bluemax

Only 2 months into my S5 SB with red leather interior and noticed the "red" is already disappearing from driver side bolsters near the door. Leather already has more cracks than the 3 year-old Q5 that I turned in. Have red leather on an older sports car that has still held its color so can't believe this new Audi is already showing such wear. Maybe the Napa leather is too soft for this area, can't imagine what these areas will look like after 1 year of use!.

Any other Red Leather owners noticing the same thing?

mplsbrian

Have you tried cleaning it with (mild) soapy water? I don't have this problem, but the dye/dirt from jeans and pants does transfer and the red therefore looks dirty/discolored/hidden/pops less. The leather, like all modern auto leathers, is treated with a protective coating at the factory though and I have found any dirt wipes right off with a damp microfiber and the leather looks brand new again--aside from the natural wrinkles/creases that form in those bolster areas (which is considered normal and there nothing you can do about or to prevent those...part of the deal when you buy real leather).

bluemax

Thanks for the reply and yes I have used leather cleaner on the areas. This is my 7th Audi (although first with red leather) and other cars and all have had leather interiors so I have the various cleaning and maintenance products. As I noted, I have have a 25+ year old sports car with red leather and color has barely worn off.

This is first Audi with Napa leather that is much softer than my other Audi's, so am wondering if this type of leather just doesn't hold a strong color like the "firmer" leather do. I'll have the dealer check out the issue with my first service as not happy with the quick wear discoloration at only 2 months.

mplsbrian

Yeah, that sucks. Maybe post a photo so we can better see what you're talking about but it sounds like an edge case/bad batch of leather that wasn't dyed or tanned correctly/defect of some sort. I have 11,500 miles / 8 months on my B9 S4 and the red nappa has no issues. Only things I have noticed w/r/t this leather is that the bolsters do wrinkle as I mentioned, and that you can't leave a wallet/phone/etc in your back pocket because it will leave an unsightly impression.