Designo vs regular seats
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 29
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From: Westchester county, NY
Mercedes E63S, Audi SQ7, bmw 540xi
Designo vs regular seats
The gl550 I am considering has the designo brown Napa package. The seats seem so much softer and more comfortable than the standard leather seats in non designo gl550's. Is this correct?
Same seat? Is it more comfortable?
Any guidance or words of wisdom would be appreciated.
Thanks
Same seat? Is it more comfortable?
Any guidance or words of wisdom would be appreciated.
Thanks
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 238
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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A gaggle of MB's
In construction/structure of the actual "seat" is the same - the leather (Italian), "pattern", and padding structure is different than standard seat.
Note, on 15 GL350/450/550 "pattern" is quilted, on 15 GL63 the "pattern" is large horizonal sections.
I personally prefer the quilted feel.
Please note - that the different colors in Designo each have a somewhat distinctive feel between each other - has to do with the dye/color process is different for each color - frankly the Designo black is super-sexy feel between them all.
I mention this in case the OP has "sat" in one Designo color - another Designo color will have a somehwat "different" feel - all good.
With Designo - when building a GL350/450/550 - I would strongly suggest the MB-Tex wrapped dash/door panel option + wood/leather wheel for a very sophisticated interior.
Note, on 15 GL350/450/550 "pattern" is quilted, on 15 GL63 the "pattern" is large horizonal sections.
I personally prefer the quilted feel.
Please note - that the different colors in Designo each have a somewhat distinctive feel between each other - has to do with the dye/color process is different for each color - frankly the Designo black is super-sexy feel between them all.
I mention this in case the OP has "sat" in one Designo color - another Designo color will have a somehwat "different" feel - all good.
With Designo - when building a GL350/450/550 - I would strongly suggest the MB-Tex wrapped dash/door panel option + wood/leather wheel for a very sophisticated interior.
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15 GL550
I could be wrong about this so someone else should confirm but my understanding is that the Nappa designo leather, while of high quality, is not coated with a polymer which is why it feels softer. While softer, it requires more maintenance to keep looking nice. The standard leather can be wiped off with a damp rag with mild detergent to clean and maintain. The nappa is going to require a more rigorous cleaning and conditioning regimine. Something to consider particularly if you have kids/dogs etc and want to keep your car for more than a couple years.
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From: Oregon USA
2023 Mercedes EQS 580 SUV, 2023 Bentley Bentayga, 2023 Genesis GV60
On my 2014 GL550 with Designo Black leather and wrapped dash, it looks and feels wonderful. But oh my gosh is it hard to keep the seat cushions looking nice, as crumbs wedge into every little hole and are close to impossible to get out.
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From: Huntington NY
S560
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From: Long Island, NY / Mississauga, Ontario / Changhua, Taiwan
11 S550V4
It's a lot more than just upgraded leather ... Its alcantara like headliner, leather on the door panels and dashboard... The headliner alone makes a huge difference in how the interior looks
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Joined: Dec 2013
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Carrera S;
Well worth the investment-yes, wonderful headliner, leather lower dash and door panels, plus of course the seats. I also ordered piano black wood-super combo on GL550. Was it a rationale decision-probably not, but sometimes wants and needs are difficult to discern.
My spouse has 2014 E550 with Designo Amaretto. Very similar to Hermes signature leather-some say it looks a bit like a basketball or baseball glove-but she loves it.
My spouse has 2014 E550 with Designo Amaretto. Very similar to Hermes signature leather-some say it looks a bit like a basketball or baseball glove-but she loves it.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Austin, TX
14 GL550; 14 E63s
If I have two small kids, would anyone with designo seats recommend avoiding them? I've read crumbs tend to lodge in between the quilts. But the seats look so nice and the entire package (headliner, dash) just looks so much cleaner. I'd be going with black.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Miami, FL
2014 GL550
I would still recommend the Designo. We have a toddler and a dog. We bought a Kurgo liner (get the XL SUV size) for the back seat and it works great. We also have a Diono seat protector (ultra mat deluxe) under the car seat. We have the black Designo interior with piano black steering wheel and it looks and feels incredible.
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S550
I would still recommend the Designo. We have a toddler and a dog. We bought a Kurgo liner (get the XL SUV size) for the back seat and it works great. We also have a Diono seat protector (ultra mat deluxe) under the car seat. We have the black Designo interior with piano black steering wheel and it looks and feels incredible.
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2013 ML550
I have a 13' ML550 with with the auburn designo/satin ash. It's been 2.5 years with my two kids(8 and 11) and a golden retriever and the seats look like the day I pulled out of the dealership. My kids eat all the time in the truck and I have no issues with crumbs or anything stuck in the ventilation holes. Also, I don't believe I've ever had somebody get into the truck with out commenting on the interior, usually start touching the wood and headliner. In my opinion it was worth every penny.
