Seoul:General Motors has announced the introduction of its premium Buick brand into the South Korean market with the launch of the Electra E7 plug-in hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV). This marks Buick's debut in South Korea and the Electra E7 will be the first model available in the country.
According to Yonhap News Agency, GM Korea's Chief Executive Officer Hector Villarreal stated that Buick will join Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac in GM's South Korean portfolio. This move is part of GM's strategy to expand its premium offerings in the local market, with South Korea becoming Buick's second market outside of North America.
The Electra E7, which features a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine coupled with a 165-kilowatt electric motor, is leading Buick's entry into South Korea. Its 31.7 kilowatt-hour battery offers an all-electric range of up to 126 kilometers, while the combination of its gasoline engine and electric motor extends the range to over 1,000 kilometers, sufficient for a round trip between Seoul and Busan without the need for refueling.
The vehicle supports EV, battery-hold, and i-HEV modes, and is equipped with DC fast charging capabilities, allowing the battery to charge from 30 percent to 80 percent in approximately 20 minutes. Buick plans to offer the Electra E7 in four trim levels, with prices ranging from around 43 million won (US$31,680) to 54 million won. Sales are expected to commence in November.