miike

I've had a 2002 G500 for a dozen years. It has wood on the top of the steering wheel and leather on the sides. I always figured that the top was wood because it was more resistant to wear, like when you would grab the wheel and spin it a few times to parallel park. Then I got a SL500 and it has the wood and leather in exactly the opposite places. So now I'm wondering, what is the purpose of the leather and wood. I've seen Mercedes with all wood steering wheels, all leather steering wheels, and now wood/leather combos with inverted patterns. So whats the point? If it's just for looks that's fine with me. I think they both look good.

Jim's500E

Its all cosmetics....I can't imagine a reason for either one being better than the other.