Luxury electric vehicles are rapidly entering the market.
Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the Maybach EQS SUV and electric G-Class in the domestic market in the second half of this year. The Maybach EQS SUV made its debut last August at the EQ Wonderland held at Kintex, making it the brand’s first fully electric model.
The Maybach EQS SUV boasts a maximum range of 611 km based on WLTP standards, with an impressive output of 484 kW (658 horsepower) and a peak torque of 950 Nm (96.9 kg.m). It can cover a distance of 220 km in just 15 minutes of fast charging, and it takes only 31 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% battery capacity.
Another dark horse from Mercedes-Benz this year is the electric G-Class. Unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show last April, this model can travel up to 473 km under WLTP testing, showcasing powerful performance with an output of 587 horsepower and a peak torque of 118.8 kg.m. To improve off-road capabilities, its center of gravity has been lowered. The 12 battery modules are protected by three cooling layers that prevent water and dust ingress. Additionally, the battery’s underside is shielded by a carbon plate, eliminating worries of undercarriage scrapes during off-road use.
Cadillac has launched its first coupe-style electric SUV, the Lyriq. Built on GM’s dedicated Ultium platform, the Lyriq features a Cadillac logo on the front, a black crystal panel, vertical headlights, and a futuristic design that the brand aspires to. The roof line, sloping from the A-pillar to the C-pillar, enhances the dynamic character unique to the Lyriq. The vehicle is equipped with motors on both the front and rear axles, delivering a peak output of 500 horsepower and a torque of 62.2 kg.m. Additionally, with a 102 kWh large-capacity battery, it has received certification for a maximum driving range of 465 km according to domestic standards, which closely aligns with the American rating of 307 miles (494 km). The domestic selling price of the Lyriq is 100 million 690 thousand won.
Audi has launched the large electric SUV, the Q8 e-tron. This model is an improved version of the Audi e-tron, which was released in 2020. By adding ‘Q8’ to the e-tron name, Audi emphasizes that this is their flagship model within the e-tron lineup.
The Q8 e-tron is available in three trim levels: Q8 e-tron, Q8 e-tron Sportback, and the new SQ8 e-tron Sportback. The Q8 e-tron is divided into the 50 e-tron quattro and 55 e-tron quattro, while the Q8 e-tron Sportback comes only with the 55 e-quattro trim, and the SQ8 e-tron Sportback also has a single trim level.
The core models of the Q8, the 55 e-tron quattro and Q8 55 e-quattro, are powered by a large-capacity 114 kWh battery, delivering a peak output of 408 horsepower and a maximum torque of 67.71 kg.m. They can accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds.
The Q8 50 e-tron has a peak output of 340 horsepower and a maximum torque of 67.71 kg.m, while the SQ8 Sportback e-tron delivers a powerful output of 503 horsepower and a maximum torque of 99.24 kg.m.
The maximum distance achieved with a single charge according to domestic standards for the Q8 55 e-tron quattro is 368 km, whereas the Q8 55 e-tron Sportback quattro received a rating of 351 km. The Q8 50 e-tron can travel 298 km, and the SQ8 e-tron quattro can cover 303 km.
The pricing for the new Q8 50 e-tron quattro is 108 million won, the new Q8 55 e-tron quattro is priced at 120 million 600 thousand won, the new Q8 55 e-tron quattro premium costs 131 million 600 thousand won, the new Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro is at 124 million 600 thousand won, the new Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro premium is at 135 million 600 thousand won, and the new SQ8 Sportback e-tron is priced at 154 million 600 thousand won.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr