Leather v Artico

[Paul.T]

After almost four years in the wilderness (Lexus & Jag) I'm returning to the fold. Looking at a C220 Estate. Leather puts £1k on the price over Artico. Is it worth it? Would welcome your comments on the pros and cons.
Thanks boys

 

[television]

Hello Paul, some say that the artico is too hard, so test this out for yourself, not forgetting that you can be sitting on it for several hours at a time

 

[Uncle Benz]

I was dubious when I bought my ML with artico, but having lived with it for over a year now, it is pretty good!! Although I know it is not leather, everyone that gets in the car says "ooh, this leather is lovely", which makes me happy. It looks as good, feels ok but is SO much easier to look after. My C32 has lovely leather, but even though I am a stickler for weekly cleaning with expensive products, the drivers seat has a few creases appearing which annoy me. I know that real leather gets a few creases - it is a natural product after all, but that brand new look of the artico, even though it gets no attention, is an excellent comprimise.

In summary, although I was initially sceptical, the artico is great for a daily driver, but if you really want to feel special get the leather. Just bear in mind that 5 years down the line the leather will have aged, but artico will still look brand new.

 

[Paul.T]

Thanks chaps. My last four or five cars have all had leather so the novelty aspect has well and truly worn off. It sounds like, from a practical point of view, it's no contest.

 

[television]

I saw Uncles benz when it was brand new, and I did not twig that it was not leather