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GM to launch Buick in South Korea with Electra E7; Porsche brings Cayenne Electric

General Motors said it will launch its premium Buick brand in South Korea with the Electra E7 plug-in hybrid SUV, while Porsche Korea said it will launch the all-electric Cayenne Electric.

GM Korea CEO Hector Villarreal said Buick will join Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac in GM's South Korean portfolio, as the U.S. automaker seeks to broaden its premium offerings in the local market. South Korea will become Buick's second market outside North America, according to GM Korea. "With more than 120 years of global heritage, Buick now joins Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC as the fourth global brand in GM Korea's portfolio," Villarreal said during a media showcase event in Seoul. "Each of these brands brings its own identity and strengths, allowing us to serve different customer needs and preferences."

The Electra E7 is a plug-in hybrid SUV powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine and a 165-kilowatt electric motor. Its 31.7 kilowatt-hour battery provides an all-electric range of up to 126 kilometers, while the gasoline engine and electric motor together extend the combined range to more than 1,000 km, enough for a round trip between Seoul and Busan without refueling, according to the company. The Electra E7 offers EV, battery-hold and i-HEV modes and supports DC fast charging, which can charge the battery from 30 percent to 80 percent in about 20 minutes. Buick plans to offer the Electra E7 in four trim levels, priced between around 43 million won (US$31,680) and 54 million won, with sales set to begin in November.

In a separate announcement, Porsche Korea said it will launch the Cayenne Electric, the brand's second all-electric SUV, in South Korea. The lineup will include the Cayenne Electric, Cayenne S Electric and top-end Cayenne Turbo Electric, with coupe variants to follow. Powered by a 113-kilowatt-hour battery, the Cayenne Electric offers a maximum driving range of 512 kilometers on a single charge, while the Turbo Electric provides up to 468 km. The Cayenne Electric is priced from 142.3 million won (US$104,700), while the Cayenne Turbo Electric starts at 189.6 million won.

Editor's Summary

General Motors is launching its Buick brand in South Korea with the Electra E7 plug-in hybrid SUV, expanding its premium lineup alongside Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac. Porsche Korea is also introducing the all-electric Cayenne Electric, its second EV SUV in the market, with the announced trims, range and prices. Both launches add new electrified SUV options to South Korea's imported vehicle market.