I have a 2015 Cayenne S eHybrid on order and have until mid Sept to make changes. I seem to be set on all of my options with the exception of the 14 way or 18 way seats. Not sure which is better.....

Cost is not a big factor (only a few hundred difference in the package I am ordering). I like the idea of a great fitting seat (that keeps you firmly in place). But am concerned about the ease of entry/exit for some people (I take customers out to lunches, etc... all shapes and sizes). Concerned about wear of the bolsters on 18 way, from entry/exit.

I am not planning on driving it like a 911. So would I be happy with the 14 way (18 way overkill)? I currently have a Range Rover Sport and the seats are probably closer to 14 way (in shape/form). I am happy with those.

Lastly - does it make a big difference on the rear folding closer to flat with the two versions. I transport my road bike in the back of my RRS and think the flat (or closer to it) cargo area would be a slight +.

Appreciate any feedback. PS - I am 5-10 185 lbs.

 

Having recently gone through the exact same analysis, my best advice would be to demo both (make sure to sit in Cayenne as Macan seats are slightly smaller). After comparing the two, I opted for the 14-ways. I am roughly the same size as you, maybe 5 lbs lighter. I was very comfortable in the 18-ways, but I am similarly concerned about having clients, etc..., in the car with me. The 18-ways are significantly more aggressive than the 14-ways. I found both very comfortable, and certainly would not have opted out of the 18's on a Turbo or Turbo S.

To your other question, I do recall reading that the 18-ways include more defined bolsters on the rear seats as well, which impact the rear seat recline by a matter of several degrees. Not a huge deal for me, but the seats definitely have some impact.

Hope this helps. Long story short - try to check them both out if you can.

 

If you are a bigger framed person I would suggest the 14. Many owners have commented on the snug fit. I'm about your size and love my 18 way seats.

Also, with the 958, the rear seats don't fold down flat. With the 18 way seats, I think the side bolsters would further limit how much further they fold down.

 

Thanks... helpful info. Did test drive the 18 way when I ordered the car...but didnt try the 14. Will have to trek back and try them also (assumed they are close to what the RRS has).

The 18 felt aggressive for sure...just didnt really think about the other points (clients, etc). The dealership is a couple of hours from my location...but will try to find a way back before the order change cut off.

 

I'm also about your size. I'm happy with the 14s, but I wish I had gotten the 18s as like seats that hold me in.

As far as the rear seats, they are indeed different, but it doesn't change how far they fold in either direction. I never tested, but I expect they might make child seats a bit more difficult to get in snug.

 

I love my 18 ways but I am smaller and don't have others to worry about in the seats.
IRISH21 was right on with his explanation. Sounds like the 14ways would be best for you.

 

My wife didn't drive her cayenne s much due to the 18 seats... She's 5ft 100lbs and it wasn't comfortable to get in and out. Another complaint she had were the rear seats bolsters limited the car seat going in the center and also a pita for change our daughter diaper on the back seat...

 

While I love the comfort and support of the 18 way seats for long distance travel, I am highly concerned about the excessive wear on the outer bolster given one year's time of use. I've noticed that the dye on the leather at the highest point of the bolster is wearing off. And this is happening with the air bladder all the way down.

 

I have the 18-ways and the excessive wear on the outer bolster is driving me nuts. Still highly recommend to test out both. In a longer drive, we found the 18-ways is much more comfy, so my wife insisted on the 18-ways.

 

Me too- the the dye on the leather at the highest point of the bolster is wearing off.

 

I am 6-1, 175 and have the 18 way in my 958 Diesel .. i totally LOVE them .. wish I had those in my 911 C4S

 

Sounds like excessive wear seems to be very common with the 18way. Would love to see a pic showing the amount after a year or so. That could be a deciding point also.

Leaning towards 14 way to be safe (less wear and easier for passengers, etc). Sounds like both are comfy enough.

 

It is not to say the 14-ways don't wear either. My colleague's CTT has the 14-ways and it is worse than my because he wears jean most of the time and has his seat setting raise to the highest point.

 

This is looking straight down on the bolster. You can seat the seat controls in the picture. I am used to it now so haven't been annoyed enough to fix it.

 

Thanks Harlequin. That pic helps. I am going with Black interior, so although wear is wear, it may be less noticeable (hopefully).