[tsbrown]

I drove a 550e today in Carbon Black with Black/Atlas Gray extended merino leather.

I really liked the Carbon Black…in certain light the blue tones come out. I was more surprised/impressed by the black merino leather. For years I steadfastly refuse to get a black interior because it can get unbearably hot in the summer where I live. Then again I have a G30 with Mocha Nappa and it’s not exactly light colored. We also have current and past BMW’s with black leather interior but they have been my wife’s cars.

To the real question… the G60 black with atlas gray merino leather appears more dark gray than black. Is this just the lighting or is it really lighter color than the black nappa or black Dakota leather of other BMWs? Several things surprised me (positively) about the 550e and the black leather was one of them.

[PeterC4]

I just test drove my car today. It has black/w grey Marino. It didn't look DARK black. The grey contrast was subtle. It was pretty good. Definitely subtle, not bold.

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

I drove a 550e today in Carbon Black with Black/Atlas Gray extended merino leather.

I really liked the Carbon Black…in certain light the blue tones come out. I was more surprised/impressed by the black merino leather. For years I steadfastly refuse to get a black interior because it can get unbearably hot in the summer where I live. Then again I have a G30 with Mocha Nappa and it’s not exactly light colored. We also have current and past BMW’s with black leather interior but they have been my wife’s cars.

To the real question… the G60 black with atlas gray merino leather appears more dark gray than black. Is this just the lighting or is it really lighter color than the black nappa or black Dakota leather of other BMWs? Several things surprised me (positively) about the 550e and the black leather was one of them.

If you really end up liking the Carbon Black/Black interior combination, and are concerned about summer temperatures, I'd consider getting it tinted with specific products if you haven't done that before.

Perhaps, either 3M Crystalline or Xpel Prime XR Plus, as both have really suburb 95%+ heat rejection and UV rejection. I've never personally had XR Plus (but will get it for my G60) but I can vouch for 3M Crystalline. The brutal temperatures of California's East Bay with summertime highs of 110F put it to its test.

It was never "cool" when getting in during those times, however, it also wasn't a torrid blast furnace that melts your face off.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by ToddRGuy

If you really end up liking the Carbon Black/Black interior combination, and are concerned about summer temperatures, I'd consider getting it tinted with specific products if you haven't done that before.

Perhaps, either 3M Crystalline or Xpel Prime XR Plus, as both have really suburb 95%+ heat rejection and UV rejection. I've never personally had XR Plus (but will get it for my G60) but I can vouch for 3M Crystalline. The brutal temperatures of California's East Bay with summertime highs of 110F put it to its test.

It was never "cool" when getting in during those times, however, it also wasn't a torrid blast furnace that melts your face off.

Great suggestion. I’ve never had tinted windows but with black interior it could make a big difference.

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Great suggestion. I’ve never had tinted windows but with black interior it could make a big difference.

It made a huge difference. If you're not a fan of the actual darkened tint due to night time visibility, 3M's Crystalline tint, actually has one available called "Crystalline 90" that allows 72% Visible light into the vehicle. I had this once on a Honda, and you'd really never know it was tinted at all, but the heat rejection qualities were outstanding.

Here's some data for your review on the 3M product, Crystalline 70 is probably the "sweet spot" if you don't care for tint. The Crystalline 90 is something I've seen people put on front windows.

Definitely do some reading though, because there's a lot of debate between 3M, Xpel XR Plus and LLumar IRX. lol.

[SkykingUSA]

I can vouch for tinting the windows to help with the heat. I used my car all summer long in SoCal and never had a problem with heat in the car, especially hot seats. I have the windows tinted and it helps a lot. Just make sure you get a tint that is also designed to keep heat out, not only the light. There are several different brands that can do it.