I'm speccing a Chili Red/Black Cooper with leather sport seats. I have been planning on Panther Black Profile Leather. But now that Cordoba Beige is available in sport seats, I'm considering that, too.

Most of the pictures I've seen of the new Cordoba sport seats show significant sagging and puckering in the front seat bottoms, and lots of puckering in the rear seat backs. Since these pictures are of the sport seats, these are all brand-new 2004 cars! In comparison, most pictures of the Profile leather seem to show a better, less puckery fit.

It might be that sagging and wrinkles are simply more noticeable on light-colored smooth leather than on dark, textured leather. But if so, that alone might be a reason to go with the dark, textured Profile leather.

The leather posts I've read have the fewest complaints about Profile leather. I've heard it claimed that Profile leather is thicker than the other kinds (of course this is the usual online hearsay). Cordoba is described as "soft" leather. On the one hand, soft is good. On the other hand, a soft leather might be less durable, right? I'm also wondering why Cordoba was not offered in sport seats until now. It could be that it is intrinsically hard to get a proper fit on the sport seats with this particular leather. Maybe they've improved their fitting procedure (it's still got a way to go, according the pictures I've seen) or just caved in to popular demand.

I prefer the color of the Cordoba leather to the Panther Black Profile. Still, I'd rather have a well-fitted seat in "plain" black to a saggy seat in a more striking color. At the moment, I am still inclined to go with the Profile. I'd appreciate any comments/theories/advice on this issue. I'm mostly concerned with sagging and durability, but feel free to comment on the aesthetics: which goes better with a Chili Red/Black exterior? Thanks in advance!

 

Best thing you could do is try and look at both examples. It will be your car. Personally I don't like it. I think the profile leather is a little too hard. I was originally looking at the not really black/charcoal grey leather.I went with the Cordobia Beige. If the profile leather had been my only option I would not have gotten leather.

James

 

Welcome OrGrove! In the throws of "speccing", eh?

1. I like black with red.
2. I love the look of the profile leather.
3. Leather is supposed to sag. (Some)
4. I have black leatherette and love it.
5. Big difference between a black interior and a beige interior.
6. I like dark interiors.
7. Dogs are better than cats. :smile:

God speed.

 

I have the Lapis blue leather so I can't comment on the quality of either of your options, but speaking from a purely aesthetic point of view, I think I'd like the look of the black leather better, since you've got a black roof. In my eye it just ties everything together nicely. Just my opinion of course.

In the end, once you get behind the wheel and start driving, you'll forget all about what color your interior is.

 

>> I think I'd like the look of the black leather better, since you've got a black roof. In my eye it just ties everything together nicely. Just my opinion of course.
>>


Well, that's why we have choices. I happen to prefer the contrast of the beige colored interior against both the red and black body colors. And if you happpen to live in a hot climate like I do, I think you'll definitely appreciate the feel of light, tan-colored leather against your butt instead of black leather when you get into the car in the summer ! (Just my opinion too ! Hehehe ) Joe

 

Maybe a little off topic - but has anyone considered getting the leatherette, which seems of a very high quality, and then having a good upholstery shop put in perforated inserts in the actual seating areas? This would provide color contrast if you desire, the good leather smell, comfort in the summer, and retain the durability at the side bolsters, where in my experience most of the wear occurs.

Just a thought

 

I do have the profile leather and love it. That said, I do think beige would look classy. The bunching of the cordoba is what the companies (like MINI) do to make it look expensive (i.e. in the porsche cayenne they actually charge more for an option called "soft look" leather which has lots of creases and bunching right from the factory). My profile leather seats have this bunching too (especially on the back seats). IMO, it does add an expensive and classy look to the car. So, get the leather you like best.

 

I like that idea, Kayak! I wonder what that might cost?