Leather quality

[neon]

I just had a look at the F-Pace forum and they have the same issue but looks more extreme than mine.
I am still waiting for Volvo, keep getting emails apologising for delay but nothing of substance.

[gaby]

Originally Posted by Lexman8

I wonder if Volvo have opted for a less hard-wearing (thinner, cheaper?) leather than previously.

I don't know, but I am not convinced that this is true.
In my experience, more comfortable leather is less resistant to rubbing etc. and is also more "elastic".
Although it looks great, I don't favor it for a car, but I love it for lounge seats.

[neon]

Originally Posted by gaby

I don't know, but I am not convinced that this is true.
In my experience, more comfortable leather is less resistant to rubbing etc. and is also more "elastic".
Although it looks great, I don't favor it for a car, but I love it for lounge seats.

My previous experience of leather on 3 previous cars and lounge suites has been that it is very durable. This issue is new to me as I have not been wearing anything that would damage the leather and my wife is sick of me being so picky about looking after the interior of my cars.
Either the leather is poor quality or I am assuming the combination of nappa leather, sports contour seats and less than easy ingress/egress makes my seats less than practical/fit for purpose and that is why it is not offered anymore on the Inscription.

[gaby]

Originally Posted by neon

...or I am assuming the combination of nappa leather, sports contour seats and less than easy ingress/egress makes my seats less than practical/fit for purpose and that is why it is not offered anymore on the Inscription.

I think you are right about the less than ideal combination.
That was the main reason that I opted for the standard leather on comfort seats. I also lower the car for getting and out.
I remember that when we bought our current lounge set, we were specifically advised not to take nappa leather if it would
be used in a rather rough manner and to avoid jeans.

[neon]

Originally Posted by gaby

I think you are right about the less than ideal combination.
That was the main reason that I opted for the standard leather on comfort seats. I also lower the car for getting and out.
I remember that when we bought our current lounge set, we were specifically advised not to take nappa leather if it would
be used in a rather rough manner and to avoid jeans.

Silly me, I thought that Volvo had thoroughly tested the combination before offering it as an option.

[gaby]

Originally Posted by neon

Silly me, I thought that Volvo had thoroughly tested the combination before offering it as an option.

Perhaps they did, but with the seats in the (CEO's) office, not in a car.

[neon]

I am still waiting for Volvo UK, seems to be going around in circles as they are again going to talk to the dealer and check that the seat base was replaced correctly last time. This was raised with the dealer on 23rd April 17 and I am still waiting.

This was the response from them on my query about what confidence can I have that if the seat base cover is replaced again that it will be ok going forward.

"Volvo UK are confident there are no issues with the leather used, as this has not been reported on other XC90’s as a wider concern."

[Lexman8]

Originally Posted by neon

"Volvo UK are confident there are no issues with the leather used, as this has not been reported on other XC90’s as a wider concern."

Well, they would say that wouldn't they? They also said that there wasn't a noise issue with 20" Conti tyres...

[neon]

Originally Posted by Lexman8

Well, they would say that wouldn't they? They also said that there wasn't a noise issue with 20" Conti tyres...

I did respond pointing out that it was untrue as I was aware of owners in the UK and US that had concerns about nappa leather condition and durability. I suppose it depends if those owners have raised the concern through relevant channels.
Also I am unclear why a TJ would be issued though if no one had any issues.
TBH I just want to get the issue resolved so I can move on and continue enjoying the XC90.

[Driver Dave]

Well my concern was raised by my dealer who sent photos to Volvo on 27th May 17 so they have certainly had other owners complain about the leather quality. Perhaps it depends on how many complain before it becomes a "wider concern" for them.