GM launches Buick in S. Korea with Electra E7 plug-in hybrid SUV - Yonhap News Agency

SEOUL, Sept. 30 (Yonhap) -- General Motors said Wednesday it will launch its premium Buick brand in South Korea, introducing the Electra E7 plug-in hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV) as the brand's first model in the country.

GM Korea Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hector Villarreal said Buick will join Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac in GM's South Korean portfolio, as the U.S. automaker seeks to broaden its premium offerings in the local market.

South Korea will become Buick's second market outside North America, according to GM Korea.

"With more than 120 years of global heritage, Buick now joins Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC as the fourth global brand in GM Korea's portfolio," Villarreal said during a media showcase event in Seoul. "Each of these brands brings its own identity and strengths, allowing us to serve different customer needs and preferences."

Buick's Electra E7 is displayed during a media showcase at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul on Sept. 30, 2026, in this photo provided by GM Korea Co. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Leading Buick's entry into South Korea is the Electra E7, a plug-in hybrid SUV powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine and a 165-kilowatt electric motor.

Its 31.7 kilowatt-hour battery provides an all-electric range of up to 126 kilometers, while the gasoline engine and electric motor together extend the combined range to more than 1,000 km, enough for a round trip between Seoul and Busan without refueling, according to the company.

The Electra E7 offers EV, battery-hold and i-HEV modes and supports DC fast charging, which can charge the battery from 30 percent to 80 percent in about 20 minutes.

Buick plans to offer the Electra E7 in four trim levels, priced between around 43 million won (US$31,680) and 54 million won, with sales set to begin in November.

Buick's Electra E7 is seen in this photo provided by GM Korea Co. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)