[Ldstern]

I ordered my M40i initially with black Sensatec but modified the order and switched to black Vernasca. I am now locked in to Vernasca since production has started. I know there are multiple threads related to seat choice and it seems comments about Vernasca are mostly negative. Is anyone with Vernasca satisfied with their choice? Sorry to resurrect this issue.

[kenrok1]

I've had Vernasca leather in all mine and have no complaints... I like the texture of it - and I have never seen any cracking or wear... can not say the same for other vehicles ive owned (American and Japanese)

Sensatech smells horrible - hate when I get a loaner with it, I have to drive with the windows down... even the little bit of it on the dash and door panels stinks for a while but thankfully fades.

[Ldstern]

Originally Posted by kenrok1

I've had Vernasca leather in all mine and have no complaints... I like the texture of it - and I have never seen any cracking or wear... can not say the same for other vehicles ive owned (American and Japanese)

Sensatech smells horrible - hate when I get a loaner with it, I have to drive with the windows down... even the little bit of it on the dash and door panels stinks for a while but thankfully fades.

Thanks. Good to hear.

[Jen4BMW]

I’ve had leather twice and Sensatec once so I’ll weigh in. Visually the cabin looks a bit classier with leather because it comes with the added more upscale seat stitching. To get leather you must also option the Premium Package and with that you add the Sensatec dash and doors tops for even more lux. Leather does make for a more interesting interior but it’s not night and day. Leather also smells amazing but that subsides over time.

Sensatec is way better than I thought it would be and would order it again down the road to save money. I had black Sensatec on my last X3 and it was not hot, it did not smell whatsoever, it felt really good and it held up fine over 20k miles. The Sensatec might get a bit hotter when the car sits out on a super hot sunny day but once the AC is on both fabrics are comparable. I’ve done long road trips with both on hot sunny days and frankly both materials can be a little sweaty. Lastly, the Sensatec seats are slightly more cushioned than the leather seats. I do feel like the current seats in my 2022 M40i with leather could be a little more cushioned. They are on the firm side but they’re comfortable enough on road trips.

OP- You’ll be perfectly happy with Vernasca. Enjoy!

[Ldstern]

Originally Posted by Jen4BMW

I've had leather twice and Sensatec once so I'll weigh in. Visually the cabin looks a bit classier with leather because it comes with the added more upscale seat stitching. To get leather you must also option the Premium Package and with that you add the Sensatec dash and doors tops for even more lux. Leather does make for a more interesting interior but it's not night and day. Leather also smells amazing but that subsides over time.

Sensatec is way better than I thought it would be and would order it again down the road to save money. I had black Sensatec on my last X3 and it was not hot, it did not smell whatsoever, it felt really good and it held up fine over 20k miles. The Sensatec might get a bit hotter when the car sits out on a super hot sunny day but once the AC is on both fabrics are comparable. I've done long road trips with both on hot sunny days and frankly both materials can be a little sweaty. Lastly, the Sensatec seats are slightly more cushioned than the leather seats. I do feel like the current seats in my 2022 M40i with leather could be a little more cushioned. They are on the firm side but they're comfortable enough on road trips.

OP- You'll be perfectly happy with Vernasca. Enjoy!

Thanks much. I can breathe easier!

[1speedbike]

Vernasca isn't the greatest leather compared to the softer more luxurious leathers that BMW uses in the "nicer" vehicles, but it's certainly not bad. It's treated with sealants and other synthetic treatments so it's more durable compared to the nicer leathers, but doesn't look or feel as good. It's also not as nice as the leather you'd get with competitors like the Audi Q5. Vernasca is still nicer than Dakota leather with a finer grain and softer feel.

As you go upmarket, Nappa leather is more supple (still treated with a synthetic finish, but nicer overall), Merino is even more luxurious and Lavalina leather on Alpina models is absolutely top tier. Sensatec on the other hand is a very very good synthetic material. So in essence we are comparing a low to mid-tier real leather versus a higher tier vinyl.

The seats are a little firm, but very supportive. With the thigh supports and side bolsters the seat really hugs you comfortably so you really don't slide around when taking corners (maybe your passenger does with the side bolster delete). Overall Vernasa seats are perfectly fine.

[DanielWTang]

unfortunately Vernasca was the only option for me as Ventilated seats was one of my must-haves

[Must_Go_FASTER]

I'm not mad at my cognac vernasca seats for the material or feel. However, I am a bit salty when I get a little sweaty and don't have the ventilated seats. I used to scoff and think they were stupid, but they're real nice to have when needed.

Also had no idea it didn't have remote start until after I signed the paperwork because, well, it's 2021 and it's a BMW. Technically my own fault, but still........

First world problems lol...

[dt2]

Originally Posted by Ldstern

I ordered my M40i initially with black Sensatec but modified the order and switched to black Vernasca. I am now locked in to Vernasca since production has started. I know there are multiple threads related to seat choice and it seems comments about Vernasca are mostly negative. Is anyone with Vernasca satisfied with their choice? Sorry to resurrect this issue.

I enjoy the Vernasca leather seats very much, and I find them subtly improved from 2019 X3 to 2022 X3 - slightly more cushioned and comfortable. I wouldn't worry at all about having spec'd leather seats, a much better option in my opinion.

[dt2]

Originally Posted by rdougherty85

Also had no idea it didn't have remote start until after I signed the paperwork because, well, it's 2021 and it's a BMW. Technically my own fault, but still........

Isn't remote start one of the few things you can still add after taking delivery? I think it's $300 and can be purchased online (and updated over the air for 2022 models)... I haven't done it, but I recall that being an option.

[Ldstern]

Thanks everyone for your responses. Good to hear many are happy with their Vernasca choice.

[M40i4me]

I lived with Dakota leather for ten years. Vernasca is a dream.

[satz]

I don't mind the vernasca, but wish it could smell more leathery.

Mine has never had a strong leather smell.

It's definetely better (slightly softer and more supple) than the old Dakota that I had on my 335i

[Lady Jane]

Originally Posted by Ldstern

Thanks everyone for your responses. Good to hear many are happy with their Vernasca choice.

My former BMW had Dakota which was fine. My current Vernasca is a cut above. Not as supple as top grain Merino but easier to maintain. Sensatec is only a fancy word for vinyl which works well if you have kids or pets.

[AZM40i]

Originally Posted by Ldstern

I ordered my M40i initially with black Sensatec but modified the order and switched to black Vernasca. I am now locked in to Vernasca since production has started. I know there are multiple threads related to seat choice and it seems comments about Vernasca are mostly negative. Is anyone with Vernasca satisfied with their choice? Sorry to resurrect this issue.

I am very happy with my Oyster Vernasca. Sensatac in previous car.

[MrGraff]

My 2021 has vernasca... we love it so far!

[chassis]

Vernasca = good.

Ldstern This precise question has been discussed ad nauseum, did you use the search feature?

[Ldstern]

Originally Posted by chassis

Vernasca = good.

Ldstern This precise question has been discussed ad nauseum, did you use the search feature?

Yes I did an extensive search and read a large number of threads on this issue. The reason I posted on this issue again is the vast majority of comments about Vernasca were very negative. I wanted to know if those who opted for Vernasca were glad for their choice. Also, my dealer didn't have any X3's with Vernasca to judge for myself.

[JJ 911SC]

The Vernasca seats in my 2020 were not very comfortable but the same one in my 2022 are. They must have change the foam density. I noticed it as soon as I drove off the dealership prep bay.

[lxlxlx]

It's ok. I paid for it because it looks better than the sensatec seats, and you get some additional stitching on the door panels. Honestly it's not as comfy as sensatec. Too firm and feels like plastic.

As far as workmanship, it's terrible. This is what it looked like on my front seat at delivery. There are other weird marks throughout the seat and the armrest.

[Must_Go_FASTER]

Originally Posted by dt2

Isn't remote start one of the few things you can still add after taking delivery? I think it's $300 and can be purchased online (and updated over the air for 2022 models)... I haven't done it, but I recall that being an option.

I can't seem to find any info about this, and at this point, I'm not holding my breath that my '21 will have the option to update over-the-air.

I'm just grateful that I was able to get a '21 with almost everything I wanted on it and not part of this chip shortage/ordering fiasco. The first dealer I went to back in June/July was more than happy to order a '22 and the little voice in my head told me to keep trying to find a '21.

Sorry to take this thread slightly off-topic lol.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by rdougherty85

I can't seem to find any info about this, and at this point, I'm not holding my breath that my '21 will have the option to update over-the-air.

Unfortunately the pre LCI X3s don't have the required hardware for OTA.