Why “Good” Auto Upholstery Matters

Interior and auto upholstery of a Lexus LC500 at the New York Auto show.

Your next car purchase is very important. Its style, economy, and features are all factors to consider – but what about Auto Upholstery? What about the interior? As a driver, you spend all your time in the cabin, and so many of us buy cars based on how they look from the outside!

Interior quality and design are main reasons why a car makes you feel special. During your next purchase, consider the interior quality, color, feel before you hand your hard-earned cash over. In this article, we explore the many interior options available and focus on material choices, seats and what you get in return as a car buyer.

Topics discussed:

Seat Quality and Car Interior Design

Seats are vital when looking at the quality of a vehicle. They are the parts of the car that we come into contact with most often and they have to be comfortable for our body shape and for driving on long road trips. Some cars have basic seats that offer little in the way of support or comfort. Others, however, feature bucket seats or highly bolstered seats that can make all the difference.

What are bucket seats?

auto upholstery and Interior of a koenigsegg gemera at the New York Auto show

Bucket seats are seats that are designed to hold you in place. They’re usually found in sports and performance cars and are known for having their deep contours and high sides. The idea behind bucket seats is to keep the driver and passengers in place during hard cornering and acceleration. This would be considered good auto upholstery.

What are Highly Bolstered seats?

Highly bolstered seats take this idea even further by adding extra padding and support to the sides of the seats. These seats are designed to hug your body and keep you firmly in place, even during the most aggressive driving. These are all good attributes when considering whats good about auto upholstery.

Brands that offer superior seating

When it comes to manufacturers that offer great seat upholstery, bolstering or bucket seats options, Porsche and Chevrolet are two brands that stand out. Porsche has long been known for its highly bolstered sport seats, which offer excellent support and come in a variety of materials and colors. The new Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 RS models feature sport seats with carbon-fiber reinforced backrests and a unique perforated leather center panel. The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS will also include a new GT3 Touring package, which adds more comfort features to the sport seats.

911 Carrera S Endurance Edition showing the auto upholstery, leather interior and steering wheel

Similarly, the new Corvette C8 features a range of seat options, including GT1 seats, GT2 seats, and Competition Sport seats. The GT2 seats are highly bolstered and feature a carbon-fiber trim, while the Competition Sport seats are even more aggressive, with pronounced side bolsters and a high-grip seat cover. The 2023 Corvette Z06 will also feature updated seat options, including a new GT3-style seat with integrated headrests and high side bolsters.

Side angle shot of a Corvette C8 Eray showing partial auto upholstery and interior at the New York Auto show.

Soft Touch Materials and Build Quality

Soft touch materials such as leather, suede, cloth, and rubber are important in creating a luxurious feel within a car’s interior. These materials also have a functional purpose, providing you with a tactile and comfortable surface to rest your arms and legs during long drives.

Rear Quarter shot of a Corvette c8 Eray showing door panel an steering wheel at the New York Auto show.

Having these materials placed in the right locations is crucial. Car brands can create a design that fits their style and price point. Fit and finish are also important factors, as a well-finished cabin can make all the difference in creating an upscale feel.

Angled shot of a Corvette C8 Eray showing partial auto upholstery, interior and door panel at the New York Auto Show.

The Porsche 911 and Corvette C8 have quality interiors and soft touch materials. These cars have leather or suede upholstery as standard, with additional options for customizations. Even the rubber trim on the doors and dashboard has a premium feel. Overall, the combination of these materials and the attention to detail in their placement and finishing creates a comfortable and inviting interior. 

Dashboard and Center Console Design

A well-designed dashboard can significantly impact the luxurious feel of a car’s interior. A cohesive design that incorporates high-quality materials, clear and easy-to-read instrumentation, and well-placed controls can elevate the driving experience. Manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes are known for their sleek and stylish dashboard designs that not only look good but also have great functionality. Porsche is also notable for their driver-focused dashboards that prioritizes you as a car enthusiast.

2018 Audi A8 50 Black Interior of the car showing steering wheel and center console.

Aside from the dashboard, the placement of the center console and gear selector can also play a role in creating a luxurious feel. Higher central tunnels that make it easy to rest your arm and grab the gear selector can add to the comfort of the driver. Porsche’s 911 GT3 Touring is an excellent example of a car with a well-designed center console that provides both comfort and convenience. The GT3 Touring features a unique manual transmission that is positioned at an angle to improve the driving experience.

Cabin of the Porsche GT3 992 911 Carrera shark blue sports car.

Overall Experience

When it comes to creating a luxurious driving experience, it is the combination of all these factors that make the driver feel wrapped in luxury and comfort. Quality materials, attention to detail in the fit and finish, and a cohesive design that incorporates these elements throughout the cabin area are essential. However, it is the experience of driving the car that is ultimately the most important factor.

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a great example of a car that delivers a luxurious driving experience. From the well-designed dashboard to the high-quality materials used throughout the cabin, the 2022 911 GT3 RS is a true example of Porsche’s commitment to excellence. The bucket seats provide both comfort and support during high-performance driving, while the manual transmission is perfectly positioned for an improved driving experience.

The interior from Mercedes latest EV, the EQS, shows the brands focus on creating a luxurious driving experience. From the sleek dashboard design to the high-quality materials used throughout the cabin. The seats are plush, comfortable, and supportive, while the advanced technology and features provide both convenience and comfort.

Mercedes EQS 580's auto upholstery and interior showing cabin area.

In Conclusion

Interior quality and design are essential factors to consider when buying a car. The combination of quality materials, attention to detail in the fit and finish, and a cohesive design that incorporates these elements throughout the cabin area are crucial in creating a luxurious driving experience. 

BMW 520i's elegant interior design showing steering wheel, auto upholstery and cabin area.

Manufacturers such as Porsche, Mercedes, Audi, and BMW are known for their commitment to excellence in interior design and are great options for those looking for a high-quality driving experience. When considering buying a car, prioritize interior quality and design to ensure that the driving experience is both comfortable and luxurious.