I believe you need the Sport Chrono to do this. My Early build 13 C2 had it. So does my 16 C2S also with Sports Chrono.

 

The wheel with the buttons has the multifunction buttons to control the radio etc.
With the sports steering you get paddles but no buttons. I really hated Porsche for this.
Now with 991.2 you can have the best of both worlds.

 

When you say expensive, how much are we talking? It seems crazy to me that a GTS doesn't just come with a sport steering wheel. I've found a few a like but have had the multifunction steering wheel

 

I agree it would be a deal killer for me, too.

You can check Sunset Porsche or Suncoast Porsche for prices usually better than the local dealer. Here is a start:

http://www.suncoastparts.com/product/991SD.html

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It may seem crazy to you, but there are many, many, many people who like the MF wheel. OTOH, I would think there are tons of used cars with the SSW.

 

I chose the Multi-function over the Sport wheel. The reason being, I could always add the paddles through Champion, but I could not add the buttons afterward. Since then, I've let the paddle dream go as I got used to the buttons. Info regret not being able to drop it into neutral like you can with the newer issue paddle though.

 

I had my 2013 Boxster S changed over and it was around $1500 or so.... and that was buying the wheel from the dealer -- yes, the suncoast is less but my dealer adds about 50% to their hourly rate if you don't buy the parts through them.... didn't take them long to make the swap and it was definitely worth the cost to me...

luckily my 911S came with the sports wheel....