View Full Version : non-leather seat option?
jkirkebo
03-23-2011, 08:53 AM
I like the seats, but not the material. Those seats in leather would be ok by me.
I think the seats are fine, anything non-leather/non-vinyl is probably ok by me. I hate sitting in leather, only place it's ok is on my wife ;)
AnOutsider
03-23-2011, 11:49 AM
I think the seats are fine, anything non-leather/non-vinyl is probably ok by me. I hate sitting in leather, only place it's ok is on my wife ;)
#1 TMI, #2 I don't foresee them putting this car out with cloth seats. Even in the base model I think they may try to go with something a bit higher, and I'm almost certain there will be some sort of leather at the top end. Personally, I used to dislike leather, but now wouldn't have it any other way.
jkirkebo
03-23-2011, 12:02 PM
#1 TMI, #2 I don't foresee them putting this car out with cloth seats. Even in the base model I think they may try to go with something a bit higher, and I'm almost certain there will be some sort of leather at the top end. Personally, I used to dislike leather, but now wouldn't have it any other way.
All the comparable cars here in Europe (like the BMW 5-series and Mercedes E) is available with cloth seats so I don't see why Tesla wouldn't do the same. This car will attract a lot of buyers that want a long range EV but are less interested in luxury features. It would thus be a mistake to load even the base trim model up with lots of expensive options as standard (like leather, electric seats, high end stereo systems etc.).
If leather is the only option I will probably pass on the Model S and wait for the Bluestar or Leaf 2.0.
Arnold Panz
03-23-2011, 01:40 PM
#1 TMI, #2 I don't foresee them putting this car out with cloth seats. Even in the base model I think they may try to go with something a bit higher, and I'm almost certain there will be some sort of leather at the top end. Personally, I used to dislike leather, but now wouldn't have it any other way.
I'm pretty sure that Mercedes has a "pleather" (fake leather) as an option, and real leather as an upgrade option (standard for the high end S and CL coupes). Most of the cars rolling off the lot have the pleather, and if TM has access to that, I don't see why they wouldn't use that instead of the cloth, which definitely looks and feels cheaper than the pleather. This is supposed to be a luxury car, and I think they'll want to go in the leather/pleather direction. Perhaps if it isn't as big a deal overseas they could allow for cloth seats in cars built for Europe and Asia.
I'm pretty sure that Mercedes has a "pleather" (fake leather) as an option, and real leather as an upgrade option (standard for the high end S and CL coupes). Most of the cars rolling off the lot have the pleather, and if TM has access to that, I don't see why they wouldn't use that instead of the cloth, which definitely looks and feels cheaper than the pleather. This is supposed to be a luxury car, and I think they'll want to go in the leather/pleather direction. Perhaps if it isn't as big a deal overseas they could allow for cloth seats in cars built for Europe and Asia.
When the Roadster was first offered they were caught off guard by strong environmentalists asking for non leather interior. Since I'm not a fan of leather seats in the hot sweaty summer months I too asked for a cloth version. Too bad the micro fiber they chose was inferior grade and extra expensive.
Tommy
03-23-2011, 02:06 PM
I'm pretty sure that Mercedes has a "pleather" (fake leather) as an option, and real leather as an upgrade option (standard for the high end S and CL coupes).
Mercedes calls their faux leather MB-Tex; very durable and has the look of leather; comes standard on some of their models last time I was looking at MB's.
jkirkebo
03-23-2011, 04:20 PM
I'm pretty sure that Mercedes has a "pleather" (fake leather) as an option, and real leather as an upgrade option (standard for the high end S and CL coupes). Most of the cars rolling off the lot have the pleather, and if TM has access to that, I don't see why they wouldn't use that instead of the cloth, which definitely looks and feels cheaper than the pleather. This is supposed to be a luxury car, and I think they'll want to go in the leather/pleather direction. Perhaps if it isn't as big a deal overseas they could allow for cloth seats in cars built for Europe and Asia.
Fake leather is possibly even worse than leather. I want a fabric that breathes and is non-slippery, not hot in the summer and cold in the winter, not needing any maintenance etc.
Why must it be a luxury car ? Because of the price ? Then must any long-range EV be a luxury car since the big battery cost a lot and puts the car in the price range of other luxury cars ? I don't get that. I don't need/want more luxury than any VW or Toyota can offer. Please make different trim levels, like one basic (with cloth seats), one mid-range and one top of the line for the luxury people...
AnOutsider
03-23-2011, 05:21 PM
Fake leather is possibly even worse than leather. I want a fabric that breathes and is non-slippery, not hot in the summer and cold in the winter, not needing any maintenance etc.
Why must it be a luxury car ? Because of the price ? Then must any long-range EV be a luxury car since the big battery cost a lot and puts the car in the price range of other luxury cars ? I don't get that. I don't need/want more luxury than any VW or Toyota can offer. Please make different trim levels, like one basic (with cloth seats), one mid-range and one top of the line for the luxury people...
AFAIK this was always supposed to be more of a luxury car (look at the brands they intend to compete with). The next car (bluestar) will be the cheaper, every day thing. You're really going to pass on the car because of leather(ette) seats?
jkirkebo
03-24-2011, 01:40 AM
AFAIK this was always supposed to be more of a luxury car (look at the brands they intend to compete with). The next car (bluestar) will be the cheaper, every day thing. You're really going to pass on the car because of leather(ette) seats?
There is two thing I really want, cloth seats and a hitch. If they fail on delivering one of them I will probably still get the car. If they fail on both then very probably no. It's a lot of money and I want a car that fulfills my needs. No hitch means I'd have to trade cars with my parents a lot, leather means I don't like very much to sit in the car I paid $100k (or thereabouts) for.
Bluestar might be late to the party, Nissan has hinted of a Leaf 2.0 in 2014/15 with 200-mile range. That will probably be enough for us, since there will be more chargers on the roads at that time. And Nissan doesn't even offer leather, though they should offer a dark interior in addition to the unpratical light one they have now.
There is also a lot of people on the Tesla forum that want no leather in their cars. And since it was possible to get cloth seats in a $120k car (the Roadster) I don't see why they wouldn't offer it in a car half the price.
jkirk, is the exterior look of the vehicle not important to you?
You'd pass on the Model S in favour of an EV that looks a bit like a fishbowl just because the manufacturer didn't offer microfibre / cloth seats?
I can understand the hitch rationale if you absolutely need to haul a trailer, but...
There is two thing I really want, cloth seats and a hitch. If they fail on delivering one of them I will probably still get the car. If they fail on both then very probably no. It's a lot of money and I want a car that fulfills my needs. No hitch means I'd have to trade cars with my parents a lot, leather means I don't like very much to sit in the car I paid $100k (or thereabouts) for.
Bluestar might be late to the party, Nissan has hinted of a Leaf 2.0 in 2014/15 with 200-mile range. That will probably be enough for us, since there will be more chargers on the roads at that time. And Nissan doesn't even offer leather, though they should offer a dark interior in addition to the unpratical light one they have now.
There is also a lot of people on the Tesla forum that want no leather in their cars. And since it was possible to get cloth seats in a $120k car (the Roadster) I don't see why they wouldn't offer it in a car half the price.
There is also a lot of people on the Tesla forum that want no leather in their cars.
I do not want leather either. Cloth or pleather would work. Would prefer a good pleather that is as durable as leather.
Tesla will become the De facto green car company and as such, should consider the environment, of which factory farming plays a massive role. Offering alternatives to leather will facilitate the purchase decision to those who would otherwise not have considered one due to limited choices.
Nope, not here.
Much prefer leather to faux leather...leather looks better (to me) and is far easier to keep clean than cloth in my experience.
Although there are those who wish to push the all of the environmental envelopes to the max currently, I feel that by driving hybrids for the last 5 years and an EV now (with my last ICE vehicle to be purged upon the arrival of the Model S), I'm more than doing my part.
I'll not be pushed by the environmental "correctness police" to give up my leather seats anytime soon.
jkirk, is the exterior look of the vehicle not important to you?
You'd pass on the Model S in favour of an EV that looks a bit like a fishbowl just because the manufacturer didn't offer microfibre / cloth seats?
I can understand the hitch rationale if you absolutely need to haul a trailer, but...
?http://upload.ecvv.com/upload/Product/200801/C2007102122111652935_woolskin_rug_sheepskin_car_seat_covers.jpg:)
I'm with you Jaff, no cloth/microfibre in my Model S. However I'm fine with the fake leather. I like the leatherette in my bmw just fine. Nice roadster btw, white w/ black wheels is my fave combo.
- matt
Doug_G
03-24-2011, 09:13 AM
Leather is a renewable resource...
Hey V, have you ever owned a vehicle with forced air heating & cooling of the front seats?
Both of my Lexus have the perforated leather seats with this feature...even though I'm located far further north than you folks (and use the seat heater more often I'd guess), I'd trade the heated seats in a minute for the comfort of forced air, A/C cooled seats in our short summer up here...to me, it's the ultimate in summer driving comfort!
When the Roadster was first offered they were caught off guard by strong environmentalists asking for non leather interior. Since I'm not a fan of leather seats in the hot sweaty summer months I too asked for a cloth version. Too bad the micro fiber they chose was inferior grade and extra expensive.
Yikes!
I was going to ask "where are the fuzzy dice", but I can see them hiding behind the steering wheel & roof post.
?http://upload.ecvv.com/upload/Product/200801/C2007102122111652935_woolskin_rug_sheepskin_car_seat_covers.jpg:)
AnOutsider
03-24-2011, 10:47 AM
Nope, not here.
Much prefer leather to faux leather...leather looks better (to me) and is far easier to keep clean than cloth in my experience.
Although there are those who wish to push the all of the environmental envelopes to the max currently, I feel that by driving hybrids for the last 5 years and an EV now (with my last ICE vehicle to be purged upon the arrival of the Model S), I'm more than doing my part.
I'll not be pushed by the environmental "correctness police" to give up my leather seats anytime soon.
hear here!
ckessel
03-24-2011, 11:40 AM
Not sure I care about leather or not. Hot and sticky in the summer, cold in the winter is a valid complaint. I've had microfibre and leather and I'm probably good either way. My microfiber seats seemed to wear better, while the leather got cracks and started to flake near the cracks after a few years.
EV_de
03-24-2011, 12:55 PM
I'm would like to have the sporty dual Material / Color Style from my Audi, instead of the Model S Prototype white sofa....
( which is a typical US-Thing i guess ... )
http://archiv.langzeittest.de/audi-a3/intern/grafik/kk-dsg-s-line-sitze.jpg
jkirkebo
03-24-2011, 02:08 PM
jkirk, is the exterior look of the vehicle not important to you?
You'd pass on the Model S in favour of an EV that looks a bit like a fishbowl just because the manufacturer didn't offer microfibre / cloth seats?
I can understand the hitch rationale if you absolutely need to haul a trailer, but...
That is correct, I do not care much about exterior looks. What I need is a practical EV with a long range, good interior space and yes I sometimes need to haul my trailer around.
I also don't care much whether the 0-60 time is 4 or 12 seconds.
Leather is a renewable resource...
Perhaps so, but it apparently causes a lot of environmental damage to process the hides. I think the tanning process tends to run through huge amounts of water, tainting it with chemicals.
http://www1.american.edu/ted/LEATHER.HTM
Leather Tanning in Woburn (http://serc.carleton.edu/woburn/issues/tanning.html)
http://serc.carleton.edu/images/woburn/issues/tanning_process_description.png
Hey V, have you ever owned a vehicle with forced air heating & cooling of the front seats?
Both of my Lexus have the perforated leather seats with this feature...even though I'm located far further north than you folks (and use the seat heater more often I'd guess), I'd trade the heated seats in a minute for the comfort of forced air, A/C cooled seats in our short summer up here...to me, it's the ultimate in summer driving comfort!
Never owned but have enjoyed in them. They would be sweeeeeet. I wonder though about all these kind of luxuries in the luxury Model S. The weight of 3 or 8 seat motors is huge. Likewise plumbing air to the seats would have to add weight as well. This will be Tesla's first high end niceties car.
When does lux stop and range start?
With the 300 mile battery...:biggrin::wink:
Never owned but have enjoyed in them. They would be sweeeeeet. I wonder though about all these kind of luxuries in the luxury Model S. The weight of 3 or 8 seat motors is huge. Likewise plumbing air to the seats would have to add weight as well. This will be Tesla's first high end niceties car.
When does lux stop and range start?
With the 300 mile battery...:biggrin::wink:
A year ago few of us Roadster owners here on TMC did a panel survey in the LA area. An unnamed car company was putting togeather a luxury EV and asked us about range. They gave us choices that went something like "Would you prefer a smaller trunk if you got another twenty miles of range to get to 120 miles?" We all told the guy that 120 was not acceptable in the luxury car. One guy pointed out the Model S 300 range and I said that luxury is defined by no compromise. 120 miles is a compromise. He was shocked.
Bang on brother V! :smile:
A year ago few of us Roadster owners here on TMC did a panel survey in the LA area. An unnamed car company was putting togeather a luxury EV and asked us about range. They gave us choices that went something like "Would you prefer a smaller trunk if you got another twenty miles of range to get to 120 miles?" We all told the guy that 120 was not acceptable in the luxury car. One guy pointed out the Model S 300 range and I said that luxury is defined by no compromise. 120 miles is a compromise. He was shocked.
If the seats contain anything synthetic, the likely source is oil, which means somebody died at the point of a gun for it. Unless the seats are cotton, linen, hemp or cane, I fail to see the moral difference between synthetic seats and leather.
Nissan says the seats on the Leaf are made out of recycled soda bottle material.
But it really isn't about a 'moral' reason for me. I just prefer cloth. I special ordered a Lexus 10 years ago with cloth seats, and the dealer tried very hard to talk me out of it. He argued that luxury cars are always "supposed to have leather."
The seats have held up very well. No rips, tears, or anything like that. The car is never garaged. I think leather would have cracked by now. The seats feel warm in winter, and cool in summer, and are very grippy when going fast around corners.
http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1506&d=1301031137
1506
richkae
03-25-2011, 12:03 AM
I have requested microfibre seats in my Signature Model S, and if it is not available I will cancel my Signature Model S and just get a regular one.
I love the microfibre in my Roadster. I think it is much more comfortable on a hot summer day and I like the grip, especially for hard cornering.
I understand that leather may be more spill resistant, but I think the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.
My 911 RS America had cloth sport seats, and with the addition of a 5 point harness, there was no need to put in full racing seats to really feel connected to the car on the racetrack. My Boxster had leather and getting into the car if it had been outside in the sun was an unpleasant experience
If you feel strongly about needing the option of non-leather seats, please email Tesla and tell them so.
ahimberg
03-25-2011, 10:10 AM
I hope they offer an option of no leather throughout the car. The Roadster microfiber option was just for the seats, not the dash/etc (although they are willing to do microfiber there for an additional charge). The Model S has much more leather if the prototype car's interior is accurate. If I can't get that as an option I'd be cancelling my Model S order.
There has been a similar thread on the tesla forums, hope they're listening.
AnOutsider
03-25-2011, 11:07 AM
Maybe because my cars are garaged (when home), but one of the reasons I used to be scared of leather was the whole "hot seat" issue. I've never once experienced it so far...
Some of the posters on the official TM kill me...they'd pass up the opportunity to own / lease / drive one of the best engineered cars in the world, one of the best looking cars in the world, a car that eschews crap spewing ICE's that damage our atmosphere, land & water, a car that cuts the umbilical cord to M.E. oil thus providing a boost to your economic and spiritual freedoms, a car that will be an absolutely exhilarating drive, et al ..., all because of a few "dead animal skins".
Political Correctness on steroids I think.
"So let me see...I'm opposed to dead animal skins anywhere in my car, so I'll opt to either purchase another manufacturer's currently inferior EV that probably will not meet my needs, or I'll buy another ICE vehicle ensconsed in polyester & velvet...Yep, that'll learn 'em!"
AnOutsider
03-25-2011, 02:21 PM
Some of the posters on the official TM kill me...they'd pass up the opportunity to own / lease / drive one of the best engineered cars in the world, one of the best looking cars in the world, a car that eschews crap spewing ICE's that damage our atmosphere, land & water, a car that cuts the umbilical cord to M.E. oil thus providing a boost to your economic and spiritual freedoms, a car that will be an absolutely exhilarating drive, et al ..., all because of a few "dead animal skins".
Political Correctness on steroids I think.
"So let me see...I'm opposed to dead animal skins anywhere in my car, so I'll opt to either purchase another manufacturer's currently inferior EV that probably will not meet my needs, or I'll buy another ICE vehicle ensconsed in polyester & velvet...Yep, that'll learn 'em!"
There's extremists in all walks of life unfortunately... look at PETA :(
Some of the posters on the official TM kill me...they'd pass up the opportunity to own / lease / drive one of the best engineered cars in the world, one of the best looking cars in the world, a car that eschews crap spewing ICE's that damage our atmosphere, land & water, a car that cuts the umbilical cord to M.E. oil thus providing a boost to your economic and spiritual freedoms, a car that will be an absolutely exhilarating drive, et al ..., all because of a few "dead animal skins".
Political Correctness on steroids I think.
"So let me see...I'm opposed to dead animal skins anywhere in my car, so I'll opt to either purchase another manufacturer's currently inferior EV that probably will not meet my needs, or I'll buy another ICE vehicle ensconsed in polyester & velvet...Yep, that'll learn 'em!"
I suspect a lot of these people were not serious about the Model S to begin with.
Anyhow, I think it makes sense to offer the option. If people feel strongly enough about it, they'll be willing to pay extra for it. $$$ :smile:
trevorlsciact
03-25-2011, 07:31 PM
Some of the posters on the official TM kill me...they'd pass up the opportunity to own / lease / drive one of the best engineered cars in the world, one of the best looking cars in the world, a car that eschews crap spewing ICE's that damage our atmosphere, land & water, a car that cuts the umbilical cord to M.E. oil thus providing a boost to your economic and spiritual freedoms, a car that will be an absolutely exhilarating drive, et al ..., all because of a few "dead animal skins".
Political Correctness on steroids I think.
"So let me see...I'm opposed to dead animal skins anywhere in my car, so I'll opt to either purchase another manufacturer's currently inferior EV that probably will not meet my needs, or I'll buy another ICE vehicle ensconsed in polyester & velvet...Yep, that'll learn 'em!"
There's extremists in all walks of life unfortunately... look at PETA :(
I suspect a lot of these people were not serious about the Model S to begin with.
As a vegetarian I have to say you do not have to be extreme or not serious, or politically correct to make that a deciding factor. I would never buy a new car with leather seats, I'm not even vegan. I would buy a used car with leather, and I will wear second hand leather, but I never buy new products with leather on them. This doesn't seem extreme to me at all, it's not like I refuse to sit on anything made of leather, it's just a very important consideration for me.
AnOutsider
03-25-2011, 08:09 PM
As a vegetarian I have to say you do not have to be extreme or not serious, or politically correct to make that a deciding factor. I would never buy a new car with leather seats, I'm not even vegan. I would buy a used car with leather, and I will wear second hand leather, but I never buy new products with leather on them. This doesn't seem extreme to me at all, it's not like I refuse to sit on anything made of leather, it's just a very important consideration for me.
Getting slightly off topic I guess, but can you explain the logic there? You have something against leather, but it's OK if it's second-hand? Is that more to do with putting money in the hand of the people making the product? Technically, if everyone shared your ideals, you wouldn't have something second-hand to buy would you?
I love leather, and I love a good steak. As long as we're eating beef, we might as well not waste the leather, right?
LMAO!!!...Bang on Brother Z! :biggrin::biggrin:
I love leather, and I love a good steak. As long as we're eating beef, we might as well not waste the leather, right?
ahimberg
03-25-2011, 09:53 PM
I understand Tesla needs to offer 'luxury' options, but i should have the luxury of paying for what I want too :)
Personally, I spend a lot of time in my car and prefer to avoid that wrapped in dead animal skin, for the folks trying to be super-eco I think its been reported by multiple studies that reducing meat intake does more for the environment than driving an eco car. Thats not my primary motivation but a bonus.
Lets not give people a hard time about their beliefs/preferences. I like a good steak and the feel of leather too, but still respect those that prefer not to consume/use animal products. Anyhow, there is probably enough demand that Tesla should probably offer a non-leather option.
^^^^^^ Well said Doug.
It is interesting to see the range of preferences on this subject. It's not hard to understand and respect all of them.
GSP
Tesla's electric cars bring out all sorts of people that are not normally associated with the Supercar world. Nothing wrong with that. As long as the right wingers are cool with the left wingers and vice versa! Same with crazy paint jobs and wacky interiors. To each his own.
Kevin Harney
03-28-2011, 05:54 AM
YEAH !!! like copper ?!??!! Who would pick that :D
ljbad4life
03-28-2011, 09:23 AM
I personally can't stand leather seats that are not ventilated. No matter how cool the interior gets, I never get comfortable if I'm sitting on non cooled leather seats. of Course heated seats are a great thing in the winter. I'm sure Tesla will include both heated and cool seats just for efficiency reasons.
voyagevixen
05-19-2013, 08:28 AM
We have nonleather Alcantara seats in our roadster