.
Kinda get the feeling that the old GM radio you posted is glimpse of your world and mindset. Keep those "buttons" clean and polished, FRIEND.

[Heavyd]

Originally Posted by Mixitt

Speaking of "hissy fits", keep 'em coming, FRIEND.

Ahhh, the good old days.

https://www.atlanticbt.com/insights/...radio-buttons/

Looks like one big safety issue. And I don't even mention fiddling with cassettes and cd's

[T3PO]

To answer your question, get whatever she likes. You will never find the perfect vehicle. FWIW it sounds like you both like the features and functionality of the Genesis the most.

While I’m sure you are helping her quite a bit, be careful you aren’t overwhelming her with car paralysis by analysis. I speak from first hand experience with my wife, at a certain point she just tunes me out and doesn’t care.

[kgelfen360]

Can reminisce about the buttons all you want. Everyone is transitioning away from them. My X5 has idrive 7 and my M3 has idrive 8 and I find idrive 8 better and more pleasant to look at. It’s like some kind of fear of not having physical buttons. It works just as well and arguably better without them.

[mscot]

When you drive, what buttons are you fiddling with?
HVAC, Radio, and Cruise, right?

HVAC is seriously one touch to change temp, two to turn on seat or steering wheel. Once you've done it a few times, it's just muscle memory.
Radio is honestly no different than any modern vehicle now. They all have touch for that, and most of what you do is on the steering wheel... with buttons.
I haven't needed Cruise yet but is all on the steering wheel except the acc distance and as has been said on this board many times over, the new computer sets the distance logic and I would bet it knows better than some guy that thinks a 70s Oldsmobile is the pinnacle of driver interfaces.

But we're all just feeding a troll at this point.

[cobramite]

Originally Posted by mscot

When you drive, what buttons are you fiddling with?
HVAC, Radio, and Cruise, right?

HVAC is seriously one touch to change temp, two to turn on seat or steering wheel. Once you've done it a few times, it's just muscle memory.
Radio is honestly no different than any modern vehicle now. They all have touch for that, and most of what you do is on the steering wheel... with buttons.
I haven't needed Cruise yet but is all on the steering wheel except the acc distance and as has been said on this board many times over, the new computer sets the distance logic and I would bet it knows better than some guy that thinks a 70s Oldsmobile is the pinnacle of driver interfaces.

But we're all just feeding a troll at this point.

We are "feeding a troll at this point", true and well stated.
Unfortunately the troll's mission here is to revive and promote his neanderthal mindset. "luddite" was the descriptive term used by another member to describe the button worshippers and is a perfect word choice. Too funny.

[Mixitt]

Originally Posted by Heavyd

Looks like one big safety issue. And I don't even mention fiddling with cassettes and cd's

Ya forgot 8 track LOL.

Pisses me off that BMW got rid of the CD player. Being an audiophile, (building HT speakers and such) CD digital quality is really up there. Yeah, I know, you could do the streaming biz and I do with Spotify, loaded thumbsticks, etc. but it's not the same. It's my understanding the dealer can install a player in the glove box.

Kinda like not having buttons ya know. Gawd....I love that push button feeling. Makes me all warm and comphy inside.