Nappa Leather VS. Nevada Leather

Hi Guys, curious if their is really a big difference between the two leathers.... i like a comfortable seat and don't want to make a mistake... which do you like better and why? Thanks~

I've had both in a few BMW's. The Napa leather is a lot nicer feeling and higher quality. But, I feel the Nevada leather holds up better over time. In a 6 series I had the Nappa leather started to show lines and creasing within about 4 years. In an X5 I have the Nevada leather has been more resilient and really only started to show wear areas on the edges after about 8 years. Now, I do think the seat matters. On the X5 I had sport seats and on the 6 series I had comfort seats. The comfort seats side bolsters flex a lot more which could account for the earlier creasing on the 6 series.

So, how long do you plan to keep the car?

FYI, I have the latest X5 I ordered Nappa Leather as the feel/quality is better. My Z4 I also did with Alcantara/Nappa. Just wish it had the Merino leather I had in my M5...

Now, throw in Kansas, Dakota, etc... Can see why they usually only give 2 choices of leather type for a model.

I had/ve both. Nevada is ok. On my previous X5s it was very resilient. On 5 series less resilient, started to show wear after about 4-5 years.
Nappa is much better feeling and look. It's still not Lexus-kind of leather though . IMHO, it requires a bit more care than Nevada.

I just got my 650xi coupe with Nappa, and I love it. That being said, this is the first time I've had the Nappa, so I can't speak about its durability and longevity.

As for looks, I think the Nappa brings the car to a different level of luxury. I was in a Nevada X5 last weekend at the Performance Center, and I felt like it was nice but not quite the same feeling and sense of being in something unique and special. Another option to look at is the Nappa dash and door panels. I saw it on an X6, and it looked so much better than the plastic dash that is standard.

Just my thoughts. Hope they're helpful.

First off, independent of the seat material, I wouldn't get the standard seats. Not comfortable, quite mediocre.

My dad's X5 has the Nevada leather and I'd spring for the Nappa if possible. It feels a bit plasticky. With the Nappa, you also have to get the leather dash (for the US) and I think that's a nice, exclusive touch. But ultimately it depends on your budget and how far it stretches. The difference is noticeable though.

I like the soft feel of the Napa seats, but I chose the Nevada seats for practicality. It very easy to clean and wipe down with a damp towel. Food gunk can be vacuumed.

Anyways either is a good choice, but you have to balance durability with suppleness.

I think it really comes down to what you're looking for it to be:
(a) luxury sedan with a greater ground clearance and a higher seating position - Nappa.
(b) sporty and practical SUV for carrying around young kids or heavy abuse - Nevada.

The X5 really transforms to what you want it to be, and the leather, I think, is the single biggest factor.

There is only one choice if you also want ventilated seats (perforated Nevada). I think it is a bit stiff but also believe it will hold up better than the Nappa which is more comfortable. Either way, as mentioned above, do not get the standard seats.

Nevada leather is like a work boot vs a luxury Napa leather coat. Nevada Leather lasts longer but not as sexy, Napa leather looks sexy but cannot take the abuse of in and out

Originally Posted by MRV99

Nevada leather is like a work boot vs a luxury Napa leather coat. Nevada Leather lasts longer but not as sexy, Napa leather looks sexy but cannot take the abuse of in and out

Great analogies.

We've got Nevada in the X5 and Nappa in the 7 and would concur with this assessment.

Originally Posted by southern6er22

I think it really comes down to what you're looking for it to be:
(a) luxury sedan with a greater ground clearance and a higher seating position - Nappa.
(b) sporty and practical SUV for carrying around young kids or heavy abuse - Nevada.

The X5 really transforms to what you want it to be, and the leather, I think, is the single biggest factor.

Quoted for the truth! Nappa in the M3, defintely nevada in the X5 with the kids.

I have two X5s that I custom ordered, both with Nappa. One is a 2009 Space Metal Grey 4.8xDrive and the other is a 2011 3.5d xDrive in Platinum Grey. Both are identically equipped (only difference is the nav on the 2011, obviously, and some things previously unavailable on the 2009). Adaptive steering (4.8), Cold-weather package, 4 zone climate control, auto high beam headlights (2011), lane departure warning (2011), heated steering wheels, sports packages...well, everything except rear entertainment and 3 row seating. I LOVE the Nappa - feels better, smells better and is so much more inviting than the Nevada. I had a '98 740iL and an '06 325i with the Nevada and now I'll never go back. The Nappa is definitely more prone to scratches; however, the only blemishes to my seats were caused by the mechanics! Now, they are quite cautious and place both paper and plastic covers over any areas they may contact. I advise anyone to have his or her dealership do the same - if they do not already

Nappa is def. higher quality. If it wasn't bundled in with the stupid leather dash, I think I would have paid for it

I sat in a F10 with the Nappa Leather and it is fantastic. Nevada is alright, but does feel a little harder than the average MB/Audi leather

My logic . . .

• Pick the color of the leather you want - I chose Oyster
• Decide whether you want ventilated seats - wanted it but not available in Oyster
• Decide whether you want Nappa or Nevada - could not get Nappa in Oyster

I too like Nappa over Nevada . . . but I wasn't prepared to give up Oyster.

IMO comfort seats are AWESOME . . . just wrapped up a 650 mile non-stop run yesterday (one fuel stop lasting about 10 minutes) . . . stepped out of the car at the end like I just got up from a great night sleep!

Originally Posted by RPsX5d

My logic . . .

• Pick the color of the leather you want - I chose Oyster
• Decide whether you want ventilated seats - wanted it but not available in Oyster
• Decide whether you want Nappa or Nevada - could not get Nappa in Oyster

I too like Nappa over Nevada . . . but I wasn't prepared to give up Oyster.

IMO comfort seats are AWESOME . . . just wrapped up a 650 mile non-stop run yesterday (one fuel stop lasting about 10 minutes) . . . stepped out of the car at the end like I just got up from a great night sleep!

Excellent POV, thank you.

I personally love the nappa leather, as it definitely has a softer feel. Then again, I also love the leather dashboard and center console.