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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 😉

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

I do have 10 years old 3 series with basic M alcantara/textile seats, and after 130.000 kms, there is not even one spot of visible wear…

 

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..

 

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

 

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?

 

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?

 

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.

 

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

 

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?

 

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?

The M Badging represent the M Sport Seats that I don't think are available in the US or Canada. Elsewhere in the world "M Sport Seats" is an option. The leather seats are different from the Sensatec seats, I think the adjustable side bolsters are only available with the leather seats, and the ventilated leather seats are yet another design.

 

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.

 

Someone here who knows if it is possible to get sensatec cognac seats combined with leather dashboard? I really like that combination very much

 

You mean a cognac leather dashboard? or black?
Not in BE, leather dash only available with leather seats

 

very very sad that USA cars can't get the alcantara seats!

 

Well, I have an idea... why don't you guys ALL BOYCOT BMW??? So cancel all your orders until they agree to have the same options everywhere, in both the US as in Europe and AP...
OK?




Hehehe....if all these idiots do that, I'll be driving a BMW i4 M50 within a month!!! hehehe

 

No. With black floor carpets and black ceiling. Was my choice .

 

OK, and did you ask specifically for black floor carpets, because I can't find it in the option list...

 

Oh, OK, I meant the one right next to it on the right....
My mistake...I must be blind or what...

 

Interesting observations for I4 interior options with Sensatec and Vernasca:

-when comparing with real cars I have observed some interesting details when choosing interior design Canberra Beige Sensatec w Black contrast:

Part A surrounding rear vents and climate control is black in digital brochure (DB) and online configurator (OC) but is color-matched with Canberra Beige Sensatec in production (fully black with Vernasca, as well as all other interior colors).

Seat back including net (part B) is color-matched when choosing Sensatec Canberra Beige and black when chosing Vernasca Oyster, as well as all other interior colors (can be seen in DB and cannot be observed in OC).

Belts (C) are color-matched when chosing Sensatec Canberra Beige and black when choosing Vernasca Oyster, as well as all other interior colors.

Door inserts (D) for window buttons are black in real and in OC (but are falsely color matched in DB - true for the 2-door 430i) - always black when choosing Vernasca Oyster, as well as all other interior colors.

Part E is color-matched when choosing Sensatec Canberra Beige and black when choosing Vernasca Oyster, as well as all other interior colors.

Part E only gets stitchings when choosing Sensatec / Vernasca with M sport package (includes M50)...

... and no stitchings on I4 without M sport

Color-matched speaker covers when not upgrading to Harman Kardon (only Sensatec Canberra Beige and Vernasca Oyster)

Headrest buttons are color-matched when choosing Sensatec Canberra Beige

...and black when choosing Vernasca Oyster, as well as all other interior colors.

Car with Vernasca Oyster

 

Is senatec more yellowish comparing real leather oyster ?
I have been trying to decide but it's very hard to find both in dealers and compare.

 

Interesting observations, Steffo. I've configured oyster, so this is informative. I like what they do with the contrast when choosing oyster, so for me it works. I would assume it also makes sense, from a cleanliness standpoint, to keep the seat backs black when choosing a light color like oyster.

 

Thanks!

I chose Sensatec Canberra Beige w Harman Kardon and am happy with most color-matching parts that give a custom feel - except that I had preferred the seat backs black (for the looks and less shoemarks from kids/passengers) and possibly also the belts as when used often (especially drivers belt) they most likely must be cleaned.

 

Here is another visible difference seen from those you're driving by...

when choosing Sensatec Canberra Beige...

...or Vernasca Oyster

 

...and five more parts:
(according to online configurator (OC):

Unclear whether parts 1 and 2 will be black or not for Sensatec Beige - they are black in DB and black in preproduction car (and black in 440i) but color-matched in OC.

 

(according to online configurator (OC):

When looking at configurator today for sensatec beige I notice the seat belts are black (not beige) and also all plastic parts on neckrests, back part of center console etc are black (probably also rear plastic parts of front seats which would be welcome).

Is this a bug in configurator or a change for MY2023?

 

Preproduction car with Sensatec Beige

Digital Brochure with Sensatec Beige

 

AnyoAnyone know if there will be "stretch marks" in sencatec seats as there will be on leather seats?

 

Not really sure what you mean.

Here are detailed pics of the sensatec comfort seats. The seats are perforated and don’t have the ”ribbons” in the middle as Vernasca seats.