• Enormous infotainment screens
• Lack of quality in some areas
• Some annoying technology

How is the quality and layout?

All models are well equipped, with loads of standard-fit tech. And the cabin design certainly is eye-popping.

The first thing that hits you is the technology. Different screen sizes are offered (more on that in the infotainment section below) and even if you go for the smaller one, they really stand out.

Storage space is good – there’s room for litre bottles tucked into the door, the option of air-conditioned centre console and enough space for large cups of coffees in front of that. Wireless charging pad works well too and gives you somewhere to stick your phone. 

However, it’s not all rosy. Sure, taste is subjective, but some of the ambient lighting options are tacky and not all the cabin finishes seem entirely suited to the EQE’s futuristic ethos. Boat-deck-style wood seems designed to appeal to the E-Class’s more traditional buyers and doesn’t exactly scream modern electric vehicle. It feels a little incongruous as a result – the models with the darker, plainer wood feel more suited.

Objectively some bits are not good enough. Have a poke around and you’ll most likely hear a few creaks, especially around the infotainment system. Some of the buttons you regularly press, such as the one to change the driving modes, also feel a bit flimsy.

Infotainment and tech

The standard offering brings a combination of a 12.8-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instruments in front of the driver, although you can pay to upgrade to the triple-display screen-fest that is the Hyperscreen package.

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This makes the panel 141cm wide. It’s enormous and if you love having the latest tech, it’s the one to go for. It’s not cheap, mind you. 

No matter which screen you choose, the climate controls are found on them. Which isn’t ideal. But at least they are kept at the bottom of the screen permanently.

Comfort

• Great seats
• Quiet and serene
• No screens in the rear

The seats are excellent, with plenty of adjustment, so you don’t need to upgrade to pews fitted with complicated massage functions. 

And it’s quiet – not just from the absence of a combustion engine – but because everything works smoothly, and any external brouhaha is dampened down to a distant rumour.

There’s plenty of room for rear-seat passengers, but save for climate control there’s not much back there for them. Yes, if you want the full limo treatment the Mercedes EQS is the three pointed star of choice. But still, considering the cost you might expect a screen back here.