Mercedes E-Class - Interior, design & technology

The latest Mercedes E-Class isn’t a huge departure from the previous version in terms of exterior design, but Mercedes probably made the right call because it’s still a handsome, understated executive saloon. Under the skin, there’s loads of new tech, though.

All models have a 12.3-inch digital driver’s instrument cluster, and a 14.4-inch central touchscreen. The example in the pictures has the optional MBUX Superscreen that covers the entire dash, providing the passenger with an additional 12.3-inch display to access apps or watch a movie. It means that where there was once high-quality upholstery and easy-to-use buttons, there’s now just a huge screen. Some may love that, while others may hate it.

What is the Mercedes E-Class like inside?

The Mercedes E-Class still features excellent seats that are very comfortable and supportive, with all models including four-way electric lumbar adjustment. You will have to upgrade to the AMG Line Premium model to gain electric memory front seats. 

All the basic equipment you could need is included as standard, including climate control, smartphone connectivity, keyless go, sat-nav with live traffic info, and artificial leather upholstery called Artico. A natural leather alternative is available, while plusher Nappa Leather is reserved for Exclusive Premium Plus models.

What is the interior quality like?

The quality of the materials you can see is very good and build quality is excellent. The screens take up a lot of space on the dash, and the centre console is quite high up, so you feel quite cocooned as the driver.

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Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

The Superscreen in the E-Class is the headline event for the interior of the car. It’s not on every model - the standard set-up is a 14.4-inch central touchscreen - but even on cars without, the dash is clearly designed to accommodate it and looks quite bare if it’s not there.

The Superscreen costs around £1,500, and although we’re not huge fans of it, models without it look a little odd, so we’d probably still order it. It completes the look of the cabin, and allows passengers to use their own screen for music and apps. The pack even contains a camera on top of the dashboard for video conferencing and selfies.

The Superscreen set-up supplements a central display of 14.4 inches with a 12.3-inch passenger display. The driver shouldn’t be able to see the passenger screen as it has a ‘visual shield’ for safety to prevent them from being distracted while driving. Smartphone connectivity is standard in all versions of the E-Class, so you’ve got Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, even without the Superscreen option.