Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class EQA

The EQA sits up high, offering lofty seating.

Once inside, you'll notice the solid looking and feeling doors and dash, upping the sense of quality. Very on-brand stuff here.

This is a very modern and inviting interior, with those aforementioned screens set within a large rectangular binnacle. Highlights include a trio of turbine-style air vents, along with the row of metallic toggle switches; both provide pleasing, high-quality sensory experiences.

There's a slightly trashy night-club ambience if restraint is not exercised with the (configurable) coloured light show dotting the EQA's cabin.

You wouldn’t call the EQA particularly spacious with its curvy roof, snug sports seating, high waistline, narrow glass areas and thick pillars, but even 200cm-tall people should find enough legroom up front. There’s a sense of cosiness rather than crampedness.

The driving position is superb, ahead of a set of vibrant digital instrumentation choices, but the cheap-looking plastics dotted throughout the interior won't please Mercedes traditionalists, along with the rattles that are regular companions. 

And when will that small and flimsy gear selector stalk be binned?

Our test car’s ‘Hey, Mercedes’ voice control system was erratic at best, barely providing any assistance and regularly annoying/entertaining with misunderstood responses and laughably limited functionality.

It’s also worth noting that, if you’re new to the MBUX multimedia system, taking the time to learn its many functions and capabilities is advisable, as it’s more logical and simpler than the intimidating first impression suggests. 

A deft thumb is required for the steering-wheel spoke-actuated tabs for instrument data. The central part of the screen can be swiped to access the vast array of features, including the excellent audio system and detailed vehicle control settings.

Further back, room is pretty good, unless three people are sitting across. Items to be found include deep door pockets, face-level air outlets, reading lights and a rather cheap folding armrest.