SchneiderIS

I have returned to the Mercedes world with the purchase two weeks ago of a MY15 C400. Now I am looking at switching my wife from the MDX to the ML350BT. In the consideration though I have a couple of things to resolve.

There is a slightly used ML14 ML350 with 8k of miles on it that is about $13k Canadian less than buying brand new. Within there are a couple of options that I have questions about and in this post I am addressing the Artico.

It has the Artico interior and not real leather. I have a friend that commented several years ago that he got his GL with Artico, letting the salesman convince him that it was just as good as Leather and he completely regretted the decision. So, what are the thoughts on Artico with specific thoughts of 2-3 hour drives in the summer?
In another post I will ask about AirMatic.

chrislk55

I just picked up a '15 ML350 with Artico. I was hesitant at first but after researching it thoroughly on the Internet, all the reviews were great. I have had the vehicle for 3 weeks now and I love it. It looks and feels like leather and it's supposed to be more durable and easier to care. I've had several passengers and they all assume it's leather. No regrets for me :-)

SchneiderIS

Thanks Chris, I can't say that I can't tell the difference as I definately can in the feel department. At least by hand. Not sure though if my butt and back will have the same response (hence the reason for the post).

My biggest fear is that on the hot days or the long trips, the seats won breath as well as leather and cause me to be sweating on the back.

Barry45RPM

What IS Artico? I went to the MB Canada website and it listed Artico Leather Dashboard in one of the packages. Here in the US we have MB Tex for the seats standard (Vinyl) or Leather seating areas as an option, so I'm confused as to what Artico is.

chrislk55

I believe Atrtico is the same as MBTex.

Barry45RPM

Then why would it be part of a optional package as a Dash Top as standard IS MB Tex?

SchneiderIS

Some people like and some people don't like the dash to have the leather look to it.

No idea why Artico is called MB Tex in the US unless it has something to do with copywrite.

Kenn1926

I have a 13' ML550 with the leather(designo). If you live anywhere that is warm just be aware that it is much hotter and absorbs no moisture. Whenever I have a loaner with it in warm months my back and legs sweat. That doesn't happen with the leather. Appearance wise though it's a nice looking alternative if you don't want leather.

SchneiderIS

Thanks Kenn,

That is exactly the advice I got from a friend. Think it provides clear guidance that leather is a must.

-Peter

pamiboy

I think MB Tex was the original name of the material. But due to the MB taxi connotation (many MBs are commonly used as taxies in Europe, particularly Germany/ Switzerland and almost all of them use Artico/ MB tex) they dropped the name MB tex and switched to Artico. I believe both are the same material but there are some who differ.

shortspark

I have MB Tex (Artico) in my 2012 ML350 and it is indestructible. There is no sag, lines or cracking as you sometimes get with leather, often evident even after only a couple years use. I live in Texas and have endured many 100 plus days and I notice no difference between it and leather in terms of comfort - they are both hot as a chili pepper if left out in that kind of heat and sun. Upkeep is a piece of cake. All I do is periodically squirt some water on a towel and even most stains come right out. The most stubborn stains such as jean stain, require an all purpose interior cleaner (such as Griot's) but I have never had to do more than that. The material looks as good now as when I bought it.

Having said all that I probably won't order MB Tex again. The reason is I never saw the Designo brown interior until just a few months ago and I was immediately smitten. It is beautiful! The pictures do not do it justice. I don't care if the seats wear out quickly, crack or are difficult to clean and condition. And I don't care if it costs an extra five grand. After seeing how it looks I told myself that the Designo is what I'll be sitting on when I order my next MB.

Kenn1926

Shortspark, I have the auburn Designo with satin ash in my 13'. I love it every time I get in. Worth every penny and it still looks brand new. The compliments never stop, even the MB techs gather around when I drop it off and comment. Favorite option by far. You'll be thrilled if you get it.

shortspark

I am sure I will be. I got the Diamond White paint and the beige interior in MB Tex is nice with that paint so I have no complaints. But when I saw the Designo it knocked my socks off. I can see why it is your favorite option and one I will not forget about the next time around.

MannyS430

I bought a diamond white ML... and got the black "faux leather".... I would have loved the designo white on black leather, that would have been my first pick, but ... my wife is vegan... so no leather! All in all, I am happy with this material, whatever it is.

chrislk55

The Designo is indeed very nice, it adds a premium feel to the vehicle. It is however a $9500 option in Canada so the artico was the obvious choice...