Juffali Automtoive Company (JACO), the sole dealer of Mercedes-Benz cars in Saudi Arabia, has introduced the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which comes with new, efficient engines, new assistance systems and a new design idiom. Mercedes-Benz has comprehensively modernized the E-Class to extend its leading position in the luxury segment even further.
Safi Kobais, GM, Juffali Automotive Company, said: "In the Saloon and Estate models, no less than 11 new or optimized assistance systems from the future S-Class celebrate their world premiere. They combine a host of comfort and safety features, all of which Mercedes-Benz refers to as "intelligent drive."
"For the first time, the E-Class is equipped with systems that can help to prevent accidents with crossing vehicles or pedestrians, active Lane Keeping Assist which can help to prevent accidents with oncoming traffic, or anti-glare continuous high-beam headlamps," he added.
He further noted that Mercedes-Benz is underscoring its leading position as a safety pioneer. The new E-Class makes a significant step forward when it comes to efficiency and ecology too. This comes courtesy of new, powerful BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engines featuring sophisticated direct injection technology. This powerful development boost is reflected to exciting effect in the design of the E-Class. With its new design the E-Class encapsulates efficiency, intelligence and emotional appeal in a visually superior manner.
The E-Class features a new front-end design as well as new proportions through intelligent changes. When it came to the modifications, the designers followed the new Mercedes design idiom and reinterpreted the classical design values of the brand using the existing basis. The result is a superior and refined, sporty appearance.
The new E-Class is already fitted with a comprehensive series of high-quality appointments as standard. The new optional highlights, meanwhile, include Hands-Free Access. This enables the boot lid to be opened and closed without actual physical contact by simply holding your foot beneath the bumper, and is therefore extremely convenient when loading and unloading the vehicle.
The car comes in three different engines. The first is a 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine and produces 211 hp, 350 nm torque. The second is a 3.5 liter, V6 and produces 252 hp and 340 nm torque. The third is 4.7-liter, V8 and produces 408 hp and 600 nm torque.
Mercedes-Benz will also offer two transmissions for the E-Class in the future — a six-speed manual transmission with high ease of shifting and short shift travel, and the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission with Direct Select lever and Direct Select shift paddles. This latest stage of evolution of the 7G-Tronic Plus provides significant advantages in terms of efficiency and ease of maintenance.
A new feature is the short-term M mode. The benefit of this is if the driver has shifted up or down manually after a set period of time, the transmission independently switches back to automatic, fuel-efficient shift mode.
Traction and driving stability can also be improved in the new E-Class with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system — particularly in difficult road conditions.
Juffali launches new Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Juffali launches new Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Thai coffee chains cut default sugar content in coffee and tea drinks in a new health push
- The Health Department says Thais consume 21 teaspoons of sugar daily, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended six teaspoons
- Officials warn this increases obesity and diabetes risks. A survey found iced coffee and bubble tea contain high sugar levels
BANGKOK: For many Thais, a meal doesn’t feel complete without an iced coffee or tea so sugary it could pass for dessert. The government, concerned about the health consequences, wants them to dial it back.
Starting Wednesday, nine major coffee chains across the country have pledged to cut the default sugar content in some of their drinks by half in a government initiative aimed at tackling excessive sugar consumption.
According to the Health Department, Thais consume an average of 21 teaspoons of sugar per day, more than three times the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of six teaspoons. Health officials warn that such high intake increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and other diseases.
The initiative is the first significant step to change consumers’ sugar consumption behavior, said Amporn Benjaponpitak, the director general of the department.
Pakorn Tungkasereerak, the department’s deputy, said 2025 data show that about 45 percent of Thais aged 15 and older are obese, while 10 percent of the population has diabetes.
A survey by the Bureau of Nutrition found that a 22-ounce (650-milliliter) iced coffee contains an average of nine teaspoons of sugar, while a 10-ounce (300-milliliter) serving of bubble milk tea — an iced milk tea with tapioca pearls known as boba — can contain as much as 12 teaspoons.
Sirinya Kuiklang, an office worker, said she approves of the changes. She already orders her drinks at just 25 percent of the standard sugar level, but she is aware that many others consume too much sugar.
“It’s good for Thai people,” she said.
Another office worker, Porwares Tantikanpanit, said he has enjoyed his non-coffee beverages at their current sugar levels but is willing to adjust if shops reduce the sweetness.
However, putting the policy into practice may prove challenging. Officials have said each brand can apply the initiative as they see fit.
Some customers have expressed confusion in response to social media posts promoting the initiative, asking how to order drinks with the level of sweetness that they prefer. Several brands said that the reduction applies only to certain menu items.
