"New Cars Flood the Market"... Imported Eco-Friendly Vehicles Released One After Another

Ford Announces First Launch with 6th Gen Explorer PHEV
'Eco-Friendly Declaration' Volvo Equips New 3 Models with B Engine
BMW Releases X5 PHEV Following X3 and 3 Series

Ford Explorer PHEV (Photo by Ford Sales Service Korea)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Major imported car brands are continuously launching eco-friendly models in the domestic market. With electric and hybrid vehicle sales growing to nearly 20% of the domestic imported car market and demand rapidly increasing, companies are eagerly entering the market one after another.

According to the imported car industry on the 23rd, Ford launched the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model of its popular Explorer on the 20th in Korea. By adding the PHEV model to the 6th generation Explorer introduced last November, Ford has made its first challenge in the domestic PHEV market. The new model is said to combine the existing strengths of the Explorer, such as space utilization and technology, with enhanced driving performance and fuel efficiency.

The Explorer PHEV is equipped with a 3.0 V6 GTDI engine. This engine delivers a maximum output of 405 horsepower and a maximum torque of 57.3 kg·m. It is paired with an electric motor producing a maximum output of 75 kW. Additionally, it features a rear-wheel-drive-based all-wheel-drive system and an automatic 10-speed transmission, providing excellent driving performance.

Volvo's new standard powertrain B5 48V mild hybrid (Photo by Volvo Cars Korea)

On the same day, Volvo Car Korea released the 2021 models of three vehicles: the mid-size sedan S60, the mid-size Cross Country (V60), and the compact SUV XC40. These models are equipped with the new standard powertrain ‘B engine,’ which incorporates 48V mild hybrid technology.

Earlier, Volvo Korea declared that from the 2021 model year, all models would be launched as mild hybrids or plug-in hybrids instead of pure diesel or gasoline. This is a proactive response starting with the Korean market in line with the global headquarters’ carbon emission reduction plan to achieve climate neutrality by 2040.

The B5 engine applied to the S60 and V60 delivers a maximum output of 250 horsepower and a maximum torque of 35.7 kg·m. The B4 engine installed in the XC40 produces a maximum output of 197 horsepower and a maximum torque of 30.6 kg·m. The B engine supports about 14 additional horsepower by assisting the engine output.

BMW New X5 xDrive45e (Photo by BMW Korea)

Earlier this month, BMW launched the second-generation PHEV model of its flagship Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the 'New X5 xDrive45e.' It combines the premium luxury and versatility of a large SAV with the fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness advantages of a PHEV.

With an electric motor producing up to 113 horsepower and a 24 kWh high-voltage battery, it offers the longest electric mode driving range among BMW’s PHEV models. It can travel up to 54 km in electric mode without using fuel. Additionally, the combination with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine delivers a maximum output of 394 horsepower and a maximum torque of 61.2 kg·m.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.