Leather Quality
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 61
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24 X7 and 23 XC90
Leather Quality
Hey Team,
Quick question on the Leather on the C43. Does anyone else feel like the leather is not soft on the C43. It wasn't a cheap option but I feel its very close to the MB tex. Is this normal of there leather?
Quick question on the Leather on the C43. Does anyone else feel like the leather is not soft on the C43. It wasn't a cheap option but I feel its very close to the MB tex. Is this normal of there leather?
Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 137
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From: Calgary, AB
2015 Audi Q5 3.0T, 2018 C43 Coupe
while i don't think the leather quality is poor, it's not the best that Merc has to offer. if you take a feel of the leather in the C63 for example, you'll notice that it is much more supple.
what can you do!
what can you do!
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 11
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none yet
Aside from Audi which offers Nappa leather as Standard, I feel neither the standard leather in BMW or upgraded leather in Mercedes are anything special. For feel designo nappa is an improvement but it's pricey
Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 111
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From: Rhode Island
Porsche 981S Ferrari 328GTS MB AMG C43 Lunar Blue Sedan
A lot of German companies often seem to use a stiffer/less supple leather. I always presumed they use a stiffer/less supple leather because it wears better than the really soft stuff, which can take a real beating when used on the side bolsters of the seats. If you think the stuff they use now is stiff, you should see the leather used on vintage MBs. I was at a restoration shop that does a lot of work on vintage MBs from the 1950's through the 1970s and they said the leather MB used back from the 1950s through the 70s was around 4mm thick and very durable. They said, MB doesn't use leather that thick anymore because it would cost too much.
Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 99
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C450
I actually like the stiffer leather. Over a year in with my C450 and no wear or creases in my leather.
My previous Lexus and Infiniti with softer leather I would get those ugly wrinkle creases within the first month of daily driving. Acura is the worst since the leather cracks so easily.
My previous Lexus and Infiniti with softer leather I would get those ugly wrinkle creases within the first month of daily driving. Acura is the worst since the leather cracks so easily.
Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 111
Likes: 10
From: Rhode Island
Porsche 981S Ferrari 328GTS MB AMG C43 Lunar Blue Sedan
I actually like the stiffer leather. Over a year in with my C450 and no wear or creases in my leather.
My previous Lexus and Infiniti with softer leather I would get those ugly wrinkle creases within the first month of daily driving. Acura is the worst since the leather cracks so easily.
My previous Lexus and Infiniti with softer leather I would get those ugly wrinkle creases within the first month of daily driving. Acura is the worst since the leather cracks so easily.
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Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 123
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C43 Cab
there is a lot of discussion here about leather quality, but determining the quality of the leather in a new car is a bit tricky. I do not think ‘softness’ is a trait that is directly linked to quality. In expensive leather can be processed to be soft while hi quality full grain leather can also feel stiff. Hi quality full grain leather with a protective sealant is not necessarily going to feel or look diffferent than lower grade leather or even synthetic leather. Over time higher grade leather will wear better and look better if maintained properly, but when it is new I think it is hard for most people to really make a determination on quality from just look and feel on a new car seat.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: SLC, UT
c-fo-fiddy
What do you expect? We are in the entry level model after all. It would be something to complain about if this was an S class as you get what you pay for, ya know? It is pretty cool that you can option (for an arm and two legs, of course) the Designo Nappa leather which comes standard in the higher end models.
I will say though, I am quite happy with the leather quality of my sport seats. I don't like it to be too soft as that wears out and shows age much too quickly but it's not the cheap feeling stiff type either. Right in that 'Goldilocks' zone
I will say though, I am quite happy with the leather quality of my sport seats. I don't like it to be too soft as that wears out and shows age much too quickly but it's not the cheap feeling stiff type either. Right in that 'Goldilocks' zone
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
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From: Mass
2026 GLE 53 Coupe
Entry level as of now is the CLA...
My C450 with the standard leather seats is just about 2 years old, and aside from the occasional vacuuming (I don't eat or drink in the car), my seats still look like new.
My C450 with the standard leather seats is just about 2 years old, and aside from the occasional vacuuming (I don't eat or drink in the car), my seats still look like new.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,208
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From: SLC, UT
c-fo-fiddy
Wow. I don't know if MASSC450 can't take a joke and reported my meme or if "super" duper pooper moderator amdeutsch came in and doesn't understand context or internet forums in general but.... My post was edited and I received a "warning for insulting another forum member"
Again, all I gotta say is, wow
Again, all I gotta say is, wow
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 114
From: Mass
2026 GLE 53 Coupe
Wow. I don't know if MASSC450 can't take a joke and reported my meme or if "super" duper pooper moderator amdeutsch came in and doesn't understand context or internet forums in general but.... My post was edited and I received a "warning for insulting another forum member"
Again, all I gotta say is, wow
I wonder though how douchey your original post was towards me, enough to warrant a warning I guess...
Last edited by MASSC450; Jan 19, 2018 at 08:51 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,208
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From: SLC, UT
c-fo-fiddy
That's why I said what I said and even messaged the guy. I've been "douchey" to people in the past. Hell I've been a down right *******. But I'll admit it and I'll accept whatever "punishment" I get. Like I care, this is the internet for christ sake. But all this over a friggin MEME? Just hilarious.
Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 166
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2018 C43 Sedan
Can I just tell you, I have 60,000 miles on my 2015 C300, with gorgeous beige mbtex that looks a absolutely immaculate. You could pass the car off as being brand new—and it roasts in direct sun all summer at my office parking lot and is out in the cold all winter. It is damn impressive. Not as if I was babying the thing either. I will be sad to see the C300 go back when the lease is up.
My C43 will have leather, unfortunately, because dinimica while awesome and fun is just a pain it seems. If they just oferred mbtex in the C43, it would be a better car for it and more affordable too!
My previous Acura TSX with leather looked like junk at turn in at 60,000 ‘miles.
I shall suffer the leather for the better performance of the C43, but I am firmly in the pro MB-Tex camp as a professional who drives 20 thousand miles per year. I think that stuff is incredible.
My C43 will have leather, unfortunately, because dinimica while awesome and fun is just a pain it seems. If they just oferred mbtex in the C43, it would be a better car for it and more affordable too!
My previous Acura TSX with leather looked like junk at turn in at 60,000 ‘miles.
I shall suffer the leather for the better performance of the C43, but I am firmly in the pro MB-Tex camp as a professional who drives 20 thousand miles per year. I think that stuff is incredible.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
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2018 C43 Coupe, Iridium silver; 2017 GLC 300
Suede seat inserts on base C43 2018 coupe, care?
Just got this 18 C43 coupe and love it. .
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 123
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C43 Cab
Anybody have any care tips on the suede seat inserts found on base seats? I have no problem with the mbtex portion and use Wash Wax All on it as well as entire dash and exterior but not sure what to use to protect these suede inserts.
Just got this 18 C43 coupe and love it. .
Just got this 18 C43 coupe and love it. .
