[carmstrong07]

I know some are turned off by the feel of Sensatec, but that doesn't bother me. Question - which is more durable? I am doing a special order and plan on using my X5 45e for plenty of adventures with my dog and friends after long runs, so am more interested in ease of cleaning / durability than anything else. What do you think?

Thanks!

[Alf89]

Sensatec should be more durable. It's synthetic and doesn't need much maintenance.

[HouseMD]

I'm sure Sensatec is more durable but I wouldn't go with it. I can't believe that a car at this price point isn't standard with leather. I would be worried about resell.

That said, when I was looking for mine, I did see several in inventory at various dealers so they must sell.....:

[James_G0540i]

https://www.bmwblog.com/2019/12/23/k...ather-options/

Sensatec is "fake" leather, and while its durable it does begin to crack if exposed to a lot of sun or where the leather has to bend and fold (like on the side of the seats). I had Sensatec in my F15 X5 and had to have the drivers and passengers seat cushion replaced after 3 years because the side of the seats (which fold slightly down when you get in/out and sit), had begun to crack and perforate, it looked awful.

On the G05, Vernasca is now standard here in Australia and its far better quality than the Sensatec, it feels more natural, is more heat resistant and feels less sticky when hot. It's also softer and more malleable as real leather is more porous, so it absorbs any cleaner or moisturizer you might use.

Whatever option you get, clean and moisturize your seats once every 2-3 months and they'll last years.

[carmstrong07]

Thanks James - the fact that it is more heat resistant is really helpful (here in Virginia, US). Appreciate the feedback! Putting in a special order on an X5 45e in the next week.

[Qsilver7]

Vernasca leather falls in the same category as Dakota & Nevada leather. It has a synthetic polymer coating on top so remember that “deep” cleaning leather products really don’t “soak” into Vernasca/Dakota/Nevada leather. You’d be better off using a topical product for leather that will keep it clean.

Deep cleaning leather products that are designed to “soak” into the leather should be reserved for Merino leather (has no protective coating) or Nappa (has a light clear coat).

[carmstrong07]

Thanks QSilver7!

[jonatious]

Originally Posted by carmstrong07

Thanks QSilver7!

I see you are new to the forum, you should also use the Appreciate button on the bottom of each post to thank them so they get a Reputation point

[carmstrong07]

Done! Thanks for the pointer.

[codex57]

I'm not a fan of Vernasca. I actually think Sensatec feels softer. Personally, I'd have no problems going with Sensatec if that's what you like. If you want leather, I'd rather move up to Merino. Merino is what leather should feel like in this class of car.

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by carmstrong07

Thanks James - the fact that it is more heat resistant is really helpful (here in Virginia, US). Appreciate the feedback! Putting in a special order on an X5 45e in the next week.

I'm also in NoVA and wouldn't be worried about heat resistance. Pretty much any black interior exposed to sunlight is going to absorb heat - whether it be SensaTec, Vernasca or Merino.

If you're more concerned when wear and tear, stick with SensaTec but Vernasca leather is also very durable. Be advised that selecting SensaTec will limit you to the standard 481 16-way adjustable Sport seats with 488 Lumbar support.

Optioning Vernasca leather and top of the line, Merino leather adds an additional seat option - 456 20-way adjustable Multi-contour seats ($750) - electronically adjustable headrests and upper-backrest segment, backrest width and lumbar support, manually adjustable head restraint extensions. Or you can option ZLS Luxury seating which upgrades 456 Multi-contour seats with ventilation and massage.

While SensaTec is an eco-friendly and durable option, you'll want to ensure that the standard seats provide you with the daily driving seat comfort you're expecting. Personally I find SensaTec surprisingly comfortable but having own every X5 generation since the original E53, 456 Multi-contour (early generations they were called Comfort Seats) were the seats my derrière prefer

Added photos showing:

1) 481 standard Sport Seats (standard SensaTec or optional Vernasca)

2) 481 seating controls

3) 456 Multi-contour seats (shown in Vernasca or Merino upgrade - will have different leather pattern)

4) 456 seating controls