Standard vs Leather Interior
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This is discussed in past threads, so I know there are leather connoisseurs who swear they perceive a big difference. But honestly, coming off twenty years and five cars (Porsche and Ferrari) with full leather -- and knowing how it looks/feels after 5-10 years -- I'm not missing it.
One of my longtime passions (besides European sportcars) is the finest, softest lambskin leather jackets. So it's not like I'm insensitive to the appeal of highest quality leather. But the leather in cars has never been of that quality, while the synthetics have gotten much better -- something I really noticed in my wife's 2016 Mercedes, where I kept running my hands over the textured finish every time I rode in the car, it was that impressive.
My standard S cabin actually has a lot of leather (steering wheel, shifter knob, boot, center console lid, door pocket lids, plus some part of the outer seat according to the literature) and the fact of the matter is I can't quite figure out exactly what is leather/synthetic on the seat (I've actually tried smelling it!). The cabin just exudes a holistic feeling of tasteful sporting purposefulness, without regard to the origins of materials.
Now having said all this, I am such a leather nut and vintage car lover that if configuring a new car (I took mine as-is from dealer inventory) I would still consider leather -- but more likely the premium-priced Natural Leather in Espresso/Cognac, also on all trim. That's like $5k of leather that adds not a whit to the performance envelope...
So if going black interior, and building on a budget (who isn't?) with emphasis on sport driving over luxury touring, I'd be hard-pressed to justify the leather based on my experience. But then I'd probably get it anyway.
One of my longtime passions (besides European sportcars) is the finest, softest lambskin leather jackets. So it's not like I'm insensitive to the appeal of highest quality leather. But the leather in cars has never been of that quality, while the synthetics have gotten much better -- something I really noticed in my wife's 2016 Mercedes, where I kept running my hands over the textured finish every time I rode in the car, it was that impressive.
My standard S cabin actually has a lot of leather (steering wheel, shifter knob, boot, center console lid, door pocket lids, plus some part of the outer seat according to the literature) and the fact of the matter is I can't quite figure out exactly what is leather/synthetic on the seat (I've actually tried smelling it!). The cabin just exudes a holistic feeling of tasteful sporting purposefulness, without regard to the origins of materials.
Now having said all this, I am such a leather nut and vintage car lover that if configuring a new car (I took mine as-is from dealer inventory) I would still consider leather -- but more likely the premium-priced Natural Leather in Espresso/Cognac, also on all trim. That's like $5k of leather that adds not a whit to the performance envelope...
So if going black interior, and building on a budget (who isn't?) with emphasis on sport driving over luxury touring, I'd be hard-pressed to justify the leather based on my experience. But then I'd probably get it anyway.
I am one of those people who would go out of my way to buy a Porsche with full leather interior. I think the stitching on the doors and center console give the car a much nicer look and feel. IMO a Porsche is a luxury car, as well as a sports car. Without the stitching it just looks incomplete to me.
I have turned some down some killer deals on CPO cars that had everything right except full leather. It is worth the extra effort to find, IMO. I made sure I got full leather on my 718 GTS, even though it is stripped down in many other ways like no electric/memory seats and no keyless entry, no multifunction wheel and heated seats...well.. you can see where my priorities lie.
I would regret it but obviously many others wouldn't given how I see more "lot" cars with the standard interior than with full leather.
I have turned some down some killer deals on CPO cars that had everything right except full leather. It is worth the extra effort to find, IMO. I made sure I got full leather on my 718 GTS, even though it is stripped down in many other ways like no electric/memory seats and no keyless entry, no multifunction wheel and heated seats...well.. you can see where my priorities lie.
I would regret it but obviously many others wouldn't given how I see more "lot" cars with the standard interior than with full leather.
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I have owned 4 Caymans (08 CS), R, 2014 Base, current 2016 Base and will take delivery of my ordered 2019 Base. All have been standard interior. While the stitching is nice, I have had many, many compliments on the interior of several, particularly with the 981s. I option these out usually in the vicinity of $15K-$17K so the cost is not the deciding factor. I prefer the relative ease of upkeep of the partial leather especially living in southern Florida with the heat which can have a drying effect on the leather (especially if the option includes the leather dash). My two cents...…………….
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Everyone has a personal take on it I guess. To me the standard interior is a sea of unsightly soft touch plastic panels with faux leather seats. Would never buy a Porsche without full leather interior. Best you try to find both and make up your own mind by seeing it in person. With little effort for sure there is zero concern for Porsche leather not holding up well over time. No matter where you live.
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If memory servers...…...the seating surfaces themselves are perforated leather, the side trim and backs are vinyl. But, suggestion is a good one...…..look at both and decide what suits your personal preference. That is how I buy all my cars. I rarely ask for other's opinions as I am the one spending the money and living with the decision. But, I am also a Driver personality...…………..
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One needs to decide to what degrees the vehicle is be luxurious and/or fun to drive (insert one's definition of what this means here). If the proportion of these can be determined, a force-ranking of luxury and performance options with budget (or one's sense of diminishing returns) in mind ought to yield the answer. In theory.
For example. I viewed my Macan build as more luxury than performance. I got the full two-toned leather, 18 ways, ACC, privacy glass and ventilated seats - but I also got the Turbo trim with sports chrono - because it seemed at the time to be the better value. After three years of ownership, I believe I would have been fine with the S trim, as I simply do not use the extra power of the turbo, but still admire the interior of the vehicle.
What is the 718 to you? It isn't a 911. It is loud in the cabin. The base handles admirably as it is and while the S trim and the performance goodies add significant performance benefits, these are only at speeds usually inappropriate for the street.
I think the standard interior looks just fine in the 718. You'll suffer plenty of depreciation as it is.....
For example. I viewed my Macan build as more luxury than performance. I got the full two-toned leather, 18 ways, ACC, privacy glass and ventilated seats - but I also got the Turbo trim with sports chrono - because it seemed at the time to be the better value. After three years of ownership, I believe I would have been fine with the S trim, as I simply do not use the extra power of the turbo, but still admire the interior of the vehicle.
What is the 718 to you? It isn't a 911. It is loud in the cabin. The base handles admirably as it is and while the S trim and the performance goodies add significant performance benefits, these are only at speeds usually inappropriate for the street.
I think the standard interior looks just fine in the 718. You'll suffer plenty of depreciation as it is.....
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I was trying to figure this out myself. I believe now that Porsche changes the none leather seat materials on a wim. Sometimes the centers are real leather. Sometimes they are not. Current configurator description leads me to believe that the standard interior two way and 14 way sport seats are faux leather only - Covered in Black Partial Leather: seat centers, side bolsters, headrests. Maybe has something to do with the standard seat centers being alcantara in some markets? I believe the only way to make sure the seat is upholstered in 100% real leather is to upgrade at least to the two way sport plus seats. If that was important to someone.
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It also matters in part what color(s) you're looking at. I wanted the black & bordeaux red. The standard and leather interiors w/ these colors don't have the same elements colored. I went full leather as the 2 tone varieties (black and red, beige, chalk) really do look far better this way. Plus the deviated stitching really sets it off. If I were going all black, all grey... I'd have cared a lot less.
That's exactly my opinion. I really like the burgundy and black interior and will likely end up with that, but if I was going to go with a black interior I don't know that I would spend the money for the leather because it's less noticeable to me. Yes, the stitching still looks good and all, but not as big of a deal when the bulk of the colors match across the car.
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I did full leather in black. Yes, it's subtle, but comparing it to the standard interior I liked the leather look better. What I do think I should have done (although crazy expensive) is deviated stitching because it was available in my exterior color (lava orange). I think the deviated stitching would have made the leather pop more.
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Great point. The nice thing about two-tone interiors like my black/tan is that the stitching on the black is a matching tan. It's classy. :nerd:
The stitching is what makes the leather in the 718 -- that and reports that it is actually lighter than the OEM plastic bits. I think it's one of the few relative bargains on the option list, IMHO.
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I totally agree and that’s exactly what I did. My Bordeaux/Black all leather interior gets more compliments than any other feature on the car.
I have a black interior and chose leather relatively late in my ordering process. It's obviously a preference and doesn't do anything for performance. That being said a leather interior makes my BGTS feel like a luxury car and less like my friend's Civic. While the standard plastic does seem nicer than budget car interior it's still very close. I feel I would still be happy had I not paid for leather but if I had to do it over again I would 100% pay for leather.
However, I did pay for leather steering column and I don't know if I would do it again (curse you Nick Murray for planting that idea in my head).
However, I did pay for leather steering column and I don't know if I would do it again (curse you Nick Murray for planting that idea in my head).
I use to be of the opinion that I had to have all leather and that is was part of the experience. I have come to realize that I do not even notice the leather and fancy stitching after a few drives. I am too busy watching the road and enjoying the drive. I do not think I would spend the money on it and have learned to like the simplicity of the non leather cabin.
But everyone is different. Some people feel that it is all part of the experience. There is no right or wrong answer. You can't go wrong either way.
But everyone is different. Some people feel that it is all part of the experience. There is no right or wrong answer. You can't go wrong either way.
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Personally I do like the leather interiors but they are overly expensive and arguably a waste of money.
However it is like buying a first class ticket versus premium economy, you don't really need it, but IMO once you are sitting down you do feel like you are sitting in first class and boy does it feel nice!
I agree once driving you aren't really looking at it but then there is that moment you get in that you will always notice it. I think for a daily maybe you would get used to it and find its unnecessary but for a second car it is that place of luxury for that potential special outing. Sure Porsche is a performance car but their leather interiors are very nice and you wont always be racing through the mountains.
I have been looking at the GTS leather interior/alcantara package with carmine red stitching (also available in crayon) and carbon inserts.
IMO it feels like it could be the red weissach package from a GT2 RS.
It really lifts the interior of the car over that lizard skin type surface and as has been mentioned the deviated/colored stitching makes a real difference aesthetically. If you can afford it think about getting it.
Needless to say there are still little leather pieces around in the standard car including seats, door inserts and steering wheel so you shouldn't feel like you are missing out.
However it is like buying a first class ticket versus premium economy, you don't really need it, but IMO once you are sitting down you do feel like you are sitting in first class and boy does it feel nice!
I agree once driving you aren't really looking at it but then there is that moment you get in that you will always notice it. I think for a daily maybe you would get used to it and find its unnecessary but for a second car it is that place of luxury for that potential special outing. Sure Porsche is a performance car but their leather interiors are very nice and you wont always be racing through the mountains.
I have been looking at the GTS leather interior/alcantara package with carmine red stitching (also available in crayon) and carbon inserts.
IMO it feels like it could be the red weissach package from a GT2 RS.
It really lifts the interior of the car over that lizard skin type surface and as has been mentioned the deviated/colored stitching makes a real difference aesthetically. If you can afford it think about getting it.
Needless to say there are still little leather pieces around in the standard car including seats, door inserts and steering wheel so you shouldn't feel like you are missing out.
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I preferred the standard interior with alcantara inserts and vinyl - the alcantara grips better than leather. However I needed the 14 way seats to get the extra adjustment and you can't get these on the standard interior. So I got partial leather with bordeaux red leather inserts and black vinyl. I'd have preferred all alcantara though - man-made materials have come a long way. Frankly the vinyl and the leather are pretty indistinguishable to me.
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I opted for the full leather package in black when ordering my 2018 Cayman. My 2014 Cayman had the standard interior, also in black, and although nice, it was not at the same quality level as the other cars in the stable. I have received numerous compliments including from some of the SAs when taking delivery since the dealership rarely orders "high spec" Caymans for the showroom floor.
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