There’s an overarching sense of quality that feels reassuringly Mercedes. I’m a particular fan of the grained tan leather, and it wins bonus points for the cushioning along the doorcards and windowsills – a nice touch.
There’s a lounge-like feel here, and homely elements such as optional wood around the centre console are a welcome departure from the cold, minimalist arrangements of some rivals.
Fit and finish too seem an improvement compared with the cheaper CLA, as I suppose they should, but it might even outdo the vastly more expensive EQS.
The elephant in the room is the absolutely massive screen in front of me. Running across the entire width of the dashboard, it’s actually the largest you will find in any production car at present, measuring 39.1in.
I’m surprised to find I don’t mind it. There’s a sense of theatre about its sheer scale and the graphics are quite pleasant if you aren’t having to pay attention to the road.
However, I do wonder if I’d prefer proper climate control buttons if I were driving, rather than having to prod the screen. And some of its features, such as the camera view that pops up in the centre when you stop at a traffic light, might prove a little overwhelming.