[Borns]

It's much more difficult to enter/exit the car with sports seats (I have sports seats in my 3 series now). If you have wide back like I do, then it will not be comfortable to sit. Test them before ordering...

[OOOSQ]

Definitely yes.

Very very comfortable.

[Patton]

My previous car was a 2009 Audi Q5 with sport seats and before that a BMW E60 with sportseats.
Before ordering the X3 tried both standard and sport seats, but the standard seat was to "short", the sport seat felt much better.
In the Audi I could drive 450km to a meeting and then drive back in the evening, no problem. But now in the X3 after 80km my back hurts when I get out of the car. They are OK when I'm still seated but when I get out it hurts.

Even the E60 sport seat was much better, F25 seats are to low in the back and much "cheaper" than the 5-series seats, (Audi seats are in a different class). (I'm 192 cm and about 90kg)

Before you order seats take the car for a LONG drive not just 30 min...

But still, it's a nice car ;-)

[dnw]

Like you I had a Q5 before with sports seats and now have an X3 with the same. I have no complaints after a 300 mile drive so perhaps you just need to fiddle around with the positioning? It makes all the difference, some physios are even experts at adjusting seats correctly.

On that subject I am so pleased to have gone for the electric seats. The adjustment and fine tuning potential is endless.

[Cropwell]

I currently have a 335d coupe which has sport seats, I drove an X3 2.0SE with the standard seats and found them a bit lacking in support and the cushion a bit flat.Unfortunately dealer did not have a sport model for me to try but have opted for the sport seats on my 3.0d SE which is currently on order. Also stitching looks nicer !

[jdmass]

I went from a 335i (E90) with sport seats to an F25 also with sport seats. I found them to be pretty much identical as far as accommodating my physiology. I think they're very comfortable especially on long distances. Clearly the height difference between the two cars makes entry/exit a bit different, but again for me it's not been a problem. My wife loves them too, but our adjustment preferences are radically different -- and not just due to size. Getting the lumbar, thigh, and side bolster support just right for an individual may take some experimentation, but ultimately, I think they can work for most people.

[xDrive35i]

Originally Posted by Patton

My previous car was a 2009 Audi Q5 with sport seats and before that a BMW E60 with sportseats.
Before ordering the X3 tried both standard and sport seats, but the standard seat was to "short", the sport seat felt much better.
In the Audi I could drive 450km to a meeting and then drive back in the evening, no problem. But now in the X3 after 80km my back hurts when I get out of the car. They are OK when I'm still seated but when I get out it hurts.

Even the E60 sport seat was much better, F25 seats are to low in the back and much "cheaper" than the 5-series seats, (Audi seats are in a different class). (I'm 192 cm and about 90kg)

Before you order seats take the car for a LONG drive not just 30 min...

But still, it's a nice car ;-)

I've built many a Q5 on audiusa.com and audi.co.uk and never have I ever seen a sport seats option. The seats in regular trim versus with the S-line trim seem to be exactly the same. The only difference is ordering a 3.2 Prestige with the luxury package which includes ventilated seats.

Have any pictures?

[cadman50]

Originally Posted by juddholland

I've built many a Q5 on audiusa.com and audi.co.uk and never have I ever seen a sport seats option. The seats in regular trim versus with the S-line trim seem to be exactly the same. The only difference is ordering a 3.2 Prestige with the luxury package which includes ventilated seats.

Have any pictures?

I agree. You can only get one type of seat on the 2011 or 2012 Q5. Don't know about 2009 but I suspect the same. The seats in the Q5 were ok but didn't have the side bolsters or thigh support. The seats in the X3 are much more comfortable and supportive.

[tank531]

Originally Posted by Before ordering the X3 I tried both standard and sport seats, but the standard seat was to "short", the sport seat felt much better.
In the X3 [B

I can[/B] drive 450km to a meeting and then drive back in the evening, no problem. (I'm 192 cm and about 90kg)

I too am 192 and 90 with std seats which are OK as I don't fly round corners.

I think it always comes down to each and every one

[stooler]

I have seen a few posts in this thread on ensuring proper seat positioning to really enjoy the sport seats. How do the side torso supports adjust? Do the side hip supports adjust, also? thanks, sam

[jsbos]

I agree that proper seating position is important. Also, at least in the US market, think about premium package which includes adjustable lumbar support which makes a difference on long drives.

[jayski]

I received delivery on my 2013 X3 with sport seats last week (Sport Activity Package and other packages), and so far I am not happy with the seats. I have a Merz ML350, and the leather is ventilated, and seats are supportive and comfortable. The X3 is a great car - very fun to drive; but I find the seats to be very hot on the back and sides (living in the Wash. D.C. area, heat and humidity are the norm). I find myself sweating through my clothes, when that was never an issue with the ML. Also, I am 6'1", 200lbs. Athletic (not fat), and the side bolsters do not adjust wide enough for my build. Overall, not happy and not sure what to do about it yet. Any suggestions?

[troggy1969]

Originally Posted by whisperinsam33

I have seen a few posts in this thread on ensuring proper seat positioning to really enjoy the sport seats. How do the side torso supports adjust? Do the side hip supports adjust, also? thanks, sam

You inflate and deplate the side bolster with a button on the front of the seat.

I find they fit well and look far better than standard too. The contrasting stitching is also on the door that lifts the whole inside

[alexg62]

Originally Posted by jayski

I received delivery on my 2013 X3 with sport seats last week (Sport Activity Package and other packages), and so far I am not happy with the seats. I have a Merz ML350, and the leather is ventilated, and seats are supportive and comfortable. The X3 is a great car - very fun to drive; but I find the seats to be very hot on the back and sides (living in the Wash. D.C. area, heat and humidity are the norm). I find myself sweating through my clothes, when that was never an issue with the ML. Also, I am 6'1", 200lbs. Athletic (not fat), and the side bolsters do not adjust wide enough for my build. Overall, not happy and not sure what to do about it yet. Any suggestions?

That's interesting. I'm also coming from ML430 2000 model and also big. I still have my ML and use it couple of weeks per month. I find ML seats too loose and my body just tend to float in it. At first, I was concerned that I will not be comfortable with sport seats, but after playing with various adjustments I find them so much more supportive than ML seats. Heat and humidity has not been an issue for me since I like to run my air on 71 or 72. I typically leave my air on all the time and keep it on automatic even if outside temps are in 70's

[02420X3]

Originally Posted by jayski

I am 6'1", 200lbs. Athletic (not fat), and the side bolsters do not adjust wide enough for my build. Overall, not happy and not sure what to do about it yet. Any suggestions?

Same height, a few more pounds. I've adjusted the seat bolsters to where I'm comfortable. I'm 3 weeks off of a 2500-mile roadtrip. The sides were great. My butt was tired of sitting, but I don't attribute that to the seats - there was a lot of non-X3 sitting too.

[stooler]

I am both large and overweight at 6' even and 245 lbs. Sport seats properly adjusted are a huge plus for my comfort in both lethargic and spirited driving. Regular seats are also comfortable, however, they do not measure up to properly positioned sport seats, in my humble overweight opinion. sam

[jayski]

Originally Posted by alexg62

That's interesting. I'm also coming from ML430 2000 model and also big. I still have my ML and use it couple of weeks per month. I find ML seats too loose and my body just tend to float in it. At first, I was concerned that I will not be comfortable with sport seats, but after playing with various adjustments I find them so much more supportive than ML seats. Heat and humidity has not been an issue for me since I like to run my air on 71 or 72. I typically leave my air on all the time and keep it on automatic even if outside temps are in 70's

Thank you for the reply. The seats are much better after a few more days in the car. The suggestions regarding adjustments have helped and keeping the air cooler has also helped. I think I will grow to enjoy the seats, but they do take a little getting used to. I too am keeping my ML (2003 ML350), but there is no question the X3 is much more fun to drive.

[bichoo]

sports seats are definitely better!

[DonC]

I had my 84 year old tell me that the sports seats in my X3 were the most comfortable she has sat in - in a car.

[Phoskins23]

I stressed over this decision also and ended up with the sport seats. I am glad I did. They have many adjustments and once you get it right it feels like you are sitting in a baseball glove. Perfect. I just completed a 1500 mile road trip and they were great as long as you stop often and stretch. Even if I was in the Queen's Rolls Royce I would need to stop often (I am getting older). These seats hold you very comfortably when you go around corners. I recommend them highly.

[mcorliss]

Wouldn't buy a car without them.

[slyfox]

I have also ordered my car with the sports seats.
I found that at first the seats where "pinching" me, but after some time 1-2 hrs driving around they or me adjusted to each other and i found them great.
Also the visual look of the stiching is lovely on the red/brown leather.