120-Year Legacy Buick Debuts in Korea… Launch of 1,000km-Range Electra E7
PHEV Starting from 43 Million Won Range
Features Include Hot/Cold Fridge and Massage Seats
GM Korea is launching the Buick 'Electra E7' plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sport utility vehicle (SUV) in Korea for the first time. Buick is a premium brand with a 120-year history.
Following GM's 'multi-brand' strategy, the company is now introducing its fourth brand to Korea, joining Chevrolet, the luxury brand Cadillac, and the premium SUV and pickup truck brand GMC.
Hector Villarreal, President and CEO of GM Korea, said at a media showcase held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul on September 30, "With the launch of Buick, we can offer Korean customers even broader choices," adding, "This symbolizes GM’s continued commitment to the Korean market."
Founded in 1903, Buick is the oldest automotive brand in the United States. In 1938, the company debuted the Y-Job, recognized as the world's first concept car, solidifying its status as a symbol of luxury vehicles.
The Electra E7, unveiled today, features a PHEV system combining a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine and a 165 kW drive motor, enabling it to travel over 1,000 km on a single charge. It supports a variety of modes, including EV (electric vehicle), power maintenance, and i-HEV. Outfitted with a battery of up to 31.7 kWh, the vehicle can travel up to 126 km in combined EV mode. Thanks to DC fast charging capability, the battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in about 20 minutes.
With dimensions of 4,850 mm in length, 1,910 mm in width, 1,675 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,850 mm, the vehicle offers a spacious interior. The exterior is marked by a distinctive shark nose front fascia that conveys a strong presence. Signature Galaxy Wing headlamps and taillights feature seamlessly connected animation when illuminated, creating a unified lighting signature.
The streamlined body is engineered to reduce air resistance, optimizing airflow. A glass roof provides a smooth silhouette, abundant natural light, and a sense of openness within the cabin. The real-time smart active (CDC) suspension senses driving conditions and road changes in real time, automatically adjusting damping force to deliver a more stable ride quality.
The interior is designed as a premium lounge, providing a variety of comfort features. Both front and rear seats offer heating and ventilation, while the massaging front seats come with multipoint massage and therapy modes to help occupants relax. The front passenger zero-gravity mode and power-reclining second-row seats allow simple adjustment to Queen Bed mode, linking the front and rear seats, as well as Boss mode, which creates extra space for rear passengers.
A 15.6-inch high-resolution center display and an 8.8-inch digital cluster allow intuitive access to vehicle information and various features. Dual multipurpose tables for the second row, a built-in fridge and freezer, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability—which lets users leverage the car’s battery as an external power supply—offer additional versatility. The vehicle will be available in four trims, with pricing starting in the 43 million won range and going up to the 54 million won range, with sales beginning in November.
Lee Eunjung, Executive Director of Marketing at GM Korea, stated, "The Electra E7 delivers sophisticated design, top-of-class features, and attention to detail, reflecting all the values that Korean customers expect from a premium vehicle today," adding, "It will stand out for its differentiated comfort and satisfaction in everyday driving."
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President Villarreal also remarked, "By introducing four brands in Korea, we have broadened the range of choices available to customers," noting, "We expect solid performance since we can target a wide spectrum of customers."
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