Alcantara vs Leather

[anonymous-user]

I've had BMW's take on alcantara in the past but never the real deal. The stuff in the BMW appeared quite fragile and prone to wear.

Is proper Alcantara, as you get in McLaren's, hardwearing?

I'd really like to go that route on my 540, especially across the dash, but am really concerned that it would end up fraying/bobbling whereas leather can always be fed and made to look new again as it ages.

Interested in peoples experiences.

[anonymous-user]

Cheers!!

Plenty of time to decide I guess but it's good to plan ahead

[anonymous-user]

fyfe said:

I had to make this decision recently for a dash retrim. In the end I opted for leather for similar reasons to those above. I know it can be nourished, generally looked after and will last a long time. That's not to say that you can't do the same with alcantara, just that I don't have any experience of doing that. Also, for me at least, leather ages well - it gets characterful with usage. I've not seen alcantara do the same.

I have to say, that's my current thinking too.

[anonymous-user]

andrew said:

41k over eight years on my lambo : alcantara seats and dashboard look perfect
hth

Yes that does, thanks.

Great to hear the car is being used as it was intended.

[anonymous-user]

cho said:

Gary I think you're just suffering from withdrawal symptoms and finding different ways to keep yourself occupped ;p

I did a similar thing when waiting for the only car I've ever ordered from new and ended up buying a very expensive mountain bike to keep myself occupied!

Probably . The anticipation is all part of the process.

We're moving to a new part of the country at the end of June so will have plenty to occupy my time then!

Off to see the car in the flesh in 2 weeks time so that should also help

[anonymous-user]

andrew said:

sounds like we're mistaking alcantara for silk !
google it
it's made 100% from polyurethane and polyester, and used for cinema seats, hospital furniture, etc

Living on the South coast I've seen it used a lot in boats too.

As I said, only have the BMW stuff to go by which was not good.

[anonymous-user]

TISPKJ said:

Gary, where are you viewing the car ?
I missed the last round so wouldn't mind a look before making my mind up.

Hi Paul,

It's McLaren Birmingham's preview evening.

I think it's invite only so worth giving them a call.

[anonymous-user]

flemke said:

andrew said:

garyhun said:

andrew said:

41k over eight years on my lambo : alcantara seats and dashboard look perfect
hth

Yes that does, thanks.

Great to hear the car is being used as it was intended.

sounds like we're mistaking alcantara for silk !
google it
it's made 100% from polyurethane and polyester, and used for cinema seats, hospital furniture, etc

Real alcantara has one of the highest durability ratings of all commercial upholstery fabrics. It also can be cleaned easily.

It's great for seats, dashboards and door panels, although for steering wheels and gearshift knobs it is disgusting and horrible.

I assume the issue with steering and gearstick is oil from your skin making it all smooth and shiny?