I am considering either leatherette Black or leather Panther black. On MiniUSA and in cars I see on lots neither one looks black. They both look grey. Is one darker than other? I cannot tell. I prefer a darker color but if there not any difference I do not want to pay the extra for leather. I am ordering a mini in about three weeks. Thanks, ski

 

Not sure, ski, but very little (if anything) in the MINI interior is true black. You're right....it's more of a very dark grey. I'd bet the leatherette or the leather (...or the cloth for that matter) is about the same shade.

 

Actually they are both black with the leather being a bit (not much)blacker. The leather simply looks and feels alot better though.

 

Yea the "blacks" in the MINI are more like a dark gunmetal, which is a very dark bluish gray. The only things that are actually closer to black are the floormats!

 

Gotta agree with the rye guy. Black is relative to what is around that is more black... and the rubber matts are the blackest. I compared my leatherette to leather just yesterday and they are very close.

Godspeed.

 

As I recall, the black leather is a bit more "black" than the other materials mentioned, for what it's worth. The black leatherette is definitely more of a dark gray. Even the black cloth is more of an "off black" color. The old black leather interior, with the "dimples" (or whatever they are called) was very black, but it is no longer an option.

If you are planning to order a new MINI, be sure to check with the dealer you will order through, to be sure of which upholstery options will be available with your chosen model and options. I was rudely surprised when I picked up my MINI at delivery, and discovered that my all black sports seats were now silver gray and black sports seats. Apparently, my chosen cloth upholstery was no longer available in a 2005 MC with sport seats, though my dealer dropped the ball on informing me about that "minor" little options change. I'm learning to live with the difference, but I'd have chosen differently, had I been given the opportunity.

You're doing a wise thing by looking at actual MINI's and how they look in person. All the colors in the online configurator are a bit off, both interior and exterior. Online pics taken by owners are a little more accurate, but nothing beats seeing what this stuff looks like in person for yourself. That being said, I ordered based almost entirely on what I was able to see online. All in all, other than the...um...hiccup with my seats color, I'm pretty happy with how the colors turned out.

Research everything as best you can. Then, when you are ready to buy, DON'T buy from Niello MINI of Sacramento!

 

No spinal tap jokes? No? That speaks to the high quality of humor brought to NAM I suppose.