The spectrum of the electric vehicle market in South Korea is expected to expand even further in 2023.

The launch of Kia’s large electric SUV, the EV9, is set to inject new energy into the domestic electric vehicle market. The high-priced luxury brand Rolls Royce has also hinted at entering the market with its electric Spectre.

The Kia EV9 is the star of 2023. It is a large electric SUV equipped with Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated E-GMP platform and can travel up to 482 km on a full charge. The Kia EV9 is scheduled to debut in the South Korean market in the first half of next year.

Ssangyong’s Torres will also be available as an electric vehicle in the second half of next year.

In the imported electric vehicle market, the dominance of SUVs continues. Mercedes-Benz is set to introduce the EQS SUV in the domestic market. The EQS SUV is a large 7-seater electric SUV and ranks at the top of the Mercedes EQ lineup, alongside the EQS sedan. The EQS SUV can travel over 600 km based on WLTP standards, with a certified maximum driving range of 459 km in South Korea.

Polestar will launch its flagship model, the Polestar 3, a large SUV, in the second half of next year. The Polestar 3 can travel up to 600 km based on WLTP standards and will showcase highway autonomous driving technology enhanced by NVIDIA’s lidar and AI features.

While Mercedes and Polestar focus on luxury electric SUVs, BMW is expanding the market with an entry-level electric SUV. BMW is set to release the compact electric SUV iX1 in the first half of next year. This model will compete with the Benz EQA in the domestic market, capable of traveling up to 440 km based on WLTP standards.

Cadillac will introduce the Lyriq, which is a luxury crossover model equipped with a 102 kWh high-capacity battery. With a single motor, it achieves a maximum output of 345 horsepower and a peak torque of 44.9 kg.m. Based on EPA standards, it can travel up to 312 miles (499 km).

Rolls Royce will also launch its pure electric model, the Spectre. The Spectre is the brand’s first fully electric car and achieves the lowest drag coefficient of 0.25 in Rolls Royce history. Moreover, it can travel up to 520 km based on WLTP standards, delivering a maximum output of 584 horsepower and peak torque of 91.6 kg.m.

Deliveries to the first customers will begin in the fourth quarter of next year, with the Spectre’s price set to fall between the Cullinan and Phantom.

Contact: 이상진 daedusj@autodiary.kr