Real leather vs Artico leather

[pint6x]

I know the E class can be had with Artico leather which is a man-made leather substitute.

How can I tell Artico from the real thing without looking like a pervert and sniffing the seats?

I think Artico is ok for Taxis but I would want the real thing.

 

[sym]

Door cards are different with real leather ... ruffled rather than flat with holes .. generally !

I've got Artico in mine, and its fine - really ... no difference to the untrained eye or nose, and its much harder wearing ... really no issues with it.

S.

 

[Sp!ke]

Sorry to be so graphic but dont you get a bit hot and sweaty with taxi leather?

I agree it looks good and wears well but I find it really unpleasent on long journeys.

 

[sym]

Its not like the Taxi 'leather'

Taxis have something different, am sure. This stuff is a mixture of real leather and man made - don't find it sweaty at all, and after all, that's what air con was invented for !

Had 'real' leather in my B, and to be honest, found that stickier ! My next car will have ventilated seats !


S.

 

[gl boy]

is artico like suede or is that alcantara?

 

[recycled]

nappa leather. Best for cars

 

[sym]

is artico like suede or is that alcantara?

That's alcantara.

 

[Alfie]

I know the E class can be had with Artico leather which is a man-made leather substitute.

How can I tell Artico from the real thing without looking like a pervert and sniffing the seats?

I think Artico is ok for Taxis but I would want the real thing.

I think that Artico is obviously not leather myself. I find it very plastic feeling personally.

My A class is presently having the Artico replaced with full leather.

 

[gl boy]

That's alcantara.

thanks for clearing that up:bannana:

 

[gl boy]

nappa leather. Best for cars

totally agree got it in both my cars:bannana:

 

[sym]

I think that Artico is obviously not leather myself. I find it very plastic feeling personally.

My A class is presently having the Artico replaced with full leather.

Agree it feels different, and not as soft as natural leather; given the choice, would have the real thing, but don't think its that bad. Very practical with two pairs of little paws all over it as well .. everything just wipes straight off !

S.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Having owned cars with just about all types of fabric adorning the seats, I actually rate half-leather or half-artico as being the best (for me).

The latest ML/R offer a half-artico and alcantara trim in the Sport models which I prefer to all leather, but I'm not convinced alcantara will wear well.

Back to knowing the difference between leather and artico, the easiest way is to pinch it between your thumb and forefinger, and rub along it until they meet. You'll know the difference.

Whilst I appreciate for some only the finest leather will do, I'm not that fussed, and reckon artico is a good balance of the look, practicality and cost.

 

[The Dent Guy]

Coincidentally, i was at a re-trimmers today and asked that very question - how to tell the difference.

Apparently you can tell by how it "rucks up" when squeezed.

Went to the local stealer on my way home and they pointed me towards a car in the showroom with artico.

I saw the difference immediately.....artico has a coarser grain.

 

[sym]

Coincidentally, i was at a re-trimmers today and asked that very question - how to tell the difference.

Apparently you can tell by how it "rucks up" when squeezed.

Went to the local stealer on my way home and they pointed me towards a car in the showroom with artico.

I saw the difference immediately.....artico has a coarser grain.

Correct - on the outer sections .. the inner section (the bit you sit on , and the centre of the backrest) are actually real leather, apparently. I'm sure somebody can give a definitive answer !

S.

 

[whitenemesis]

Correct - on the outer sections .. the inner section (the bit you sit on , and the centre of the backrest) are actually real leather, apparently. I'm sure somebody can give a definitive answer !

S.

I thought that was Leather Twin?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Correct - on the outer sections .. the inner section (the bit you sit on , and the centre of the backrest) are actually real leather, apparently. I'm sure somebody can give a definitive answer !

S.

There are several combinations available depending upon the model:

Real nappa leather all over

Real leather with artico panels in non-touch spots, eg sides/backs.

Artico all over.

Artico and alcantara centre panels

Artico and cloth centre panels​

HTH

 

[R2D2]

Mine has Artico and I prefer it to leather. It is so practical. It looks good-stays looking good and can be baby wiped for ever when the kids melt chocolate on it etc! I've not had any kind of interior that was this hard wearing. The interior in my car still looks brand new.

 

[The Dent Guy]

What does your interior smell of ?

Mine has Artico and I prefer it to leather. It is so practical. It looks good-stays looking good and can be baby wiped for ever when the kids melt chocolate on it etc! I've not had any kind of interior that was this hard wearing. The interior in my car still looks brand new.

Apart from chocolate, what does your interior smell of? Does it smell a tiny bit like plastic I wonder?

Because my car only has the slightest whiff of leather, i was undecided whether it had leather or artico.

However, once i typed my chassis number into a website which was posted on here, i discovered from all the build details that it was actually leather.

Another point - is there any way you can reinstate the proper smell of a leather interior? .......without fake smells from poxy car fresheners that hang from your mirror etc.

 

[R2D2]

Yes leather food.

 

[74merc]

The best way to get the smell of real leather is to use Gliptone Leather Conditioner. The smell you associate with leather is caused by the old tanning process. The new tanning process does not create any smell.