Mercedes EQE saloon - Practicality & boot space

Cars such as this are often bought by people or companies who need plenty of rear-seat space, because adults will often be seated in the back. So it’s disappointing that the Mercedes EQE isn’t the strongest when it comes to practicality. The standard-fit panoramic sunroof makes the interior feel airy, but it also robs headroom for those in the back.

A Tesla Model S is much better in this respect, or you can opt for the Mercedes EQE SUV, which offers a good chunk more headroom. It’s worth noting that rear visibility in the saloon isn’t great either, but at least every model gets a reversing camera and park assist.

Mercedes EQE interior space

The EQE is a large car, and that translates into plenty of legroom for front and rear-seat occupants. Even tall adults will be able to stretch their legs in the back, but those same people will find their heads squashed by the sloping roofline, and the rear seat backrest is uncomfortably upright for some passengers. An E-Class will be a better bet if you regularly carry adults in the back.

Storage space is generous up front, because the door bins are reasonably large and there are two cubbies below the screen on the centre console.

Boot space

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Thousands of people buy saloon cars every year in the UK, so the fact that the tailgate opens below the rear window won’t bother every driver. But a hatchback such as the Tesla Model S will be much easier to load large items into, as its tailgate includes the rear window. It’ll be better for bikes, pushchairs and bulky sports gear than the EQE.

The EQE offers more boot space than the E-Class plug-in hybrid’s 400-litre boot, but its 430-litre load bay isn’t impressive for a car of this size. A petrol or diesel E-Class offers 540 litres, and the Model S has around 200 litres more than that.

Towing

While towing figures for most of the EQE range are yet to be confirmed, we do know the EQE 350+ can tow a 750kg trailer, regardless of whether it’s braked or unbraked.