[lloyd99]

Hello. I have two CPO questions. This is question question 1 of 2.

I am looking for a CPO X7 M50i with a combination of options that have proven to be hard to find (including DHP, Cold Weather Package, Dynamic Handling Package (DHP), Driving Assistance Pro Package, Luxury Seating Package, Executive Package, Cold Weather Package, Trailer Hitch, Extended Merino Leather, Bench second row, and 21” wheels/tires). This will be my first BMW.

I have not been having any luck. I found a CPO MY2021 X7 M50i that is very close, and am considering a purchase. I was hoping for Extended Merino Leather. The CPO I found has Cognac Vernasca Leather. I know this is a subjective question, but I would love to hear opinions and thoughts as to whether this is a big deal or little deal? Is the Merino Leather THAT much better than Vernasca Leather? Or will I be fine?

My daughters are adults - so I am not hauling around messy kids and their friends any more, and it is rare for me to let our dog in my car (I have seen prior posts about Vernasca being more durable for those situations). Again, I know this is subjective question, but I would love to hear opinions and thoughts. For background, I am currently driving a 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy - the window sticker says "Nappa Leather Seating Surfaces". My prior vehicle was a 2018 GMC Acadia Denali - the window sticker said "Leather-Appointed seating". I was fine with both of those seats. It would be great for my new vehicle's seats for feel better/softer, I am fine staying the same level, I just don't want to go backwards/worse.

I'd love to hear from those who have experience with both leathers. Thanks in advance!

[Missduvy]

I’ve only had the full Merino leather, so I can’t speak to the difference from my own experience. However, my best friend recently went from an X5 40i with Vernasca leather to an X5 M50i with merino leather, and she has commented a few times about how much nicer it is. So there does seem to be a difference. But under the circumstances, I wouldn’t let that keep you from a car that otherwise has the items on your list.

[toddwalton]

Merino is nicer, but not by much. If you were in Florida or So Cal where your arms and legs would be in t-shirts and shorts and you could feel the slightly softer softness it would make sense to hold out for it, but as you're in a colder weather climate and in long sleeves and pants 75% of the year it makes no difference.

We have the Cognac Vernasca Leather in our 2019 and it's held up like a champ, has broken in and feels softer than 3 years ago but looks brand new with no discoloration or creasing.

[MystroX5]

Merino is certainly a higher quality leather BUT for what you are looking at I would absolutely consider DHP a must so I would say go for it. Vernasca is a good quality leather and miles better than what some of the other brands are using these days.

[keg97]

My SA told me Vernasca was more "German"/work-like leather while the Merino was much softer- much like the Lexus leathers.

[bagekko]

Do the Merino seats also have the protruding seam ridge on the thigh bolster as the Vernasca ones? That ridge is so annoying and uncomfortable especially on long trips. BMW seats keep getting more and more uncomfortable, the seats in my E34 are better than the X7. The peak of BMW seats were the multi contour sport seats which I had in E70 and still have in my E60.

[lloyd99]

Thanks everyone for the feedback and experience shares. While I "want" Extended Merino Leather, I think I want some other features MORE, so I'm thinking the Vernasca will be okay in this case. Since I'm coming from a non-BMW and haven't already experienced the Merino Leather, I suppose I won't really know what I'm missing.