I'm a little confused about the "Enlish Leather" seat option. I read that it's only black w/ grey piping - OK by me. But what exactly is the difference - the style of the seat looks somewhat different, but can you provide a bit more detail? Also, is the quality of the leather better/different than that currently offered.

 

These seats have a more classic "Old english" look to them. The stitching and the pattern of the upholstery is different from the standard leather seats.

Quality of the leather? Hard to tell without having the chance to see them up close and personal. Hopefully the cowhide used in these new seats is better because the "real leather" so far offered by MINI seems to suck big time for the asking price.

I doubt MINI will supply aromatic "Connolly" leather (as found in some upper end Jaguars) but that would be nice.