"Full leather" option or "Leather Inserts"
 

I can't figure out what you get if you don't choose the "full leather" package... on my CLK500, not getting leather gets you leather sides of the seats and a pseudo-leather that's awfully close to leather on the main parts of the seats. But somewhere I thought I saw a picture of an R-Class with actual cloth seats, looking almost like velour or something... maybe that was a euro-spec?

Anyone able to clear this up for me? I'm reluctant to order the full leather but want to know exactly what the alternative is and what it looks like...

thanks for any help,

--josh

I will try to help you out on this. First here is the URL to Build Your Own 350 or 500. It will only be up until August 1 so better hurry if you have not been to this site,
http://www.mbusa.com/main/features/rclass/index.jsp

The standard is Leather Inserts meaning only the seating surface is leather, the rest of the seat is Tex. The option is the Trim Package which is Full Leather on the front of the seats plus the other items in the package. The price varies between the 350 and 500 because some of the options are standard on the 500. If you don't order the Full Leather, other items cannot be ordered like the wood leather steering wheel. It is not easy without a complete listing on ALL the options and accessories.

The Black with the cloth looking seats are in a special edition version (Sak's) and perhaps in the AMG Package version available later on.

My advice is to take the listing you make on BYO and any questions to your dealer and have him explain or find out exactly what the facts are.

I am ordering a R500 with everything but the Heating Package (Rear seat for the 500) and the AMG package, which has Delayed Availability.

Thanks NJ,

appreciate the detailed answer. What is "Tex"... is that a simulated leather material and is it well regarded?

Yes, it is the imitation leather and is "well regarded." You really have a tough time telling the difference.