Gremlin9

Anybody who has driven with both wheels prefer one to the other?

What are the pros and cons of each?

noodleman

I didn't think I'd like the alcantara wheel when i first got my car, but now i'm in love with it.

It makes the car feel sportier, and it doesn't heat up and burn your hand in the summer. it's much easier to grip with your hands than the leather wheel imo.

stangxs

I love the look of my alcantara; I try not touching it much, but I sure love the look

otakki

Same here: love the look and feel of it. But I'm afraid it will get worn out and come apart from the constant manipulation.

mrlogan

FWIW the sales guy told me the alcantara has been known to wear after a couple years. (he was weirdly against me getting a PP car lol)

otakki

OH NO!!!...So it's true, then.

mrlogan

I'm sure you can take care of it with proper maintenance. There's lots of other companies with alcantara steering wheels.

gthal

I have the alcantara but prefer the perforated leather... I like the look and the durability better. Alcantara is better for grip on the track with racing gloves on but is very fragile.

rory breaker

Much prefer the alcantara - when I test drove a 2012 without it, I immediately noticed the difference. Perforated leather feels like a "sport" feature on a Camry or something in comparison to the alcantara.

Also - I had it on my '09 as well, and the alcantara was different. I think maybe now it's not true alcantara and maybe a more durable material. No doubt, the 09's wheels started pilling just a tiny bit, and definitely felt a bit worn in key areas. Not terrifying, but I noticed it. The 2012 feels much different, smoother and more durable.

CoolBDPhenom03

Long-term durability is the weak point, but I love everything else about the alcantara.

Fung63

noodleman, I didnt know you had the alcantara wheel. Next time we meet, I gotta check it out

and bsmooth7, aren't you scheduled to pick up your car any day now? didnt know you can still choose steering wheel options this late in the order. how interesting.

Gremlin9

Yes.
Who said anything about still choosing steering wheel options?

m a x i m u s

i have the alcantara and i prefer it over the leather. slight wear on it doesnt bother me.

SonnyakaPig

I have the alcantara. It does wear in some spots. I plan on looking into getting it re-wrapped with new alcantara in a couple of years. If I do this, I'm considering replacing the solid leather top and bottom of the wheel with perforated leather for a unique look. I also may change the color of the alcantara from grey to black. But, I don't know how difficult these customizations would be to perform. I assume it can ge done by an interior shop.

Mr. Happy

Try a clean and soft toothbrush to revitalize the finish, by gently rubbing against the grain.

FBTO

What do you put on the brush? Any particular type of cream? My left side is all flat compared to the right. I need to condition it somehow? Suggestions for caring for it?

CoolBDPhenom03

Mine is also somewhat flattened around the 10 o'clock position.

Mr. Happy

Nothing. Use it dry, against the grain. If it's just flattened, the brush will bring it back. Obviously, if it's worn out, there's not much you can do.

Pickles

I do NOT like the alcantara wheel at all...it is the least liked feature of our car....a few times of use with sweaty hands & the stuff will flatten out & become matted.....not a good look....I'd much prefer perforated leather in place of the alcantara.
Cheers, Pickles.

Chocofishez

I use a little bit of light dishwashing soap mixed with warm water. It works well. You can be firm with the toothbrush too

It will definitely wear over time, but mine still looks great.

604 C63

I like it a lot. I have a carbon fibre wheel with alcantara and when your driving the tactile change back and forth between the two surfaces is just one more sensory input on a car loaded with them.

I do keep a few pairs of nitril gloves in the trunk tho, in case I get my hands dirty or greasy and cant clean up.

Pickles

Believe it or not, wifey & I are going to buy driving gloves, so that we will not have to worry about the alacantra...seen some really nice old fashioned ones (leather with netting/string back) in the UK!
Cheers, Pickles.