[Blackraven]

I've been hearing about a new option feature that will be included in the upcoming generation of the 7 series.......which is called the "Leather Engine Cover"

What is the purpose of that if I may ask? And what tangible benefit (if any) would it entail?

I mean, when you look at upgrades from the usual standard to optional features, you can see a noticeable benefit:
-HID Xenon headlamps (Option 522) -> LED front headlamps (Option 552)
-BMW Basic Loudspeaker -> Harman Kardon -> Bang & Olufsen -> Bower & Wilkins (in the future)
-Upgrading to Ceramic Controls
-etc etc

But for the "Leather Engine Cover", what purpose does it serve?

ALSO
Wouldn't leather melt compared to plastic?