S-Line Seats with Alcantara Inserts

[dennisA4]

How do you guys like them? Any regrets? Wish you got the regular sport seats instead?
How does the Alcantara hold up over time? Does it clean easy?
I've got two little ones so no matter what the rear seats will have to be covered.

[BMWBig6]

I love the look and feel of the Alcantara inserts. I think because the material is thinner than leather, the heated seats feel hotter than in any other vehicle I have been in (which have leather). And despite the dark color, they don't burn your thighs after sitting in direct sunlight in the summer either.

I have 62k miles and they still look new! I haven't had any major spills or anything, so I can't comment on how they wipe up. But I have 2 kids in the backseat and so far the seats have held up great!

[Ajp428]

If I have the a4 prem pkg would those seats still be a direct fit right?

[Okan509]

love alcantara - keeps your back from sweating opposed to leather.

[Warren S]

How do you guys like them? Love the seats
Any regrets? None whatsoever.
Wish you got the regular sport seats instead? No.
How does the Alcantara hold up over time? So far, pretty good.
Does it clean easy? Yes, being a synthetic material, you would treat them like cloth seats. So far, I've only used a damp cloth to clean up any spills. The side bolsters being leather, you use leather cleaner and conditioner on those trim pieces.

I've got two little ones so no matter what the rear seats will have to be covered. I have two toddlers also, one is four and the younger one is almost two. I protect the rear seats with black beach towels and absorbent sheets. My kids don't eat or drink inside, but one time my little one barfed up...as stinky as it was, it cleaned up nicely and didn't absorb into the seats.

[NguyenerA4]

Where to get them?

[keeva381]

Where to get them?

I'm selling my OEM alcantara inserts in the classified section (for those that have the full leather sport seats). I had them professionally replaced when I first got the car. Obviously you would need to have them professionally installed but they're for sale now (PLUG)!

[Ajp428]

Where to get them?

Idk if the seats are just plug in but look in a salvage yard for an s4 or something I found a couple I just don't know if the seats are switchable

[Sin_city_Rings]

How do you guys like them?

Love them, they are a million times better than leather. They are not too hot or too cold and they hold you in place during twisties better.

How does the Alcantara hold up over time?

My '09 A4 has 127,000 miles and the alcantara has held up better then the leather.
I have even decided that all my future cars will be ordered with the stuff.

[Amorphic]

I wish I had the alcantara seats. They're slick and so much better in the warm months. My leather makes my back sweat like crazy when its hot out.

[ekyp]

How do you guys like them?
- When I first got my car, I didn't like it that much. I feel leather seat in the car = "luxury". Now, things have changed. I love these seats! They come with grey stitching which makes the interior pop. The insert and door panels are alcantara, but the rest of the interior (side bolster, upper portion, back of front seats, centre armrest) are all leather. Think they are Nappa leather since they feel pretty much the same as my friend's S4's interior.

Any regrets? Wish you got the regular sport seats instead?
- For 2014, Audi Canada decided to ditch the alcantara interior for just the regular "leather seating surface" sport seat. I had a chance to check them out lately. Disappointed. Aside from the centre insert that is leather, the rest of the regular sport seat interior uses leatherette. No grey stitching, no S-Line logo on seats. Fail. Seeing the new 2014 makes me appreciate my 2013 w/ alcantara even more. So, No regrets! It is definitely the best seat/interior you can get in the A4.

How does the Alcantara hold up over time? Does it clean easy?
- Cleaning is fairly easy. I have to clean constantly since I usually have my sweaty clothes on after hitting the gym. A warm towel and a few simple wipe will clean it 100%. I recently bought a small steam cleaner and am now using that instead. I use a microfibre towel to cover the steam triangle brush then quickly wipe down the seat with steam on (both leather/alcantara portions). It brings the leather back to its original matte finish with a few quick pass. It's perfect!

[J0HN_R1]

love alcantara - keeps your back from sweating opposed to leather.

My leather makes my back sweat like crazy when its hot out.

I have Alcantara inserts and find that, yes they keep your back cooler, but its because they absorb the moisture (sweat) that you create.

After almost 120k miles (190k KMs) on my S4, they show more wear than leather would have... But if you don't own your car (lease), then who cares.

My two coppers.

[My1stAudi]

I'm waiting to take delivery of a 2014 Prestige S Line with Alcantara seats. A friend has an S4 with Alcantara and after sitting in them, can't wait for mine to arrive.

[WAF]

Just did a long trip and loved the seats all the way there and back. what really helps is front adjustment to take the weight off your legs.

[copperjdmeg]

Love my alcantara coming from my old B7 with leather seats and living in Hot Ass Las Vegas where it reaches damn near 120 degrees+ in your car so yes alcantara is a plus

[NoR32]

You can clean with rubbing alcohol with out damaging the alcantara.

[bobby187]

How do you guys like them?
- When I first got my car, I didn't like it that much. I feel leather seat in the car = "luxury". Now, things have changed. I love these seats! They come with grey stitching which makes the interior pop. The insert and door panels are alcantara, but the rest of the interior (side bolster, upper portion, back of front seats, centre armrest) are all leather. Think they are Nappa leather since they feel pretty much the same as my friend's S4's interior.

Any regrets? Wish you got the regular sport seats instead?
- For 2014, Audi Canada decided to ditch the alcantara interior for just the regular "leather seating surface" sport seat. I had a chance to check them out lately. Disappointed. Aside from the centre insert that is leather, the rest of the regular sport seat interior uses leatherette. No grey stitching, no S-Line logo on seats. Fail. Seeing the new 2014 makes me appreciate my 2013 w/ alcantara even more. So, No regrets! It is definitely the best seat/interior you can get in the A4.

How does the Alcantara hold up over time? Does it clean easy?
- Cleaning is fairly easy. I have to clean constantly since I usually have my sweaty clothes on after hitting the gym. A warm towel and a few simple wipe will clean it 100%. I recently bought a small steam cleaner and am now using that instead. I use a microfibre towel to cover the steam triangle brush then quickly wipe down the seat with steam on (both leather/alcantara portions). It brings the leather back to its original matte finish with a few quick pass. It's perfect!

So their wont be an s line logo or alcantara in 2014 s line models for the premium plus? :O

[Steel28]

How do you guys like them?
- When I first got my car, I didn't like it that much. I feel leather seat in the car = "luxury". Now, things have changed. I love these seats! They come with grey stitching which makes the interior pop. The insert and door panels are alcantara, but the rest of the interior (side bolster, upper portion, back of front seats, centre armrest) are all leather. Think they are Nappa leather since they feel pretty much the same as my friend's S4's interior.

Any regrets? Wish you got the regular sport seats instead?
- For 2014, Audi Canada decided to ditch the alcantara interior for just the regular "leather seating surface" sport seat. I had a chance to check them out lately. Disappointed. Aside from the centre insert that is leather, the rest of the regular sport seat interior uses leatherette. No grey stitching, no S-Line logo on seats. Fail. Seeing the new 2014 makes me appreciate my 2013 w/ alcantara even more. So, No regrets! It is definitely the best seat/interior you can get in the A4.

How does the Alcantara hold up over time? Does it clean easy?
- Cleaning is fairly easy. I have to clean constantly since I usually have my sweaty clothes on after hitting the gym. A warm towel and a few simple wipe will clean it 100%. I recently bought a small steam cleaner and am now using that instead. I use a microfibre towel to cover the steam triangle brush then quickly wipe down the seat with steam on (both leather/alcantara portions). It brings the leather back to its original matte finish with a few quick pass. It's perfect!

wow. I'm also glad that I got my '13 S-Lline. Really like Alcantara seats.

[formula1guy]

Love the alcantarra seats seats in my avant! No maintenance other than vacuuming them when I detail the car. I have some Leather Master foam alcantarra cleaner but haven't needed to use it yet. 61,000 miles on the car and the seats look better than the regular leather sport seats in the wife's B8 sedan. Can't go wrong in my opinion.

[ekyp]

So their wont be an s line logo or alcantara in 2014 s line models for the premium plus? :O

No, in fact, Alcantara won't be available in the A4 here. The 2014 SLine interior looks exactly like the Sport package you get in the US+ a regular flat bottom wheel. No more SLine logo on seats/steering wheel.

To make things worse, they took out ADS and dampening suspension for 2014 (both included in 2013 SLine )

The package itself is something like 800 bucks cheaper, but the stuff they took out is definitely more the the 800 difference IMO.

Unfortunate, but I am happy to have the 2013!

[Ajp428]

So are these seats a direct fit into a4 non sport seats??

[TDIaholic]

So are these seats a direct fit into a4 non sport seats??

Yes, if you have power lumbar support in your old seats. If not, you will need to run new power wires to the seats which is a real pain. I still need to finish my passenger side after swapping my stock seats for S-line half leathers. Other than that, they are a drop-in fit.

[Ajp428]

Yes, if you have power lumbar support in your old seats. If not, you will need to run new power wires to the seats which is a real pain. I still need to finish my passenger side after swapping my stock seats for S-line half leathers. Other than that, they are a drop-in fit.

Nice thanks for the answer I actually do have lumbar support

[John4378]

Dennis - I'm in the same boat as you (Houston, 2 kids....ages 3 and 1) and I can tell you that the Alacantra holds up very well to milk stains in August. Wipes right up. My car is an '09 and the rear seats still look new. So, if those are what you want, you shouldn't have any problems.

[Wilbur]

I have Alcantara inserts and find that, yes they keep your back cooler, but its because they absorb the moisture (sweat) that you create.

After almost 120k miles (190k KMs) on my S4, they show more wear than leather would have... But if you don't own your car (lease), then who cares.

My two coppers.

Exactly. They will probably start to smell. Nothing beats leather IMO. You can always clean it up and treat it so car smells brand new.

[b6onboost]

I think Alcantara is a great option for a sportier look and feel, also to add a little contrast in materials, but I'll always perfer all leather. I think leather provides a higher end look and feel. Its easier to clean and easier to slide in/out of the seat.

[Wilbur]

^ easier to slide around during spirited/track driving which is bad.. Thats the Alcantara advantage.

[dennisA4]

Thanks, guys... I appreciate all the comments. And one from Houston, too! :D
Sounds like the only theoretical negative is absorption of sweat but even those with over 100k miles don't seem to have an issue so.... Alcantara it is!
I'm good with keeping my seats clean/conditioned and I always use a towel if I've been working out, mountain biking, etc.

[NguyenerA4]

I'm selling my OEM alcantara inserts in the classified section (for those that have the full leather sport seats). I had them professionally replaced when I first got the car. Obviously you would need to have them professionally installed but they're for sale now (PLUG)!

i actually wanted the whole sport seats not just the insert lol, but thank you.. sucks my a4 sline is only the exterior package

[NguyenerA4]

Idk if the seats are just plug in but look in a salvage yard for an s4 or something I found a couple I just don't know if the seats are switchable

would be nice to find some s4 seats, i really want sline seats or s4 seats

[b6onboost]

I agree Alcantara would be preferrable in a track application. I don't consider a 4cly Audi Sedan a track application, therefore leather is preferrable for my intended use, and will suffice when I do occasionally take some corners hard.

^ easier to slide around during spirited/track driving which is bad.. Thats the Alcantara advantage.

[NoR32]

Auto cross

[Audiforumuser]

Love the alcantarra seats seats in my avant! No maintenance other than vacuuming them when I detail the car. I have some Leather Master foam alcantarra cleaner but haven't needed to use it yet. 61,000 miles on the car and the seats look better than the regular leather sport seats in the wife's B8 sedan. Can't go wrong in my opinion.

I've been using this stuff to clean mine and it works really well. Have two cars with the Alcantara now because I love it.

[Highlander1010]

I agree Alcantara would be preferrable in a track application. I don't consider a 4cly Audi Sedan a track application, therefore leather is preferrable for my intended use, and will suffice when I do occasionally take some corners hard.

Mine does great on the track and is lots of fun. I continue dialing it in and it continues to reward me with big smiles each time. It is a great car to run around a circuit.