The overall interior design of the 2024 Merc E-Class All-Terrain has been refreshed, and while there are elements that look the same (the steering wheel as a case in point), the rest of the layout is new. The center console has cupholders and a stowage compartment with a dual-opening lid underneath soft padding, and the handles on the door panel incorporate the power window control and are set in a metal trim.
As standard, the dashboard ahead of the front passenger just seems like a broad trim piece, but you can opt for a front passenger screen that is activated when the sensors in the front seat pick up that the seat is occupied. If the seat is empty, the screen is purely decorative, but for front passengers present, it offers streaming video and multimedia features to keep them entertained. It will also automatically dim if the driver glances at it to prevent them from getting distracted, thanks to clever camera-based privacy systems.
The MBUX Superscreen is also optional and comes with a selfie and video camera on top of the dashboard to allow video conferencing or picture mode, but only when the car is stationary. The screen graphics on the infotainment system can be customized in the new All-Terrain, and the software has been upgraded to resemble smartphone systems more closely. The wagon also comes with tech that allows occupants to create ‘routines’ by linking conditions to various functions – for example, when the interior is above a certain temperature, the climate control system switches on and the ambient lighting changes to a cool shade to simulate a cooler environment.
The ambient lighting also comes with an optional Active Lighting strip at the top of the instrument panel and door panels, which produces a visual interpretation of what’s playing through the audio system. The standard sound setup is a Burmester 4D surround sound unit, but upgrades that include Dolby Atmos technology are available.
Cargo space in the Merc E-Class All-Terrain is a little less than on the outgoing model behind the second row, with 21.7 cubes as the given figure. We have yet to see whether this diminished space has anything to do with those rear-facing jump seats, or not. Either way, the second-row seats will fold in a 40/20/40 spit and are power-operated, dropping down to reveal 64.6 cubic feet of space. The trunk has an Easy Pack tailgate that is power-operated and has a retractable luggage cover and divider net.