When I meet Jeremiah Kuteesa, he has just parked a sleek white 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4Matic at one of the local car bonds in Naguru, Kampala. Having travelled to Mombasa Port in Kenya just two days earlier to pick up the vehicle, Kuteesa and his friend, Mujib Tusuubira, embarked on a 1,200-kilometre journey by road back to Kampala.
The road trip took them 24 hours, during which they relied on Apple CarPlay and Google Maps for navigation. To maximise fuel efficiency, the duo primarily drove in Eco mode, spending approximately Shs600,000 on fuel for the entire journey.
Driving modes
The Mercedes-Benz E400 4Matic comes equipped with multiple driving modes, each designed to cater to different driving needs and road conditions. Eco mode, which Kuteesa and Tusuubira used for most of their journey, is the most fuel-efficient setting. This mode adjusts the throttle response and optimises gear shifts to minimise fuel consumption, making it ideal for long-distance travel.
Comfort mode is designed for relaxed driving. In this setting, the car’s suspension remains soft, and gear shifts are slow and smooth. This ensures a pleasant driving experience, especially on well-paved roads. Unlike comfort mode, sport mode increases the engine’s power output and acceleration capabilities. When engaged, the car responds more aggressively to throttle inputs, tightens the suspension, and enables faster gear shifts. However, this performance boost comes at the expense of increased fuel consumption.
For those who crave even more excitement, the sport-plus mode takes performance a step further. It pushes the car to its limits, producing a more aggressive exhaust note, especially noticeable when driving with the windows down. This mode enhances acceleration and makes the car feel more dynamic on the road. On the other hand, dynamic mode strikes a balance between sportiness and comfort, adjusting the car’s settings based on real-time driving conditions.
Performance and speed
During their journey from Mombasa to Kampala, Kuteesa and Tusuubira made only a few stops. The longest break they took was a one-hour stop at Malaba Border for clearance. Other stops, mainly for refuelling, lasted between 10 to 20 minutes. Their ability to cover such a long distance in just 24 hours was a testament to both their endurance and the car’s impressive long-distance capabilities.
Kuteesa describes the journey as smooth and stress-free. He mentions that despite driving for extended periods, he did not feel exhausted upon arrival. Additionally, the car did not show any signs of overheating or mechanical issues, demonstrating its reliability.
The Mercedes-Benz E400 4Matic, like most German-engineered cars, is built for performance. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just six seconds. While it is primarily designed for city roads and highways, its All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and 4Matic technology provide excellent traction, allowing it to handle slightly rough terrains, such as flat marrum roads. However, prolonged driving on dusty roads is not advisable, as dust particles could infiltrate and potentially damage some of the car’s sensitive components.
Safety features
Safety is a major priority in the design of the E400 4Matic, and this is evident in its suite of advanced safety technologies. The car is equipped with a road sign recognition system that can read and interpret traffic signs, ensuring the driver remains aware of road regulations. Additionally, it features cruise control, which allows the driver to set a specific speed, reducing fatigue on long journeys.
To enhance driver awareness, the E400 4Matic has blind spot monitoring, which detects vehicles in hard-to-see areas and alerts the driver. Lane-keeping assist prevents unintentional lane departures by gently correcting the car’s trajectory when necessary. The car’s pre-safe system is another standout feature. It anticipates potential collisions and automatically tightens seatbelts to protect occupants.
In case of an emergency, the car’s automatic emergency braking system kicks in to prevent or minimise the impact of a collision. The E400 4Matic also comes with distronic adaptive cruise control, which maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. Furthermore, the car is equipped with front and rear parking sensors and an intelligent parking assist system that helps the driver manoeuvre into tight spaces with ease.
One of the most crucial safety features is the automatic fuel cut-off system. In the event of a serious collision, this system shuts off the fuel supply to prevent the risk of fire, ensuring the safety of the driver and passengers.
Luxury and comfort
The interior of the 2019 model of the E400 4Matic is designed to provide the ultimate luxury experience. One of its most notable features is the spacious legroom, which is significantly larger than that of the Mercedes C-Class. This ensures that passengers, particularly those in the back, have ample space to stretch and relax during long journeys.
The car’s leather seats add a touch of elegance and durability, while its ventilated and cooled seating system enhances comfort. With the press of a button, occupants can adjust seat temperatures to their preference, making long drives more enjoyable. The E400 4Matic also boasts a strong suspension system that absorbs shocks from rough roads, ensuring a smooth ride even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Service and maintenance
Owning a high-end vehicle such as the Mercedes-Benz E400 4Matic comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance. Mercedes-Benz recommends servicing the vehicle every 10,000 kilometres. However, due to Uganda’s rough roads and the varying quality of fuel available, it is advisable to service the car every 5,000 kilometres to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
The car is built with smart diagnostic technology that continuously monitors its condition. If any mechanical issue arises, or if essential lubricants need replenishing, the system alerts the driver through the dashboard. This feature makes it easier to maintain the vehicle in good working condition.
Oil changes are a crucial part of regular servicing, and the cost varies depending on the type of oil used and where it is purchased. On average, an oil change for the E400 4Matic costs between Shs350,000 and Shs400,000.
