[Mixitt]

I'm trying to get my girlfriend into a 2024 X3 30i. We test drive tomorrow. We've test driven the new Mazda SUV CX90 and the Genesis GV-80 and a few upscale Highlanders. The Mazda is beautiful but sounds like a threshing machine and is a tad sloppy on the road. Lady friend does not like the noise level of the Highlander, plus it's a bit plain Jane. The Genesis is over the top but many have had mechanical problems such as differential failures on the AWD models and the 100 mile free valet service lure is iffy as well as are other reported owner issues, see the Genesis forums. Car's ultra smooth, peppy quiet ride, controls, and features are awesome. Has everything going for it, but....I digress.

Why the 2024 X3 versus a X5 or X7? Because it's the last (smart) variant regarding the friendly conveniences and safety of buttons on the dash and steering wheel, ASS on/off control deletion.

This member made my point at the X3/X4 forum:

"What's interesting to me is the amount of feedback I'm hearing from friends/family who don't like a glorified iPad for a dashboard and control interface. This includes a fair number of techies. That might help G01's retain some value as they'll be the last generation that uses buttons." https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...2064204&page=3

As an aside, any feedback on Sensa Tec (or Sensafin) versus Vernasca leather is welcome! https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2064541

[mscot]

Shouldn't this be in the X3 forum then?

[spoodle]

I would buy an X3, in fact I might in a few years when the need for the room of the X5 isn't there and the budget is smaller. But I wouldn't choose the X3 over the X5 just because of the lack of physical buttons and this is from a person who greatly prefers physical buttons and no ASS at all. Why not have her take a look at both during your test drive tomorrow?

[Mixitt]

Originally Posted by mscot

Shouldn't this be in the X3 forum then?

You missed the point friend. The X3 has not flipped over to The Dark Side, yet.

[Mixitt]

Originally Posted by spoodle

Why not have her take a look at both during your test drive tomorrow?

OK

[cobramite]

Originally Posted by Mixitt

You missed the point friend. The X3 has not flipped over to The Dark Side, yet.

You choose a vehicle based on "buttons". Get real Dude.
A Mazda would be perfect for you, go for it.

[mscot]

Originally Posted by Mixitt

You missed the point friend. The X3 has not flipped over to The Dark Side, yet.

I’m not your friend, Guy.

[aaaaaaaaaz]

Between iconic BMW I6 engine and some random old fashioned button, you chose the latter one seems like

[Mixitt]

Tough crowd tonight.

[Mixitt]

Originally Posted by alanzyy

Between iconic BMW I6 engine and some random old fashioned button, you chose the latter one seems like

And you chose The Germania Ipad on Wheels. What's your point?

[FastMarkA]

Originally Posted by Mixitt

Why the 2024 X3 versus a X5 or X7? Because it's the last (smart) variant regarding the friendly conveniences and safety of buttons on the dash and steering wheel, ASS on/off control deletion.

This member made my point at the X3/X4 forum:

"What's interesting to me is the amount of feedback I'm hearing from friends/family who don't like a glorified iPad for a dashboard and control interface. This includes a fair number of techies. That might help G01's retain some value as they'll be the last generation that uses buttons." https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...2064204&page=3

As an aside, any feedback on Sensa Tec (or Sensafin) versus Vernasca leather is welcome! https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2064541

Seems like you just posted here to make a statement on BMW's decision (along with nearly every other auto manufacturer) to incorporate vehicle operations into a single screen, and you're not seeking experiences from X5 drivers?

To quote Madonna, "I've heard it all before, I've heard it all before, I've heard it all before..."

Lots of threads to hammer down on the pros and cons of iDrive 8/8.5.

Onto more useful discussion, Sensatec is NOT Sensafin. They are two very different products. Sensatec is junk, Sensafin is generally well-regarded as a proper leather alternative. (In fact, most find Sensafin to be a higher quality, more luxurious choice than Vernasca. I don't believe Sensafin is available on the X3.)

[eelnoraa]

The part I don't get is choosing between these very different cars. Size wise and cost wise. Size wise CX90, highlander, X7 > X5, GV80 > X3. Why shopping across 3 difference size range of cars? And cost wise, X7 is like 2x of X3 30i. I don't see how I would ever swim between these options. Honestly, number of button on the dash will be fall down the priority list for most people, fast behind size, cost, power, comfort ... Maybe I don't understand the thread at all.

[Boardmember]

Hell I’m of the age one can’t count the decades on a single hand and I’m completely cool with having learned the screen functions on my LCI. And on the occasion I’m perusing some submenu and discover something new, it’s an enjoyable surprise.

I’m a little older than my wife and when she wanted to replace her Lexus GX 460, what did we get? A V8, 6speed, three-ton 2023 version of her old one. It has some buttons though but fewer than the older one.

Get the car she likes. Or if she’s paying, let HER get the car she likes. You never mentioned if GF likes/dislikes buttons.

[Mixitt]

Originally Posted by Boardmember

Hell I’m of the age one can’t count the decades on a single hand and I’m completely cool with having learned the screen functions on my LCI. And on the occasion I’m perusing some submenu and discover something new, it’s an enjoyable surprise.

I’m a little older than my wife and when she wanted to replace her Lexus GX 460, what did we get? A V8, 6speed, three-ton 2023 version of her old one. It has some buttons though but fewer than the older one.

Get the car she likes. Or if she’s paying, let HER get the car she likes. You never mentioned if GF likes/dislikes buttons.

It's been a challenge for me. She's picky. She needs to get out of an old Mercedes, diesel at that. She's buying and can afford about anything out there.

[Boardmember]

Show her the GX. She’ll go from 40mpg to 17mpg (downhill). Nice mix of buttons/screen jabs. But no compromise on that tried-and-true V8!

[Mixitt]

Originally Posted by FastMarkA

Onto more useful discussion, Sensatec is NOT Sensafin. They are two very different products. Sensatec is junk, Sensafin is generally well-regarded as a proper leather alternative. (In fact, most find Sensafin to be a higher quality, more luxurious choice than Vernasca. I don't believe Sensafin is available on the X3.)

What makes Sensafin a better product?

No, Sensafin is not available on the X3.

[FastMarkA]

Originally Posted by Mixitt

What makes Sensafin a better product?

No, Sensafin is not available on the X3.

I'm not familiar with the engineering behind Sensafin, so I don't know what makes it better, but from appearances and touch, it is a very high quality, "leather-like" material. Sensatec has always looked/felt strange.

There are a ton of threads here with other members discussing their experiences with Sensafin if you're interested in doing a search.

[aaaaaaaaaz]

Originally Posted by Mixitt

And you chose The Germania Ipad on Wheels. What's your point?

iPad is better than the junk random buttons, period. Wouldn’t mind a Porsche old cayenne styled beautiful button layout, or the old Mercedes solid metal toggles. But random bmw plastic buttons in my old x3 m40i, no thanks.

[mmm50i]

My sister has a 2020 X3, it's quite small. How come you haven't test driven the smaller variants of the vehicles you've tested? GV70, Rav 4, etc

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Mixitt

What makes Sensafin a better product?

Not sure it's better or worse...but the many discussions about the new Sensafin is that its tactile feel, and visual appearance has been received with more positive comments over the faux leather (Sensatec) and the older Leatherette materials BMW used in the past. In fact, many have stated they would take the new Sensafin over the base leathers like Dakota or Vernasca...which is an embossed (fake grain) leather with a synthetic polymer protective paint. This base leather is likened to having the appearance & feel of a basketball or football.

It appears to be more acceptable similar to Alcantara (faux suede). Fake suede was a big turn off during hte 70s/80s/90s...but Alcantara has been pretty well accepted (and even sought after).

[chicagofan00]

G45 X3 goes into production in August next year so if you want the current gen, better grab one soon.

I agree with others though, strange set of vehicles to be cross shopping on both size and price wise.

If she can afford anything why stop where you have and you might as well look at the Macan, Cayenne, Urus, Bentayga, and Purosangue.

[Kgerry59]

I ordered a 2023 X5 SPECIFICALLY because i don't like the look of that huge ugly screen and loss of buttons on dash. I was lucky to get my order in and got one of the last 2023's made before they switched over to the new design of the 24's.

Plus, I'm a big believer in never buying the first year of a new model, better to buy the last year of a run when all the bugs have finally been worked out.