KG Mobility’s Musso, a signature five-seater pickup truck from the Korean sport utility maker, has come back as the brand’s first all-electric pickup truck. The Musso EV inherited the predecessor’s built-for-toughness features while enhancing comfort and convenience. Better yet, it boasts an impressive driving distance of up to 400 kilometers per charge. The Korea Herald recently got to take a Musso EV for a 40 km test drive on inner city roads, highways and countryside paths in southern Seoul a

German carmaker eyes Korean rebound with 16 new vehicle launches this year Audi, once renowned alongside BMW and Mercedes-Benz as a member of the “German Big Three” in South Korea, faced a 47.9 percent decline in sales, dropping to 9,304 vehicles and ranking seventh in 2024. Starting with the all-new Audi Q6 e-tron -- a premium midsized all-electric SUV that combines comfort and sportiness ideal for a family car -- Audi Korea is set to launch 16 models this year, seeking a turnaround in the Kore

Kia launched its first pickup truck, the Tasman, in Korea in February, aiming to revitalize Korea’s declining pickup market by appealing to the growing number of leisure enthusiasts. With advanced off-road technology, uncompromised by its affordable starting price of 37.5 million won ($25,475), it recorded sales of 4,000 units in its first month after launch, equivalent to around 30 percent of Korea’s overall pickup sales in 2024. On Monday, the Korea Herald test-drove the top-tier Tasman X-Pro

Toyota’s premium brand, Lexus, launched its LX700h sport utility vehicle in Korea on March 17. This is the first time an LX model has been introduced to Korea since the flagship SUV lineup‘s debut in 1996. The LX 700h is equipped with advanced technology to handle outdoor conditions, featuring a gasoline-hybrid powertrain and a refined interior designed for in-car comfort. On March 19, The Korea Herald test-drove the SUV on both off-road and 120-kilometer on-road sections. The 5,095-millimeter-l

Genesis’ all-electric sport utility vehicle boasts improved range of 423 km per full charge Genesis' introduction of its first medium-sized all-electric sport utility vehicle in 2022 opened new possibilities as to how a battery-powered SUV could lead the EV transition in the luxury SUV segment. About three years later, the GV70 EV is back with upgrades to not only its already athletic elegance, but its driving distance as well. The Korea Herald recently got to check out the upgraded GV70 in a te

Porsche is seeking a turnaround in South Korea, its fifth-largest market, with the Macan Electric, an electrified version of its bestselling sport utility vehicle and its first all-electric model. In 2023, the German luxury carmaker reached a milestone achievement by exceeding annual sales of 10,000 units in Korea for the first time. However, with sales dropping by nearly 30 percent last year, the success was short-lived. “(The gas-powered) Macan has been in production for over 10 years. With tw

First EV model blends innovation with iconic brand's timeless appeal BMW Group’s premium compact SUV brand Mini has held a unique position in the auto market thanks to its rounded, approachable design paired with go-kart-like driving performance. The new all-electric Mini Aceman, the brand’s first dedicated EV model, is poised to expand its dedicated fan base by offering a fresh alternative. The Korea Herald got to take the wheel of the Mini Aceman during the German automaker’s launch ceremony f

Korean auto giant targets 6,500 unit sales at home; eyes US production to spur growth Hyundai Motor Company has debuted the Ioniq 9, its first electrified family sport utility vehicle, boasting a powerful yet smooth ride alongside enhanced battery safety. With strategic production plans targeting major global markets, including the US and Europe, the automotive giant aims to revitalize demand for battery-powered mobility. “We are in an EV chasm, which has led to a stagnation phase. We plan to sp

The Volvo EX30, the Swedish automaker’s compact electric sport utility vehicle, is set to hit Korean roads, offering a blend of Swedish simplicity, practicality and the brand’s core value of safety in a compact form. The Korea Herald test-drove the rear-wheel-drive Ultra trim — the top-tier version — on Feb. 4 on a 130-kilometer round-trip journey between Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, and Ulsan as part of a media event. Wrapped in bright, earthy tones, the EX30’s fluid body exudes a soft, r

Revamped family SUV offers hybrid variant and nine-seater for 1st time, competes head on with Kia Carnival Hyundai Motor's flagship family sport utility vehicle, the Palisade, sparked a comeback after six years in Korea, offering a roaring drive and upgraded comfort. The automaker previously avoided direct competition with its smaller sibling, Kia, by excluding hybrid and nine-seater variants. However, with these offerings alongside additional premium features, the competition to lead the large