tyrese

Does anyone here know if there is a lot of difference between the leathers? I recently took a look at a 2009 SL550 with the Trim Package(premium leather), but did not have other models to compare it with at the dealership. Is the added cost for the Designo or Trim Package worth it?

On a similar note, what are the "must have options"? I think the P1 and Wheel Package are to me. Am I missing others?

teeth

auto trunk pull down is nice

lkirchner

The Designo package is more than just an upgrade of the leather. The patterns of the stitching on the seats and doors is totally different, wood is different, headliner is alacantra, there is more leather covering the surfaces than the standard or premium leather. All in all the Designo is more eye catching and unique than the regular 550's. Is it worth it? It all depends on what you want; personally my wife has a Designo porcelain version package that window stickered for approximately $15,000. I recently checked to see what value it would add on a private party sale; the difference between a Designo and non Designo was a whopping $700. So to answer your question is it worth it, from a pure economic point NO. However from an enjoyment point I would not buy another without the Designo package.
After rambling on it I realized that you were asking about the SL and not the S. Sorry about that but I think the same would apply for an SL as it does with the S class.

tyrese

Thanks for your feedback on the Designo package. Do you by any chance know if there is a big difference between the premium and standard leather?

lkirchner

The premium/napa leather is much smoother and softer than the standard leather. The standard leather has much more grain to it vs the premium and feel stiffer. It has been my experience that the standard is more durable and does not wrinkle or crease as much as the premium.

tyrese

Is the Designo leather different from the premium leather too?

lkirchner

I think it is but I am not 100% certain.

tyrese

Is the Designo Porcelain very difficult to maintain/keep clean?

armic777

indeed

lkirchner

I will more than second that. It is a real bear to keep clean.