[SeppTB]

Do a search and you will find several threads on the subject dealing with the SPA XC90 and the P3 R Design cars.

I've seen them. And they all go this same way... someone claims either the nubuck or the leather dashboards/doors (buy up option on the SPA cars) are not real and are instead synthetic, offers no proof of that, and most folks dismiss the claim and insist its real leather.

So... I'm curious where it started and whats true? I do know that in Europe (UK specifically) false advertising laws are very strict. The website for the builder there doesn't make any claim, just calling the seats 'RB00', which in their full PDF price list is listed as "Leather/Nubuck"

So yea, we're new here. Maybe point us over the holy grail you found years ago that said definitively that its synthetic, because nothing we can see does.

 

[Wayne T5]

Didn't know you designed the interior of the XC40! Great to have an insider let us know.

I did not design the interior of the XC40, but thanks for the snarky remark. Have a great day!

 

[Wayne T5]

I've seen them. And they all go this same way... someone claims either the nubuck or the leather dashboards/doors (buy up option on the SPA cars) are not real and are instead synthetic, offers no proof of that, and most folks dismiss the claim and insist its real leather.

So... I'm curious where it started and whats true? I do know that in Europe (UK specifically) false advertising laws are very strict. The website for the builder there doesn't make any claim, just calling the seats 'RB00', which in their full PDF price list is listed as "Leather/Nubuck"

So yea, we're new here. Maybe point us over the holy grail you found years ago that said definitively that its synthetic, because nothing we can see does.

Check out the UK build site for the XC40 and it plainly states it is Nubuck textile. Now I know someone will indicate that the seats for US cars are different. They aren't.

 

[SeppTB]

Check out the UK build site for the XC40 and it plainly states it is Nubuck textile. Now I know someone will indicate that the seats for US cars are different. They aren't.

I'm literally on it right now. I don't see the word 'Nubuck textile' any where. The Upholstery option for the XC40 R-Design lists it as "RB00" and has no description. I'm not doubting you, I'm asking which screen you're seeing it on, because I am not =)

 

[Wayne T5]

You're right, it wasn't the UK site. I did a search of the interior code RB00 and came to this build site.

https://www.volvocars.com/sg/build/...com/sg/build/suv/xc40/r-design/d3-6-speed-manual/personalize/upholstery?s=wbkf0

Volvo is a little more descriptive/accurate in other markets.

 

[Wayne T5]

Great, so give us the FACTUAL PROOF that XC40 is not real nubuck!
Show me...I'm man enough to admit if I'm wrong!

Here's factual proof I have from direct discussion with Volvo Corp customer support...let's see if you man up!

Sorry, but they're wrong. Don't get angry, they're just reading from a script. It's a textile product.

 

[Wayne T5]

I've seen them. And they all go this same way... someone claims either the nubuck or the leather dashboards/doors (buy up option on the SPA cars) are not real and are instead synthetic, offers no proof of that, and most folks dismiss the claim and insist its real leather.

So... I'm curious where it started and whats true? I do know that in Europe (UK specifically) false advertising laws are very strict. The website for the builder there doesn't make any claim, just calling the seats 'RB00', which in their full PDF price list is listed as "Leather/Nubuck"

So yea, we're new here. Maybe point us over the holy grail you found years ago that said definitively that its synthetic, because nothing we can see does.

In this case, the dash on the XC90 if you got that option is real leather. The nubuck on the other hand is a textile product.

 

[joebxr]

You're right, it wasn't the UK site. I did a search of the interior code RB00 and came to this build site.

https://www.volvocars.com/sg/build/...com/sg/build/suv/xc40/r-design/d3-6-speed-manual/personalize/upholstery?s=wbkf0

Volvo is a little more descriptive/accurate in other markets.

Ahhh, the SINGAPORE site. The only site I've found that calls it textile. Sorry, but don't buy that one at all. Nice try!

Here's FRANCE: https://www.volvocars.com/fr/config...teur/suv/xc40/r-design/t5-awd-boite-geartronic-8/personalize/upholstery?s=9ThIO
(Translation for you: Nubuck / Perforated Nappa Leather R-Design Anthracite, Ambient Anthracite RB00)

Here's Belgium: https://www.volvocars.com/nl-be/con...c40/r-design/t5-awd-geartronic™-8-traps-automaat/personalize/upholstery?s=wcPXF
(Translation: RB00 Comfort seats in Charcoal Nubuck / perforated Nappa leather and black roof)

chk'd several others and NO TEXTILE reference except your Singapore link! SORRY. Enjoy that useless bridge you were convinced to buy!

 

[Wayne T5]

Ahhh, the SINGAPORE site. The only site I've found that calls it textile. Sorry, but don't buy that one at all. Nice try!

Here's FRANCE: https://www.volvocars.com/fr/config...teur/suv/xc40/r-design/t5-awd-boite-geartronic-8/personalize/upholstery?s=9ThIO
(Translation for you: Nubuck / Perforated Nappa Leather R-Design Anthracite, Ambient Anthracite RB00)

Here's Belgium: https://www.volvocars.com/nl-be/con...c40/r-design/t5-awd-geartronic™-8-traps-automaat/personalize/upholstery?s=wcPXF
(Translation: RB00 Comfort seats in Charcoal Nubuck / perforated Nappa leather and black roof)

chk'd several others and NO TEXTILE reference except your Singapore link! SORRY. Enjoy that useless bridge you were convinced to buy!

Once again, you can choose to believe what you want to believe. I have no dog in this hunt. I am not buying this car, you are I think. If you want to believe it is real leather nubuck, then go for it like I indicated above.

It really is a nice material even though it is a textile material.

Just google "volvo nubuck textile" and you will find other references/descriptions of the XC60 R Design interior - I know, not your car but Volvo uses this nubuck textile material in several applications.

Enjoy your new car!

 

[Wayne T5]

Please tell all of these people that they are wrong - it really is leather!

http://blog.consumerguide.com/test-drive-2019-volvo-xc40-r-design/

http://volvosaskatoon.com/research/build/397383

https://philkotse.com/new-releases/...volvo-xc40-2018-out-in-australia-with-4-variants-each-has-a-launch-edition-1956

I could go on and on, lol.

 

[joebxr]

Please tell all of these people that they are wrong - it really is leather!

http://blog.consumerguide.com/test-drive-2019-volvo-xc40-r-design/ Magazine article

http://volvosaskatoon.com/research/build/397383 Volvo "dealer"

https://philkotse.com/new-releases/...volvo-xc40-2018-out-in-australia-with-4-variants-each-has-a-launch-edition-1956 Philkotse.com is a leading portal for automotive classified ads in the Philippines.

I could go on and on, lol.

I already own the XC40 with NUBUCK LEATHER, thanks.
Please contact Volvo and let them know their literature and majority of their websites are wrong, because you say so. Doubt they'll buy your bridge either!

 

[ChrisB1]

I sat in both and went with the Momentum over the RD simply because of the seats, even though I wanted the RD packages.

Same. I can't understand why Volvo has decided that a "premium" interior upgrade needs faux-suede no matter what they name it.

 

[Wayne T5]

I already own the XC40 with NUBUCK LEATHER, thanks.
Please contact Volvo and let them know their literature and majority of their websites are wrong, because you say so. Doubt they'll buy your bridge either!

I have no interest in making sure their websites are correct, I don't sell their product and have no connection to Volvo. If I did and had a vested interest then I would. They choose to market their products the way they choose to market them.

Wonder why the folks that work for Volvo who peruse these threads haven't corrected me yet? That's because what I'm saying is accurate.

Again, enjoy your new car and I have the offering memorandum on that bridge that I want to send you!

 

[Wayne T5]

More inaccuracies, lol:

https://www.volvocars.com/intl/cars/new-models/xc60/trim/r-design

https://www.volvocars.com/intl/cars/new-models/xc90/trim/r-design

https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/first-impressions/2019-volvo-xc40-first-drive.html

But I know your car has really leather nubuck, lol.

 

[ChrisB1]

This whole "is it leather or is it synthetic" has been played out 100 times. If you look at how Volvo classifies their RB00 material, in some instances they call it nubuck textile and in other places they call it nubuck leather. If you hold a piece of nubuck in your hand and you feel it when you're also touching the R-design seats ("RB00"), it is obvious that the RB00 material is a synthetic leather. That does not detract from the fact that synthetics are now SO CLOSE to being real leather that its almost impossible to discern the difference, and it isn't to say that the RB00 material is uncomfortable (you might even say it's more comfortable than leather). But the bottom line is that RB00 is not real leather.

 

[rumyn]

http://forums.swedespeed.com/showth.../showthread.php?204060-What-s-the-straight-story-on-R-Design-Nubuck-amp-Leather

 

[jimmym1981]

Same. I can't understand why Volvo has decided that a "premium" interior upgrade needs faux-suede no matter what they name it.

Yup. It was kinda sad because i LOVED the styling of the interior/options of the RD, but the seats were the deal-breaker. I wish there was a "sport package" option package for the RD that added these seats and whatever other accessories on there. I drove both and just couldn't get past the velcro feeling. I know it looks cool and other might love it, but I guess I'm just a regular leather kinda guy...and I'm in my 30's so its not like I'm all about the "traditional" look/feel of a luxury vehicle...lol

 

[ChrisB1]

I'm not suggesting that Volvo is doing this on purpose, but it is interesting to me that Australia's equivalent of the Federal Trade Commission went after Toyota for its fake-leather advertising a few years ago:
Source:
https://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/holy-cow-toyota-busted-for-fake-leather-20130212-2ea7d.html

And on the Australian Volvo XC40 configurator, they are careful to describe the R-Design interior as follows:
"R-Design Nubuck textile/Fine Nappa Perforated Leather Charcoal in Charcoal interior (RB00)"

Link:
https://www.volvocars.com/au/build-...com/au/build-your-own/xc/xc40/r-design/t5-2-0l-8-speed-auto-awd/summary?s=wXqpW

Whereas their USA Website configurator says "Charcoal Nubuck Leather"
Link:
https://www.volvocars.com/us/build/suv/xc40/r-design/t5-awd/personalize/upholstery?s=yqEKx

 

[SeppTB]

I'm not suggesting that Volvo is doing this on purpose, but it is interesting to me that Australia's equivalent of the Federal Trade Commission went after Toyota for its fake-leather advertising a few years ago:

Yea, that was my thinking on looking on the UK site! Find the countries that actually enforce false advertising laws (ie, definitely not the US) and see what its listed there. The UK makes more or less no claim at all, and then all these others say textile.

Personally had I known it was synthetic, that'd be a buying point.

 

[NowImHookedOnVolvo]

This thread sure has a lot of testosterone in it. Shall we also debate Yanni or Laurel?