I can't decide between getting leather seats with all of the seat being the smooth leather (two tone), or getting the seats with part being suede (the inside part). For those of you with part suede (any car really, doesn't matter), how is it holding up (especially if the suede is light in color, like a light grey as I plan to get).

My concern is that the outside smooth leather will look good, and the inside lighter suede part will take a beating and look horrible after some time.

Anyone with experience with partial suede (again, any car really)? Any advice?

 

On the BMW 330i sport package they have alot of suede including the steering wheel. My friend has about 10,000 miles on his and the steering wheel suede looks really ugly and gross.
On my Evo its got suede on the seats just on the outside part of the seats and its holding up very well. The armrest, which is suede, is starting to show a little wear but not that bad after 35,000 miles on it. Thats my only experience with suede.
The last generation M5 also had suede on the entire inside roof but of course that held up just fine because nobody really touches it that much.

 

Same boat as you.

I don't care for the look and feel of suede but planning to do just the inside for grip during hard cornering.

 

I can see parts like the steering wheel becoming gross, as that's a part that is touched with your hands, and the armrest would get some abuse. I should have mentioned that I'm really only interested on seating.

I suppose it would depend on if you get into the car with dirty pants often (which I don't think I do) and it is harder to clean than smooth leather (though I think it is possible to clean/treat it).

 

Suede is notorious for holding up very poorly. Alcantara is an alternative. It is supposed to hold up a bit better.