How a dirty driver seat on my Lexus ES300h costs me Rs 2.3 lakh

We also had a similar issue in our Skoda Superb and Laura but surprisingly to a lesser extent.

BHPian V.Narayan recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I try to maintain Bagheera in as close to showroom condition as I can afford. It might not be incorrect to say that she looks almost as good as new. However, one fly in the ointment is the dirtying of the driver's seat.

All my half-hearted attempts to remove them have failed including making Lexus try out their solutions. Clearly, this is caused by my driver's clothes, sweat and what have you as he is the primary driver of this car. And the Volvo which I usually self-drive does not have it. He is a good man and wears a clean set of clothes so there is only so much I can say to him. In the Skoda Superb and Laura we also had a similar issue but to a lesser extent surprisingly. I wonder if this Lexus leather is too real and too soft and soaks in all the dirt and sweat.

So, in the end, I bit the bullet. No makeshift arrangements for my favourite car. I've ordered new seat covers from Lexus Japan and in about a month they shall be stitched on. The local Lexus shop has a fully trained workman to do the stitching or so I'm told. It will set me back by Rs 2.3L. I've decided to (a) not inform my wife and (b) hiss and curse to high heaven and then get on with life.

Photos below. As readers can see the dirtiness is horrid. A flaw in an otherwise perfect car.

Further, I visited the Lexus showroom at Janpath, New Delhi. A UX was parked there for tests and some press meetings. All electric. I wasn't permitted to click photos.

In about a year, it will be time to purchase a small/medium vehicle with a high-ground clearance. I've decided to stay with Lexus/Volvo. Their reliability and service standards have spoilt me. If a Lexus, it would be the NX or the UX. If a Volvo, I'd need to check out what will be on offer in mid-2024.

Representative photos of the UX below. The car at the showroom was this exact colour. Very eye-catching. The UX is the baby Lexus. Its smaller size is what attracts me. Price unknown.

Update

I forgot to mention the cost of Rs 2.3L is for two seat covers for the two front seats. Decided to change both or they will start looking of different shades.

It is an all-in cost. Still steep.

Here's what BHPian Dead_Pedal had to say about the matter:

Have you tried enquiring at any leather restoration studio? They definitely can get it done at reasonable rates unless Lexus fit and finish is what you want. There's one in Bangalore by the name refurbstudio and they work mainly on premium cars. I'm sure they'll have a solution for this. They have several before/after shots for reference on their Google page. There may be similar options in Delhi. But, sad to see that seat in such a state.

Here's what BHPian Turbanator had to say about the matter:

A common issue on all Toyotas (Lexus included). This happens when drivers are sitting for extended times, usually waiting. Though you could have got the leather shine corrected, there are some permanent scuffs / wear which will never go. Happens on Germans too but usually, we can clean those as leather is different (better?)

If possible, tell the driver to wait outside whenever possible or maybe put a good quality white towel on the seat.

Lexus should have passed you some goodwill discounts though.

Here's what BHPian sandeepmohan had to say about the matter:

It's too late for this comment. India is a large and top-notch leather hub. The next time you're attempting to renew leather seats on your car, try the likes of Stanley, or a boutique leather shop etc before heading to Japan. Not only will it save you money, will save time too. The sooner that seat starts to look clean, the better you feel.

On electric cars, I'd pass Lexus. They aren't there yet with electric cars. The current lineup is a half-hearted/baked attempt.

That said, the recent appointment of Koji Sato has resulted in the latest Toyota BZ3. It's probably been in the works for some time now. This is a proper, ground-up new electric vehicle platform. The surprise is that it's a joint effort with BYD, China and Toyota. Initial response to the vehicle has been good. Far better than their own Bz4x/RZ450e.

For now, a Volvo C40 Recharge, XC40 or Polestar are better bets than any Lexus EV vehicle.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.