[Imported Cars Mid-Year Review] In the End, 'New Cars' Matter... Flooding the Market in the Second Half

5 Series and E-Class Complete Redesign Launch Scheduled
Sales Expected to Rise Through Discounts on Previous Models
Audi and Toyota Releasing Various Models

In the second half of this year, imported car companies are launching aggressive new car releases. BMW plans to block Mercedes-Benz's 8-year consecutive No. 1 title by leading with the mid-to-large sedan 5 Series and the sport utility vehicles (SUVs) X5 and X6. Mercedes-Benz will counter with new SUV models such as the GLC and EQE. Audi's new car offensive to maintain its third-place position will also continue.

BMW will release the fully redesigned 8th generation 5 Series in October, the first in six years. This model, launched in 1972, has sold over 80 million units worldwide and was the best-selling car in South Korea in the first half of this year. The 5 Series, significantly enhanced not only in performance and design but also in infotainment, offers a variety of powertrains including internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and pure electric vehicles. The electric i5, the first electric 5 Series, can travel up to 582 km on a single charge based on the European WLTP standard.

Mercedes-Benz will introduce a fully redesigned version of its best-selling mid-size SUV, the GLC, which has been available for pre-orders since the 8th of last month. This is the third-generation model, with internal combustion engine trims (diesel and gasoline) launching first. All trims feature a 48V mild hybrid system. Compared to the previous generation, the body and wheelbase have been extended by 55 mm and 15 mm, respectively. The mid-to-large electric SUV model EQE SUV will also be released. It features a more spacious interior and comes standard with advanced driving assistance systems (Driving Assistance Package Plus). The fully redesigned E-Class model is currently accepting pre-orders but is expected to be officially launched in the first half of next year.

Since both companies’ pillars of sales, the mid-to-large sedans, are fully redesigned, demand for previous models is also expected to increase. Dealers responsible for sales are conducting various discount events to sell as much remaining inventory as possible ahead of the new car launches.

Audi S8 L TFSI [Photo by Audi Korea]

Audi is rushing new car releases in the second half to maintain its third-place position. This week, it officially launched the high-performance flagship sedan S8 (facelift), the A7 PHEV model, and the Q3 gasoline model. These cater to diverse consumer demands as high-performance vehicles, eco-friendly cars, and gasoline models preferred over diesel, respectively. The Q4 e-tron model year change, which sold out within two months of its launch last year, has been available for pre-orders since last month. Additionally, Audi plans to release high-performance models S8 and RS3 to increase profits.

Korea Toyota Motor, which imports Lexus and Toyota, has decided to introduce vehicles not previously brought into Korea. The mid-to-large SUV Highlander Hybrid and the large luxury minivan Alphard are on standby for launch. The "original hybrid" Prius is also scheduled for release in November. Lexus expects increased demand for its first electric vehicle RZ, launched last month, and the 5th generation RX model.

[Photo by Korea Toyota Motor]

Volvo Car Korea is reportedly considering the launch of the compact electric SUV EX30, unveiled in June. If this vehicle is not released, Volvo will have a year without any new cars. Porsche plans to release a facelifted Cayenne model in the third quarter of this year. Attention is focused on whether the company will surpass annual sales of 10,000 units.

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