When it comes to luxury EV interior review topics, few vehicles generate as much attention as the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. This all-electric performance SUV isn’t just about horsepower and torque—it’s a masterclass in interior engineering, material application, and aesthetic cohesion. In this teardown-style review, we examine what makes the EQE SUV’s cabin so remarkable, from fit and finish to the layered interplay of materials, stitching, and component interfaces.
Premium Materials with Purpose
Right from the moment you step inside, the 2024 EQE SUV announces its status as a premium performance machine. The front seats are wrapped in genuine Nappa leather—not a synthetic alternative. Perforation enhances these sport-style seats and supports the vehicle’s heated and cooled seat systems.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel continues the upscale theme. It’s not only perforated for grip and comfort, but also flattened at the bottom—true to the AMG sport aesthetic. AMG badging is visible throughout the cabin, reminding the user of the brand’s performance DNA.
But Mercedes goes beyond just visual cues. The materials used across the door panels, dash, and console reflect careful tiering—where luxury meets function. Suede-like microfibers, matte-finished PU leather, and high-touch soft plastics are all layered logically. Richer materials appear where occupants most interact, while durable, easier-to-clean materials are reserved for lower surfaces. This reflects lean design thinking—delivering premium feel without unnecessary cost escalation.
Teardown Observations: Door Panels and Alignment Precision
Engineers and teardown specialists know that seemingly small details—like how well stitch lines align—say a lot about a vehicle’s build quality. On the EQE SUV, the Munro team notes how well the red contrast stitching matches across the dashboard and door trim, even as these parts meet and move during use. This is no small feat. Misalignment here would stand out dramatically, but Mercedes nails the execution.
A standout example is the floating armrest design on the door. It mirrors the center console’s “floating” architecture and visually extends into the interior, adding dimensionality. The use of suede bolsters and vinyl upper trims with decorative stitching demonstrates the brand’s commitment to perceived quality.
Function Over Form: Thoughtful Design Decisions
Some design choices in the EQE SUV may seem unusual at first glance but become logical upon closer inspection. For example, a lower cutline on the IP side panel initially looks odd—until it’s revealed that this placement allows easy access to the tailgate button. It’s a good example of prioritizing user ergonomics without sacrificing form.
The same logic applies to the seat trim. The lower seat panel includes a removable closeout piece that may serve multiple vehicle configurations, suggesting platform modularity. Instead of a single molded part, Mercedes opted for a three-piece assembly—potentially improving serviceability or compatibility across variants.
Dashboard, Lighting, and the Hyperscreen
The dash features Mercedes’ hallmark Hyperscreen—a dramatic, floating infotainment cluster spanning much of the front fascia. It appears to hover over the instrument panel (IP), reinforcing the futuristic EV vibe. Above and around it, soft-touch suede-like materials create an inviting tactile experience.
Ambient lighting strips border these surfaces, and they’re not just for show. In a clever design move, Mercedes placed downward-facing LEDs beneath the IP that light up the footwells—even shining down onto the brake pedal. Color changes appear here, creating a personalized, immersive atmosphere.
Multiple textures converge around the instrument panel: PU matte finishes, suede-like materials, plastic lower trims, and light piping. And yet, they all integrate seamlessly. Even the tight radii where these surfaces meet show no wrinkles or warping—a sign of excellent tooling and manufacturing tolerances.
Center Console and Storage Details
The center console features optional carbon fiber trim—a $1,500 upgrade. While this may seem like overkill in a non-structural zone, the execution is pristine. Carbon fiber provides a matte texture that avoids fingerprints—an issue commonly associated with glossy piano black finishes.
Cupholders are removable and fit neatly into a secondary glovebox space—an efficient design for modular storage. A phone charging pad, USB ports, and storage for key fobs are all easily accessible.
One polarizing feature is the glovebox itself. It opens from a split position rather than a single hinge—something users either appreciate for access or dislike for asymmetry. But Munro’s engineers point out that it doesn’t obstruct the passenger’s arm and is intuitive once located. The glovebox even includes soft flocking on the inside, right down to the hinges—emphasizing refinement.
Rear Seating: Utility Meets Elegance
Moving to the rear, the level of finish doesn’t drop. The rear seats mirror the front with full leather, red accent seat belts, and brushed metal trim on seatbacks. Even the map pockets show innovation. Instead of traditional mesh or netting, Mercedes integrates a structured picture-frame style plastic surround with elastic sidebands, creating a neat, expandable storage system that feels upscale.
The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split with a clever red-button locking mechanism. This feedback indicator shows whether the seat is securely latched—an appreciated feature for family vehicle safety. All three seating positions include adjustable headrests, and the pass-through includes a basic vinyl-lined armrest and small phone holder.
One minor oversight: the rear seatbelt can become trapped when folding the seats, as there’s no dedicated guide or clip to hold it in place.
Rear Cargo: Material Continuity and Cut-Line Complexity
The cargo area introduces some variation. Instead of continuing the brushed aluminum motif from the cabin, Mercedes switches to a high-gloss finish. While still premium, this inconsistency might catch an engineer’s eye. The rest of the area is well finished, with plush carpeting that resists scuffs and hides debris effectively.
More curious is the number of cut lines—five separate pieces make up one side panel, more than typical. This likely supports modularity or ease of service access, but from a lean manufacturing perspective, it raises questions about tooling complexity.
A hanger hook is located low behind the rear seats—an odd choice. Clothes hung here would likely crumple or collide with the seatback when the trunk closes. Typically, such hooks are positioned higher on the headliner. It’s a rare ergonomic miss in an otherwise thoughtfully executed cabin.
Verdict: Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV Interior Review
From an engineering and teardown standpoint, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV delivers an exceptional luxury EV interior. Mercedes balances aesthetic appeal with functional design, using tiered materials and precise fitment. The consistency of stitch lines, complex multi-material interfaces, and thoughtful ergonomic decisions all point to a manufacturing team working with tight tolerances and refined goals.
While some choices—like carbon fiber trim or excessive panel segmentation—might be debatable in terms of cost or necessity, their execution is impressive. For engineers, investors, and EV enthusiasts tracking premium electric vehicle evolution, the EQE SUV offers valuable insights into high-end cabin design and brand-consistent material usage.
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