[FCX5]

Originally Posted by speedyman

Carbon fiber even better, doesn't have the shiny plastic look.

The Piano black wood finish looks really nice as well, but is a scratch magnet, but easy to buff out (based on my experience so far). Not sure it is worth the $1080 extra cost though...

[puckybadger]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

You better be careful. It is a slippery slope and before you know it, you will be wishing you had soft-close doors and heated/cooled cupholders.

and Acoustic Glass

[sahajesh]

Originally Posted by puckybadger

and Acoustic Glass

This.

Worth it.

You hardly hear any road noise.

[XAmbassador12]

^^Agreed. I specc’d my wife’s X5 with some nice touches including extended Merino, leather dashboard and acoustic glass. Highly recommended!

[buckybadger]

I would take Merino any day.
I have acoustic glass and glass controls, makes a reasonable difference in the interior feel and ambiance.

[sahajesh]

Originally Posted by buckybadger

I would take Merino any day.
I have acoustic glass and glass controls, makes a reasonable difference in the interior feel and ambiance.

Definitely.

My first X5, specced Merino, Acoustic Glass and Crafted Clarity - makes the interior a huge step up for comfort.

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by AndroidRobot

Veransca is likely sturdier but feels nowhere near as nice

I would agree. I have the brown Individual leather on my F15 X5. It looks super luxurious since the leather covers everything. However, the leather now has small flaws and scrapes all over the place and shows its age more than Dakota would have. This was the $3,900 individual leather option.

So if you are just going to lease and return then the $1,000 for the Merino is a good bet. But if you want to keep it long-term with minimal care, then Vernasca might be the better option. So boils down to how much you plan to use it and how roughly.

There is no doubt the Dakota leather on the X5 (other than the cracks on the vinyl for some) was sturdier than the Merino. Probably going to be the same for Vernasca vs. Merino. Vernasca and Dakota are exactly the same but with different embossing.

Whatever you get with the G05, get the leather dashboard option since the vinyl covering looks kinda cheap to me in real-life.

[AdamG05X5]

Sorry to go off topic but what is this in the cup holder ? I just think it looks smart but can't find it anywhere online.

[thereef510]

Originally Posted by AdamG05X5

Sorry to go off topic but what is this in the cup holder ? I just think it looks smart but can't find it anywhere online.

I believe it's an ashtray? mine did not come with it.

[330dMSXD]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

You better be careful. It is a slippery slope and before you know it, you will be wishing you had soft-close doors and heated/cooled cupholders.

Tell me about it

I have only just ordered but already thinking I should have ordered Merino Leather, Individual Paint, Carbon Trim and Crafted Clarity Controls

I need to stop visiting this forum as its likely to cost me more money

[sahajesh]

Originally Posted by 330dMSXD

Tell me about it

I have only just ordered but already thinking I should have ordered Merino Leather, Individual Paint, Carbon Trim and Crafted Clarity Controls

I need to stop visiting this forum as its likely to cost me more money

Ooh ooh ooh can I play the “Let’s spec your new X5” game

[luckylingy]

Originally Posted by AdamG05X5

Sorry to go off topic but what is this in the cup holder ? I just think it looks smart but can't find it anywhere online.

Yep, that's the ashtray (the vast majority of owners will never use). Mercedes also provides a detached container for smokers. Saves valuable center console real estate. Doubles as a fancy coin holder for those who don't need both cupholders.

[330dMSXD]

Originally Posted by sahajesh

Ooh ooh ooh can I play the “Let’s spec your new X5” game

I blame you

All those option choices with the PL discount incentive is making it worse!

[sahajesh]

Vernasca vs Merino - do you want to ride a fairground donkey? Then go for Vernasca, it’s slightly nicer than Dakota leather!

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by thereef510

I believe it's an ashtray? mine did not come with it.

I don't think vehicles for the US market come with one.

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by sahajesh

Vernasca vs Merino - do you want to ride a fairground donkey? Then go for Vernasca, it’s slightly nicer than Dakota leather!

Um. If the seats are anything like the F15, the comfort isn’t a big difference between the leather types. I have individual Merino leather and I have had loaners with Vernasca/Dakota and they are about the same in overall comfort, but the Merino feels nicer.

The Merino is nice smooth leather and a good $1000 upgrade. However, the Vernasco and Dakota leather are more water proof and takes more of a beating. So it depends on what you prioritize more. Vernasca and Dakota are the same types of leather.

You can compare the price difference between sensatec, Vernasca and Merino in BMW parts and compare the price differences to know they are not Coach vs Louis Vuitton leather. They are basically $50 to $100 different per seat part…BMW isn’t in the business of subsidizing one type of leather vs. another - the cost is indicative of their quality difference. JMHO.

[Delrazdan]

Extended merino wins hands down. The seats just feel plushier and richer looking.

[omasou]

Originally Posted by Delrazdan

Extended merino wins hands down. The seats just feel plushier and richer looking.

+1 I'm very glad that I optioned the Merino leather w/the multi-contour seats.