[Justgothere]

Hi, we have a 2024 X5 on the way with upgraded leather seats (not the standard material.) We added the comfort package (heated and ventilated seats) and massage seats.

I read a comment where someone said with the massage / ventilated equipment built into the seat, it makes the seats less soft? Less cushion? Is there any truth to this? I wouldn’t want to add these features if it lowered the comfort of the seat. Thank you.

[TurtleBoy]

I think most folks would say that they take some comfort away from the seat however that doesn't mean the seats aren't comfortable. Not only that but the ventilation and massage add comfort. In our case, my wife says that any road trip vehicle we get in the future must have the massage as she enjoys it that much. I think the ventilated seats do a greta job of keeping you dry. When I drive the M340i in the summer I usually wish I had ventilated seats.

[Qsilver7]

You really should try to find examples to sample for yourself. Its true that the threads about the ventilation and massaging options can sort of draw lines in the sand. Some have nothing good to say about them...and others like them.

"Soft" is subjective in trying to describe them. The foam padding for the ventilated/massaging seats is probably considered "firmer"...but that is needed so that the mechanics in the seats don't become noticeable as time goes by.

I have both types...my f15 X5 has the multi-comfort seats in Nappa leather...no ventilation and no massage feature. My two f06 650ix GCs both had/have multi-comfort seats (one in Nappa, one in Merino) and both with ventilation & massage. The latter (vent/massage) have stiffer/firmer padding but I do NOT find them uncomfortable. The non-vented/massaging seats in the X5 are more supple...but on hot days and long trips...I do prefer the seats that are in the f06 six series.

It really depends on how you use the vehicle. If you will be doing long trips in hot weather...then the vented/massaging seats can make things more comfortable with preventing back/butt sweat...as well as helping relieve the stiffness that can occur from sitting in one position for hours. The ventilation feature also comes in handy when its raining/snowing and you have wet/damp clothing...the ventilation feature helps evaporate the access moisture. And then if you start to feel chilled (especially if its fall/winter/spring) you can also turn on the seat heaters too.

[Stainsey11]

I was worried about this too when I placed my order for my ‘23 45e last summer. But I like massaging seats, so took a chance and ordered them. I have no regrets - they’re extremely comfortable and I have no issue sitting in them for hours at a time. I do agree, however, that the ventilation is really noisy. Still, a nice feature to have.

[swainbmw]

And the vented seats are worthless. They do absolutely nothing to move air except they make noise

[SwissBeemer]

Originally Posted by swainbmw

And the vented seats are worthless. They do absolutely nothing to move air except they make noise

I'm not familiar with the ones in the G05 but the ventilated seats in the F01 (7-Series) work like a charm and I would not want to get a vehicle without them. It's true that if you just got into the seat and your back is bone-dry and the air hot&humid you will hardly notice it. But as soon as you've spent more than 20 minutes in the seat or get in the seat with damp cloth it's day and night. In summertime I use it almost every time I drive my car and still am amazed by how well it works.

I think it's best described as the seat feeling like you just got into it, even after hours.

[Mancunian101]

Are the ventilated seats in the X5 different from the ventilated seats in the M8? I’m reading that in the X5 this option doesn’t blow cool air, which is definitely what happens in my M8.

I use it regularly and find it really useful. The highest setting is too noisy, but the medium setting is spot on. Works well and can’t be heard unless the cabin is silent.

[FireMedic]

Today I dropped the X5 off at the dealer, the back washer will randomly turn on and then a pause of about 30 seconds to which it will cycle the back wiper. At times when I use the front wiper the back will spray and wipe all so the dealer is looking at it. Was getting quite tired of a clean car except the back side from all the washing.

Anyways, I received a '23 X5 basic 40i with Sensafin coming from a loaded 45e including comfort seats with massage/ventilation. I instantly notice the seat being more comfortable on the loaner. Not a fan of Sensafin but the seat definitely felt more cushion on the loaner.

Noticed a few other subtle differences but that's for another day.

[mobilejo]

"Comfortable" is subjective but "different" is not - its fair to say the seats are definitely "different".

Whether thats good different or bad different will depend on what you like, so you need to try both with your own butt and decide.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by Mancunian101

Are the ventilated seats in the X5 different from the ventilated seats in the M8? I’m reading that in the X5 this option doesn’t blow cool air, which is definitely what happens in my M8.

I use it regularly and find it really useful. The highest setting is too noisy, but the medium setting is spot on. Works well and can’t be heard unless the cabin is silent.

The X5 seats work very well. They do not blow air but rather suck it is to use evaporation/wicking to keep you dry/cool. I always keep mine of 2 as 3 is noisy.

[cptcolo]

I have the vented and messaging seats on a '23 X5 45e. The seat ventilation is not as good as some other cars I have experienced like the last generation Jeep Grand Cherokee limited, but does work decently well.

I have my set to default to setting 2 all the time (setting 3 is a bit loud). It helps keeps your back and butt cooler and dryer. I would definitely order it again.

[Stainsey11]

The vented seats are noisy, but they will help keep your back dry if you are hot. No, they do not blow conditioned air, just warm air only. And they are noisy.

15 years ago, I was a passenger in an Infiniti with a/c seats, it felt like I was sitting on an ice hockey table. So again, very different.

The comfort seats are good for some, not for others. If you want bolstering and firmness, you probably won't care for them. Again, personal preference. But since I've come to the conclusion the X5 is nothing but a highway cruiser (V8s excepted somewhat), the comfort seats with massage/vent are very appropriate to the car's character.

That said, now I need something more sporty. Even with the lower center of gravity, my 45e is ponderous and cloud-like. Handles much better than my ML-350, but still leans heavily in turns and the like.

Need a weekend car!

[Chonkapotamus]

I love my 45e. I love the massaging seats for my lumbar region. But the base of the seat is so firm I have to sit on a gel cushion or else my hips start to hurt. I had the same complaint about the ventilated seats in my Jaguar F-Pace -- additional hardware and ducting comes at the expense of cushioning, and you definitely feel it. Having to sit on a cushion is worth it in exchange for the adjustability of the back and upper shoulders, plus the massaging.

In contrast to the 45e, my wife just took delivery of an Acura MDX Type S Advance, with 16 way massaging ventilated seats. They are better than the BMW seats in every possible way except material quality. If I could trade them into my X5, I would.