(JUBA) – The 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé, a luxury vehicle designed with both comfort and performance in mind, is making its way into South Sudan’s premium car market. With a top speed of 260 km/h and a suite of intuitive digital features, this high end car appeals to motorists who seek both elegance and intelligent driving systems.
On a test drive through the streets of Juba, the E-Class Coupé immediately showed why it is more than just a beautiful vehicle. Upon ignition, its digital dashboard signalled a low fuel warning and automatically suggested nearby filling stations, an example of how modern vehicles are becoming active driving companions.
Two 4.5 inch digital screens provide visual information, one behind the steering wheel for the driver and another in the centre dashboard accessible to all passengers. Seat controls are placed conveniently on the door next to window buttons, offering electric adjustments for tilt and height, along with memory settings for three drivers.
For comfort in South Sudan’s heat, the car features ventilated seats and a smart remote key that opens the sunroof and windows to release hot air before entry.
Equipped with a 3.0 litre V6 petrol engine producing 330 horsepower (with tuning potential up to nearly 400 hp), the E-Class Coupé is capable of reaching 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. This is the same powertrain used in the Mercedes-AMG 43 models, which ensures high performance credentials. The Coupé also includes an advanced heads up display projected on the windscreen, reducing the need to glance down at the dashboard.
The driving experience is customisable via modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual. Switching to Sport Plus lowers the suspension using the air-matic system, enhancing road grip and responsiveness. While Sport mode boosts performance, it does consume more fuel compared to Eco mode.
| Driving Modes & Features |
|---|
| Eco – Fuel Efficiency |
| Comfort – Smooth Ride |
| Sport – Firmer Suspension |
| Sport Plus – Maximum Response |
| Individual – User Settings |
Air conditioning is equally advanced, with four vents for front passengers and two more for the rear. All seats, front and rear, are air cooled, a rare feature in this segment. The car’s cabin is wrapped in high grade leather with black wooden trims and a design that excludes the traditional B-pillar, creating an open, spacious feel when doors are opened.
Ground clearance can be adjusted at the touch of a button, a crucial function for dealing with potholes and bumpy roads found outside major towns in South Sudan. The seatbelt system even has a built-in motor that extends the buckle for easier access.
A key feature is the 360 degree live camera system, allowing full visibility around the vehicle when parking or manoeuvring through tight spaces. This enhances driver confidence in busy areas like Konyokonyo market or Juba’s industrial zones.
The voice assistant system responds to the phrase “Hey Mercedes,” enabling the driver to control features like temperature, music or the sunroof without using hands. This promotes safer, hands-free driving.
On the local market, the E-Class Coupé is priced between SSP 736 million and SSP 1.15 billion (equivalent to $160,000–$250,000) depending on model year, condition, and features such as four-wheel drive and AMG tuning.
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé Pricing (South Sudan) |
|---|
| Base Model (used import) – SSP 736 million ($160,000) |
| AMG Tuning / Low Mileage – SSP 1.15 billion ($250,000) |
Richard Lado, a South Sudanese mechanic based in Nairobi, advises owners to adhere strictly to manufacturer service intervals. “These are high performance machines. Use only approved engine oils and service parts, preferably at licensed garages,” he said.
The E-Class Coupé is not just about speed or design. It is also about thoughtful details. For instance, rear passengers must wait for front seats to tilt forward before entry, a compromise for the Coupé’s aerodynamic two door design.
For South Sudan’s emerging class of car enthusiasts and professionals looking to upgrade, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé offers a combination of style, smart features and driving performance.
Whether you are cruising the tarmac roads of Juba or navigating uneven paths in the outskirts, this Coupé delivers an experience that merges luxury and technology with practicality.