I would be interested in comments on your experience with a black interior (your IS or any other car). Do you have any issues with heat build up when parked or driving? Any issues with premature aging of the leather with the additional heat? Any other issues/comments/complaints or likes?

 

My wife and I have had several cars with black leather interiors (three BMW's and a Mercedes). When we finally switched, we couldn't believe the difference. Black gets unbearably hot in the summer (we're in LA), and it's shows scratches and sun damage. Plus, we find lighter colors just look more appealing, especially after about a year of abuse. Our current cars have tan (IS350) and gray (Boxster S). We'll never buy black again.

 

^^^I doubt it.

 

After years and years of black interiors (or derivatives thereof) I said "screw this" and finally decided on Cashmere for the Lexus. I love the contrast, I love the way it makes the cabin feel brighter and more inviting.

Nothing to do with sun (although obviously it reflects more light than black).

 

I always get black interior because it doesn't show dirty like the lighter colors. Stains suck. But it does show alot of dust. As far a the heat all's you have to do is hold the unlock button for like a few seconds and all the windows and sunroof opens and lets all the hot air out. Works perfect all the time.

 

So I know they are trying to sell you something so they don't always get the facts correct ("Cooler ride bring you comfort, peace and calm; reduce body stress level and maybe
helpful to avoid traffic ticket or accident!") but this is interesting reading.

http://www.xshade.com/xshade_hotcar.html

 

I've always have had black interiors, I just find them much more appealing. And since the dash and trim pieces are black, the tan or gray just seem to clash. As for getting hot, the dash accounts for a major portion of the visible black surface in the cabin (which is the same for all interior colors). Plus with cooling seats, A/C, windows, and sun roof, it's not that hot for very long.