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Behind the Wheel In series
Behind the wheel of the latest cars.
#Cars
# Driving
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Behind the Wheel In series
Behind the wheel of the latest cars.
Would you like to subscribe?
Mercedes-AMG SL 43 aims at young, single and rich
Mercedes-Benz' iconic three-pointed star carries a distinctive aura. But the high-performance Mercedes-AMG vehicles project a next-level presence. In case of the Mercedes-AMG SL 43, a luxury roadster recently launched in the Korean market, the imposing convertible is an enticing choice for young, single drivers seeking an unforgettable ride. The Korea Herald got to check out the new vehicle in a test drive that included urban, rural and highway driving. Measuring at 4,705 millimeters in length,
July 22, 2025 - 10:39:56
KG Mobility's Actyon Hybrid blends EV-like smoothness with SUV practicality
KG Mobility, with its expertise in sport utility vehicles, is stepping up its hybrid rollout as it aims to break out of the so-called “three middles” of Korea’s auto industry: Renault Korea, General Motors Korea and itself. KG Mobility launched the Actyon Hybrid in early July, just four months after introducing its first hybrid, the Torres Hybrid. In that short time, the company has enhanced the hybrid system’s capabilities and driving experience, while successfully leveraging its strengths in S
July 14, 2025 - 14:58:07
Family car makes driving fun: Renault Scenic E-Tech
Many family vehicles boast ample space, safety and convenience features, and entertainment options over impressive driving performance, but the all-electric Renault Scenic E-Tech SUV has it all. The Korea Herald tried out the French automaker’s sport utility vehicle over a 214-kilometer course on Wednesday, navigating the bustling streets of Seoul before hitting the highways and winding roads of Gyeonggi Province. At first glance, the Renault Scenic E-Tech looks like a younger brother of the Ren
July 13, 2025 - 14:32:43
Volvo XC90 returns with upgraded infotainment, refined comfort
Swedish carmaker Volvo’s XC90 sport utility vehicle, one of the most popular luxury family car models in South Korea, has made a grand return with its upgraded, customer-centric infotainment systems and enhanced ride quality. Building on the success of the S90 sedan, the XC90 became the second bestselling Volvo vehicle in the Korean market last year, with 1,616 units sold, representing 10.7 percent of the total sales volume. Although sales saw a slight dip due to the anticipation of a new model
July 11, 2025 - 00:00:00
Maserati Grecale Folgore: Electric smoothness meets sporty spirit
Italian premium automaker Maserati has launched its first full-electric sport utility vehicle, the Grecale Folgore, in Korea, joining the recent wave of global carmakers introducing new models to the country’s growing SUV market. Despite the shift to an electric powertrain, the model preserves Maserati’s hallmark blend of sleek design and dynamic performance found in its combustion-engine vehicles. On Wednesday, The Korea Herald test-drove the SUV on a 140-kilometer route between Coex in souther
June 1, 2025 - 12:03:24
Land Rover’s powerful Defender tackles Korea's terrain in style
British premium sport utility vehicle brand Land Rover has launched the Defender OCTA in Korea, the most powerful model in its Defender lineup. The new flagship combines upgraded engine performance with improved off-road capability and enhanced on-road comfort, made possible by a refined suspension system. On Thursday, The Korea Herald test-drove the Defender OCTA in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, on public roads and an off-road course, including high-speed taxi runs with a professional driver on s
May 26, 2025 - 09:00:00
New Cadillac Escalade resonates symphony of success
The Cadillac Escalade has long been regarded as an American icon of success as the flagship, luxury sport utility vehicle of General Motors. Now the new, facelifted Escalade has touched down in the Korean market with its incomparable aura. The Korea Herald had a chance to get behind the wheel of the new Escalade for a 120-kilometer test drive in Seoul and Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces last week. The test drive began at the parking tower of the Grand Walkerhill Seoul. The five-star hotel is no s
April 28, 2025 - 14:17:59
Musso EV boasts longevity with surprising comfort
KG Mobility’s Musso, a signature five-seater pickup truck from the Korean sport utility maker, has come back as the brand’s first all-electric pickup truck. The Musso EV inherited the predecessor’s built-for-toughness features while enhancing comfort and convenience. Better yet, it boasts an impressive driving distance of up to 400 kilometers per charge. The Korea Herald recently got to take a Musso EV for a 40 km test drive on inner city roads, highways and countryside paths in southern Seoul a
April 11, 2025 - 09:00:00
Audi’s new Q6 e-tron blends power, comfort and quiet luxury
German carmaker eyes Korean rebound with 16 new vehicle launches this year Audi, once renowned alongside BMW and Mercedes-Benz as a member of the “German Big Three” in South Korea, faced a 47.9 percent decline in sales, dropping to 9,304 vehicles and ranking seventh in 2024. Starting with the all-new Audi Q6 e-tron -- a premium midsized all-electric SUV that combines comfort and sportiness ideal for a family car -- Audi Korea is set to launch 16 models this year, seeking a turnaround in the Kore
April 9, 2025 - 14:05:34
Kia's first pickup, Tasman, boasts power, comfort and utility
Kia launched its first pickup truck, the Tasman, in Korea in February, aiming to revitalize Korea’s declining pickup market by appealing to the growing number of leisure enthusiasts. With advanced off-road technology, uncompromised by its affordable starting price of 37.5 million won ($25,475), it recorded sales of 4,000 units in its first month after launch, equivalent to around 30 percent of Korea’s overall pickup sales in 2024. On Monday, the Korea Herald test-drove the top-tier Tasman X-Pro
April 3, 2025 - 08:30:00
Built for the wild: Lexus LX700h tackles Korean terrain in style
Toyota’s premium brand, Lexus, launched its LX700h sport utility vehicle in Korea on March 17. This is the first time an LX model has been introduced to Korea since the flagship SUV lineup‘s debut in 1996. The LX 700h is equipped with advanced technology to handle outdoor conditions, featuring a gasoline-hybrid powertrain and a refined interior designed for in-car comfort. On March 19, The Korea Herald test-drove the SUV on both off-road and 120-kilometer on-road sections. The 5,095-millimeter-l
March 25, 2025 - 11:06:55
Upgraded GV70 EV offers longer drives, more athletic elegance
Genesis’ all-electric sport utility vehicle boasts improved range of 423 km per full charge Genesis' introduction of its first medium-sized all-electric sport utility vehicle in 2022 opened new possibilities as to how a battery-powered SUV could lead the EV transition in the luxury SUV segment. About three years later, the GV70 EV is back with upgrades to not only its already athletic elegance, but its driving distance as well. The Korea Herald recently got to check out the upgraded GV70 in a te
March 24, 2025 - 09:30:05
Porsche Macan EV, too good to be electric
Porsche is seeking a turnaround in South Korea, its fifth-largest market, with the Macan Electric, an electrified version of its bestselling sport utility vehicle and its first all-electric model. In 2023, the German luxury carmaker reached a milestone achievement by exceeding annual sales of 10,000 units in Korea for the first time. However, with sales dropping by nearly 30 percent last year, the success was short-lived. “(The gas-powered) Macan has been in production for over 10 years. With tw
March 16, 2025 - 14:35:25
Mini Aceman: The all-electric new kid on the block
First EV model blends innovation with iconic brand's timeless appeal BMW Group’s premium compact SUV brand Mini has held a unique position in the auto market thanks to its rounded, approachable design paired with go-kart-like driving performance. The new all-electric Mini Aceman, the brand’s first dedicated EV model, is poised to expand its dedicated fan base by offering a fresh alternative. The Korea Herald got to take the wheel of the Mini Aceman during the German automaker’s launch ceremony f
March 14, 2025 - 17:29:31
Smooth, smart and spacious: Hyundai Ioniq 9 redefines family EVs
Korean auto giant targets 6,500 unit sales at home; eyes US production to spur growth Hyundai Motor Company has debuted the Ioniq 9, its first electrified family sport utility vehicle, boasting a powerful yet smooth ride alongside enhanced battery safety. With strategic production plans targeting major global markets, including the US and Europe, the automotive giant aims to revitalize demand for battery-powered mobility. “We are in an EV chasm, which has led to a stagnation phase. We plan to sp
Feb. 13, 2025 - 08:30:00
