[DannoBills]

I talked to my Dealer and he asked me if I was going with Leather or SensaTec seats. My thought has been to save a bit and go with SensaTec. From what I have been reading, it looks like leather and might even last longer. Thoughts? BTW i dont care abour resale value because I will keeping my M50 for as long as I can!! Cheers!!

 

[DES_MX]

Hi, no idea on how Sensatec will be, but I am also going with it. Owner of 2020 330e and now the 2021 iX3 with Vernasca leather, I can say it probably is better to go Sensatec + Alcantara from longevity view, as the Vernasca leather gets stripes / slight use marks real fast, both driver seat and the passenger seat. So Sensatec FTW

 

[Inside]

I will go for Sensatec. It will last much better than the leather options. What I can read online it will stay like new for a much longer period.
Most people also cant tell it is "fake or vegan" leather and thinks it is real.

Only complaint I have found online is the breathability. Some think that leather can better breath than sensatec and you may be a little sweaty on the back on hot summer days. But the new sensatic option for the i4 is with perforated look. So it will give nice ventilation for the bag. Don't think this will be an issue.

 

[jagMRY]

Does the choice matter if you want heated seats?

 

[DES_MX]

Does the choice matter if you want heated seats?

No, not for the seated seats. It is an option on both the leather and sensatec (and in some markets already included).
What you can't get with sensatec is the full M upgraded bucket seats, then it is automatically upgraded to full leather, full electric option.

 

[Inception]

I refuse to believe that the tensile strength of a PVC / PU fabric can be better than leather. I’m imagining cracking and tears will come more easily, but that the surface will hold up better.

A lot of people are saying it’s improved a lot, wish there were some actual material tests. I have the Dakota leather in my car, it’s not very soft. I hear it’s supposed to be much of the same as vernasca. Feels like I could power wash them, and they have absolutely no wear after 330 000 km. I would have paid for a nicer leather if they had the option.

 

[DannoBills]

Thanks for your feedback everyone!! Sounds like both options are good, and up to personnal preference. I think inwill go with SendaTec and spend on something else instead, like winter tires and rims 😉

 

[Finndoc]

One comment from a car enthusiast hippie. Buy synthetic seats instead of cow behinds. The industrial scale animal production is bad for the environment and for the animals. If the leather is not used for commercial use, meat price will increase and people will choose to eat more veggies and fish. Everybody wins. Except, maybe the fish.

And another comment while I've got all heated up. The synthetic material used in Tesla seats has proven to be very durable and pretty nice to touch. Also, it is very easy to clean even in white color.

So, I vote for the Sensatec every day of the week.

 

[Zizik]

Sensatec will most probably last longer than leather, alcantara won't.
Bear in mind that the cheaper leather options have a PU layer with leather "look" print over them, so they won't get scratched as easily as the real thing. They will eventually get marks on the outside bolsters, as my BMWs with Dakota did after a few years.

Know Your Leather: Here are the different types of BMW Leather Options

When buying a new BMW, there are quite a few different leather options that can be had, depending on the model.

www.bmwblog.com

I think I'll go with leather in order to get seat ventilation.

 

[Hansn]

My G30 with sensatec has a small tear/loose outer layer spot on the passenger seat. Its very small, and on the part of the seat people typicaly slide over when sitting down in the car.
The thickness of this layer that is the sensatec is really thin and i dont think i will ever order it again after seeing this. I can take a pic when i get home.. 100% not something that could happen to leather seats.

Big question is if it will get bigger over time.


Edit added pics:

As you can see on the white spot the colored layer is comming off. No idea how it could have happened as i never had an animal in the car. To me it looks like its starting to come off on 3 small spots near the big one also. The layer is so thin its almost scary. Behind this layer is white fabric that makes up the rest of the "sensatec" . I would say its thinner than 0.15mm. Almost comparable to a logo print on a t-shirt..

On the bottom picture you can clearly see that its starting to spread, and also on the other side of the stiching.

Passenger seat and car has 46.000 km..

 

[J78]

Hi all,

I have a ‘19 x3 g01 with black vernasca leather in sport seats and it’s holding up very well so far.

I think specially Alcantara may have some issues on the resale value (if you are not renting). I remember when I was looking for an used 6 series coupe f13 a couple of years ago and I avoided all the cars (not many) that had the Alcantara sport seats. Used they didn’t look very good to me, specially in the pictures, and when you buy used usually you aim for the cars with better specs/options and skip the ones with lower specs (or consider them at a discount).

Sensatec may be a better option and they should last (I had a ‘17 Audi A4 with beige faux leather - a €1k option- and it hold on very well, after 2 years when I returned it they looked as new). Then again the Vernasca stitching in the middle looks to me way better than the Sensatec flat perforated pattern and as for resale it might have an impact if many used cars have the vernasca leather.

This is also one reason why I would spec the m sport seats - I think they look cooler and they might help on resale later on, as most cars would have the standard sport seats.

Regards

 

[BimmerTim]

Hi all,

I have a ‘19 x3 g01 with black vernasca leather in sport seats and it’s holding up very well so far.

I think specially Alcantara may have some issues on the resale value (if you are not renting). I remember when I was looking for an used 6 series coupe f13 a couple of years ago and I avoided all the cars (not many) that had the Alcantara sport seats. Used they didn’t look very good to me, specially in the pictures, and when you buy used usually you aim for the cars with better specs/options and skip the ones with lower specs (or consider them at a discount).

Sensatec may be a better option and they should last (I had a ‘17 Audi A4 with beige faux leather - a €1k option- and it hold on very well, after 2 years when I returned it they looked as new). Then again the Vernasca stitching in the middle looks to me way better than the Sensatec flat perforated pattern and as for resale it might have an impact if many used cars have the vernasca leather.

This is also one reason why I would spec the m sport seats - I think they look cooler and they might help on resale later on, as most cars would have the standard sport seats.

Regards
Joao

Welcome to the forum @Jcm78! How are you looking to spec your i4? Is it going to replace your X3?

 

[J78]

Welcome to the forum @Jcm78! How are you looking to spec your i4? Is it going to replace your X3?

Hi
Thank you. The i4 will replace a 640d f13 coupe. I have a second kid now and it’s impossible to put the baby seat in the back. This is the main reason and we end up using the x3 all the time. A 4 door was in need and although I considered a 640d grand coupe (used) the i4 seems more logical. I also considered a Tesla s or 3 and an Audi etron. In the end the i4 has everything I wanted and is a new model. I asked a quote for an m50, black sapphire and m seats in black/blue stitching, 18” 858 and almost every option. Delivery in March/April. Let’s see.
Regards

 

[Quadrazontal]

I talked to my Dealer and he asked me if I was going with Leather or SensaTec seats. My thought has been to save a bit and go with SensaTec. From what I have been reading, it looks like leather and might even last longer. Thoughts? BTW i dont care abour resale value because I will keeping my M50 for as long as I can!! Cheers!!

Have had Dakota/Vernasca on 2 X3s ('15, '20). Driving SensaTec now and it's not as comfortable in the summer but definitely more durable. I would not choose it over leather in an X3 based on this experience (choosing comfort over durability) even though I've had no experience in winter w/ non-perforated SensaTec. Just purchased '22 X3 with perforated after seeing a 3 series in the showroom and knowing this will be big winner for my needs compared to current SensaTec and previous Dakota leather.

 

[Bimmer]

I've had different experiences with leather vs sensatec. My previous 3er had sensatec. After 4 years the surface was tearing apart in specific spots, such as the location where your elbow rests in the door panel, the side bolsters,...

The leather in my Merc still looks like new.

The dealer said the latest version of sensatec should be more durable. Giving it a chance again.

 

[BimmerTim]

Have had Dakota/Vernasca on 2 X3s ('15, '20). Driving SensaTec now and it's not as comfortable in the summer but definitely more durable. I would not choose it over leather in an X3 based on this experience (choosing comfort over durability) even though I've had no experience in winter w/ non-perforated SensaTec. Just purchased '22 X3 with perforated after seeing a 3 series in the showroom and knowing this will be big winner for my needs compared to current SensaTec and previous Dakota leather.

Welcome to the forum @Quadrazontal! Are you getting an i4 to go along with your new X3?

 

[jamie-thomas]

Hi i have been searching for an PHEV/EV for quite sometime. I couldn't really find a PHEV I loved and I didn't want to go Tesla as I just don't like the design at all, although the range was appealing!. Then I was made aware of the i4 and simply love it and the big bonus is the range! I'm limited in my selection as this is a company vehicle and cannot modify too much as it takes me over my threshold.
Therefore, I would like opinions if possible please.
I can go for the sport model and alter the colour (I'm thinking Sky scrapper grey) or go for the i40 M sport and stick to Alpine White.
Interior I can't select leather and can only choose Sensatec. Firstly, is the Msport worth opting for and secondly, I have no experience of Sensatec and wondered, is it a decent material? I was concerned it would take away that premium feel and would be uncomfortable. I work in sales so would be in the car quite a lot and certainly want comfort.
Really appreciate any advice.
Thanks in advance

 

[Msharma]

No, not for the seated seats. It is an option on both the leather and sensatec (and in some markets already included).
What you can't get with sensatec is the full M upgraded bucket seats, then it is automatically upgraded to full leather, full electric option.

Hey Des_MX, You mentioned in one of your posts that if you go for leather seats they'll give you the bucket seats, whereas if you go for sensatec, they'll likely be standard seats...is this confirmed and for certain? Im looking to place an order here in the US and a bit confused what to do. I think the bucket seats come with the "M" badge on the headrest as well which is nice, but not sure if that Is a thing or not. I don't see it on the build page, but see it in all the review videos.

 

[Msharma]

Does anyone know about the M Badging on the headrests on the i4 M50? I see it on the review videos, but I don't see it on the build page? (I'm in the US if that matters)

Also, anyone know if getting leather seats upgrades you to bucket seats or are they the same seats regardless if its leather or sensatec?

 

[i4_Loe]

The fact that cars outside of the USA can get Sensatec/Alcantara combination makes me angry...

People complain about Alcantara and wear, but it literally is the easiest thing to keep clean if you don't neglect it.

My current car had Novillo/Alcantara and I have to say is the easiest to keep looking like new with nothing more than warm water + microfiber cloth.

My Alcantara steering wheel is even clean and new looking with just the above despite McDonald's Chicken Nugget runs @ midnight.