Luxury carmakers toughen efforts in race for electric SUVs

Korea’s imported car market is shaping up to be a battleground for electric SUVs, as global automakers rush to roll out high-performance, premium all-electric cars with strong commercial appeal this year. German luxury brands, such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, are set to lead the trend, with other overseas carmakers jumping on the bandwagon with their new electric models. BMW Korea plans to launch the all-new iX3 in the second half of this year, marking the first mass-produced model featuring the carmaker’s next-generation “Neue Klasse” electric platform. Designed for efficiency, the electric SUV boasts a driving range of up to 805 kilometers under European standards and supports ultrafast charging via an 800-volt high-voltage system. BMW aims to apply the Neue Klasse platform to about 40 new and upgraded models by 2027, a strategy intended to rapidly expand its electric vehicle (EV) lineup and secure a competitive edge in the upcoming era of EVs. Mercedes-Benz Korea is also scheduled to launch its all-electric premium compact SUV, the GLC with EQ Technology. The vehicle was ranked a