[Kukushka]

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

[MattTheCarNut]

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.

[aka Hootie]

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.

[Blue87]

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.

[puckybadger]

Originally Posted by Kukushka

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

Sensafin is not leather. Just like almond milk is not milk.

[SwissBeemer]

[MattTheCarNut]

Originally Posted by aka Hootie

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.

I agree on the maintenance. It’s really nice not giving a crap about it. Just regular wipe downs and no sign of wear.

We will see if my interior will smell like a plastic parts bin when the weather heats up in Texas. Lol.

[BMPHIL]

If you get Merino you won't wish you had sensafin, if you get sensafin you may wish you had got merino.

[915M]

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.

[tooloud10]

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.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by tooloud10

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.

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.

[tooloud10]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

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.

Yeah, I dunno what they call either leather other than differentiating between the fake stuff and the real stuff. I do know I sat in a few with Merino and while it was super nice, I thought the same thing about the Sensafin and couldn't figure out why I'd spend the extra cash on it. For anyone else, YMMV.

[MystroX5]

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.

[FastMarkA]

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).

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

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.

Not gonna lie, I think this is a little bit of an assumption… I like to live in a world of knowing what I don’t know. And to say it’s impossible in todays world to create a synthetic material as nice as leather is a bit ridiculous and an insult to modern technology. Btw - I’m as conservative as they come so you won’t see me in the social / political camp that is anti leather

[Mephisto]

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.

[fan25]

Merino is softer, and it smells gooooood

[HDEddie1]

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:

[tooloud10]

Originally Posted by Kukushka

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?

I have Sensafin with multi-contour seats and the upper part of the back rest can be adjusted on its own, assuming that’s what you mean by “braking in the back”.

Originally Posted by Blue87

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.

Did the Sensafin car have the multi contour seats? IMO those are way more important than the material covering them.

[Medic8]

Originally Posted by puckybadger

Sensafin is not leather. Just like almond milk is not milk.

Well, they call it almond “milk” because no one would drink it if they called it “nut juice.”

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Medic8

Well, they call it almond “milk” because no one would drink it if they called it “nut juice.”

LOL…not to be mean in anyway…but the latest Bud-lite brew-haw haw (with the internet influencer) that received cans of Bud-lite with their face on it…I honestly don’t think they would have an issue with drinking “nut juice”….especially if their face was on the container…and they thought it would bring them more viewers

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.

[AloneAlien]

What is the source of this image? Some blogger's review?