Race-tex VS full leather - Thoughts?

[FirstEV]

Hey everyone. I’m not entirely sure whether this option is available for the Macan (possibly the GTS), but since this is more of a general Porsche-related topic rather than something specific to the electric Cayenne, I’d really appreciate your honest thoughts on Race-Tex versus leather interiors.

With the new Cayenne, you can opt for a full Race-Tex interior with Pepita textiles, which also includes the Race-Tex steering wheel.

I’ve personally never owned a car with a Race-Tex interior, and I’ve found a lot of conflicting opinions online. Given that many members here have experience with both sports cars and more family-oriented Porsches, I’d love to hear your real-world impressions and long-term thoughts on this option.

Thanks!

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[MaccyT]

My dealer advised against the race-Tex steering wheel due to wear and tear which appears quite fast on the wheel.
I Have the extended leather option but a race Tex roof and pillars. I Like the combo a lot. It feels luxurious and you don’t touch the ceiling and pillars a lot so I’m expecting it will stay in good condition.

 

[PrudentOcean]

Race-Tex looks great when new but on contact surfaces it requires regular maintenance and even then won’t last long. The steering wheel will pick up oils from your hands and lose it’s texture and become shiny.

It’s OK on non-contact surfaces like the roof and pillars.

 

[JonoNZ]

My RaceTex steering well still looks like new after 9 months. I am lucky enough to not have very oily hands though, and I also take care of the wheel. I have no regrets choosing RaceTex on the steering wheel and looks great.

 

[FirstEV]

My RaceTex steering well still looks like new after 9 months. I am lucky enough to not have very oily hands though, and I also take care of the wheel. I have no regrets choosing RaceTex on the steering wheel and looks great.

Thanks for your kind comment! Do you feel any difference for longer journeys? Is it comfortable? I don't mind taking care of the steering wheel at all.

 

[JonoNZ]

Thanks for your kind comment! Do you feel any difference for longer journeys? Is it comfortable? I don't mind taking care of the steering wheel at all.

I’ve had other cars with RaceTex/Alcantara before and always liked the look and feel. Is it more comfortable? I’m not sure, maybe slightly.

I also find that normal leather tends to go shiny anyway and ultimately looks pretty bad imo.

 

[Mr_T73]

I opted for the race-tex steering wheel and ceiling on the Macan Electric.
The race tex ceiling was choosen because of the sun visors. On the textile version they are made from hard cheap plastic…..absolute no go for me.
I never had a race-tex / alcantara steering wheel before and I found it pretty nice to have it for once (although I did not see it on a showroom car before)……but that was a mistake It becomes shiny very quick and picks dirt (I knew that before), so it needs regular cleaning which is a bit more troublesome than on a leather version. The real downside for me: it is quite thin and very hard to touch (there is basically no underlay).
I would not spend the extra money on the race tex steering wheel again

 

[JonoNZ]

I opted for the race-tex steering wheel and ceiling on the Macan Electric.
The race tex ceiling was choosen because of the sun visors. On the textile version they are made from hard cheap plastic…..absolute no go for me.
I never had a race-tex / alcantara steering wheel before and I found it pretty nice to have it for once (although I did not see it on a showroom car before)……but that was a mistake It becomes shiny very quick and picks dirt (I knew that before), so it needs regular cleaning which is a bit more troublesome than on a leather version. The real downside for me: it is quite thin and very hard to touch (there is basically no underlay).
I would not spend the extra money on the race tex steering wheel again

Interesting that you have such a different experience to me. I am careful, but not overly so, but have dryer skin, and never use any products on my hands (moisturiser, sunscreen, etc) and then touch the wheel.

I had an Alcantara wheel in my Audi RS3 and never had an issue there either, I did get it throughly cleaned every year or so though. It always came back looking like new.

 

[W1NGE]

Hey everyone. I’m not entirely sure whether this option is available for the Macan (possibly the GTS), but since this is more of a general Porsche-related topic rather than something specific to the electric Cayenne, I’d really appreciate your honest thoughts on Race-Tex versus leather interiors.

With the new Cayenne, you can opt for a full Race-Tex interior with Pepita textiles, which also includes the Race-Tex steering wheel.

I’ve personally never owned a car with a Race-Tex interior, and I’ve found a lot of conflicting opinions online. Given that many members here have experience with both sports cars and more family-oriented Porsches, I’d love to hear your real-world impressions and long-term thoughts on this option.

Thanks!

Racetex headlining and b-pillars are fine.

Steering wheel and seats not so much.

Not practical on high traffic areas.

Taycan GTS (and other GTS models) can have racetex interior. See if you can view one to experience much of what you would get.

 

[racerjim]

I had an alcantara wheel on an E63 AMG sedan. It did need regular cleaning. There is a good Sonax product for this purpose, but you have to be very patient and not rub the fabric to not end up with a bunch of pilling on the wheel. If that happens, it still feels great to use, just doesn't look quite as good (ask me how I know.....)

 

[beez]

Had Alcantara on an AMG steering wheel and regretted it. Always worried about dirty hands. Had to be cleaned carefully, then looked terrible again in a month. It was all downside for me vs regular leather. Probably OK for other areas but I’ll never spec it again for anything.

 

[pm4s]

If you are a man of unlimited patience that enjoys hours of gentle rubbing and stroking your steering wheel / seats with a moistened MF cloth and finishing off with a vacuum so the hairs are really upright after every drive: alcantara / race-tex / suede is for you, I’ll take leather every time.
Having said that for pillars/roof (look but do not touch) it’s fine.

 

[FirstEV]

I was at the dealership today and “tried” it in the GT3 and in a Macan EV. I’m decided to stick with the leather option. It is probably awesome for a sports car though. But yeah, a states above, this is clearly a subjective issue and you probably need patience to maintain it.

Thanks for all the input!!

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