A VIEW FROM THE BACK

There are reasons why people buy expensive SUVS rather than luxury saloons, and one is they don’t want to look like they’re taxiing somebody more important than them to an airport.

The EQS is actually a hatchback, giving it added practicality, but let’s not forget that saloons have their advantages: the cabin stays the same temperature when you open the boot and a bulkhead can contribute to reducing road noise in the rear.

These days, climatecontrol efficiency – particularly in EVS – and noise suppression are so good that it’s not a big deal (not in the UK, anyway).

Life in the back of the EQS certainly seems to me as cushy as in the S-class. The EQS’S wheelbase of 3210mm is closer to that of an LWB S-class (3365mm) than a regular one (2945mm), so there’s ample leg room, and head room is generous too. Soft, laid-back seats and a high window line make you feel snugly relaxed.

The ix feels airier, owing to its bigger glass area, and like you’re more at one with those in the front, even if the 3000mm wheelbase allows plenty of leg room.

I guess SUVS have a more family-friendly vibe, because it feels like there’s less separation between the front and rear.

That would hand things to the EQS, but remember the ix rides with more suppleness and at least as much cabin isolation.

In the end, then, it’s about even, both easily as good as any other luxury car of this price. So if you’re passenger rather than driver, just ask which you’d rather see pull up outside.