718 Seat Options
Author
Discussion

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

115 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
quotequote all
I just wanted to get some insight into the seat options, as I've only ever managed to sit in a 718 with standard seats.

The standards feel okay (only a 20 min drive, so difficult to really assess comfort), but perhaps a little narrow across my upper back/shoulders.

I'm minded to go with the sports seats plus, on the basis that they (i) provide more lateral support when you're 'enjoying' a B-road, and (ii) to my mind, look better.

However, will they be narrower than the standard? Or just the same width but with bigger bolsters?

I think I've also discounted the 18 way, since they are heavier, and since it's me driving 99% of the time, once the seats are in position I won't adjust them. But am I missing something (i.e. is there functionality of the 18-way that is a benefit over sports or sports plus, such as greater comfort or something)?

Thanks!

Ed from Cyprus

54 posts

156 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
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In my 981 I ended up with standard sits. Also feel a bit narrow in back/shoulders, but hold very well and surprisingly comfortable. Once you drive you don't notice this narrowness, and I never wished for any more adjustments. Besides, getting in and out much easier with standard sits and they wear less in side bolsters area when in and out.

Twinfan

10,125 posts

125 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
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18-ways are just Sports Seats Plus (2-ways) with more adjustment.

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

115 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
quotequote all
So I've seen mention of the thigh supports on the 18 way. Not used these and don't know how much better it makes things e.g. on a long journey?

Whaleblue

404 posts

109 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
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I agree that the standard seats are too narrow across the shoulders.

Like you (@RMJ), I'll be the only driver for the most part, so opted for the Sports Seats Plus.

Others have commented that the multi-way electric seats are no real improvement for folk like us (who don’t swap driver frequently), though I’m sure there will be exceptions. And they’re heavier as you say. For me a final reason for avoiding the full electrics is that I understand they won’t lower quite as far as the “2-way, electric” version, and I like the seat low.

bcr5784

7,374 posts

166 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
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As has been said the adjustability of the 18 ways (or 14 ways are which adjustable sports seats) is for the most part removed if only one person drives. However if you are short and often have to get out in tight spaces then the seat memory can be a real boon.

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

115 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
quotequote all
Great okay - so @Whaleblue - do you find that the sports seats plus are wider than the standards (i.e. did it fix the problem you found across the shoulders)?

Whaleblue

404 posts

109 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
quotequote all
RMJ891 said:
Great okay - so @Whaleblue - do you find that the sports seats plus are wider than the standards (i.e. did it fix the problem you found across the shoulders)?
Yes.

With all said though, I highly recommend you try for yourself. We're all diffferent shapes, after all smile

RMJ891

Original Poster:

171 posts

115 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
quotequote all
Of course - I guess it's like that with these things, though - most of the things I want to spec I'll never actually get to try in person. Crazy for the amount of money it all costs!

Thanks everyone!

alanshaw

195 posts

114 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
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I went for 18way as am a bit older & the memory setting for getting in & out with steering wheel moving is a must for me otherwise I struggle to get in & out........oh to be young again..................

bcr5784

7,374 posts

166 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
quotequote all
RMJ891 said:
Of course - I guess it's like that with these things, though - most of the things I want to spec I'll never actually get to try in person. Crazy for the amount of money it all costs!

Thanks everyone!
You will doubtless get offered an PEC day - take it before your spec is finally locked down. It's an opportunity to see/try some options (and a good fun day too!)

dreamcar

1,067 posts

132 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
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My wife is viertically challenged (short legs) and has back and hip issues. By far the best seat for her would be the 14 way electric sports seats. Unfortunately these were not an option on BGTS and I was convinced she'd need the 18 way adaptive sports seats plus. Having sampled these however she found the seat back bolsters too constructive, even with the seat bladders fully deflated to give the widest setting. She found the sports seats plus far more comfortable but even then misses the seat squab length and angle adjustment of the two fully electrical options. Maybe we should have persevered with 18 way seats, my one doubt over our BGTS specification.

DJMC

3,541 posts

124 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
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I found Sport Seats Plus squeezed my shoulders MORE than standard sport seats. The bigger shoulder bolsters cause them to feel narrower.

I went for 14 way electric. They are standard sport seats BUT have: seat base tilt; lumbar adjustment up/down & in/out; seat height adjust for front & rear of seat; thigh extension; electric steering column and wheel.

The most useful things are the seat tilt and thigh extension to get super comfortable. And with the steering wheel set low, when you exit or enter the car the wheel moves up or down to allow easier access under it.