S550 Standard vs. Premium Leather
 

What's the difference between standard and premium leather ($1300 option) in the 2008 S550? There's no information in the 2008 S-Class brochure or on the MBUSA website. I also called MB customer service yesterday and am still waiting on an official reply from them.

The seating surfaces are aniline leather. It's much softer and smoother. It's the same leather that's used throughout the car in the V12 models, so if you look at an S600 or S65 you'll see the difference. Be aware that the premium leather upgrade for the S550 is seats only, so don't expect the full S600 interior, but it's most important where you and your passengers slide your butts anyway.

Some people claim the thicker standard leather lasts longer, but I personally haven't seen the aniline leather have a wear problem and I think it feels way nicer.

Thanks.

Just received this official reply from MBUSA concerning Regular vs. Premium leather in the S550.

"According to our Product Specialist for the S-Class, "Premium Leather is
particularly soft and more pleasant to the touch. This leather has a
natural character thanks to the use of the finest hides. It has a softer
feel and is smoother in appearance. The biggest visual difference can be
found on the armrest & the keypad cover: regular leather has a grainy
appearance, whereas Premium Leather has a smooth finish."

We hope you find this helpful.

Sincerely,
Robyn
MBUSA 1-800-367-6372

On the S550, the premium leather is also applied to the door armrests, center armrest, keypad cover, and I believe the sterring wheel. It really is much nicer to the touch. Suggest you find two cars and do the comparison yourself.