Brabus #3 Review: A Sporty Interior Upgrade
Aside from the more obvious sporting cues such as the Alcantara steering wheel, microfibre seats, and pops of red, the Brabus interior closely resembles that of the standard #3 model.
The interior of the Brabus #3 is spacious and airy, offering ample room for passengers to stretch out in every row. Despite the sloping roofline, rear headroom is not significantly compromised, and the 370-litre boot provides generous storage space.
The focal point of the minimalist cockpit is the impressive 12.8-inch touchscreen display, which controls nearly every function within the vehicle. This display is complemented by a 9.2-inch driver display screen and a 10-inch head-up display, ensuring that all essential information is easily accessible to the driver.
In terms of physical controls, the Brabus #3 features a few buttons on the steering wheel and touch-sensitive icons below the touchscreen. Unlike some competitors, such as the Volvo EX30, the #3 includes window switches on both sides of the cabin for added convenience.
Standard equipment on the #3 is commendable, with different trim levels primarily dictating battery capacity and power output. The Brabus variant enhances the base model with additional features such as ventilated front seats, a retractable boot cover, illuminated tread plates, and a heated steering wheel.
Notably, only the entry-level #3 Pro model, equipped with the smaller 49kWh battery, includes a sliding rear bench to maximize boot capacity.
Overall, the cabin of the Brabus #3 is comfortable and well-appointed. However, the sporty seats on the Brabus model are on the firmer side, and the wide center console encroaches on knee room for front occupants, a drawback of the EV-specific architecture.
One major drawback of the #3’s interior is its subpar ergonomics. The lack of physical buttons for essential functions and the dated touchscreen interface can make it challenging to navigate between different features while driving. The illogically arranged menus and difficult-to-decipher icons can be frustrating for users, detracting from the overall user experience.
Adding a touch of whimsy to the interior is the cartoon cheetah mascot that adorns the #3, sometimes seen wearing a parachute for comedic effect. While this may add a playful element to the cabin, it does little to alleviate the frustrations caused by the vehicle’s ergonomic shortcomings.
