‘The New Grandeur’ Surpasses 10,000 Pre-Orders on First Day
Interior Highlights Spaciousness… Equipped with Advanced Features
‘The New Mercedes-Benz S-Class’
Exceeds 1,000 Pre-Orders in Four Days
Over 50% of Components Redesigned
Even in the midst of the SUV boom, where the center of gravity in the automotive market has shifted to SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles), traditional powerhouse sedans are staging a spectacular comeback. The main protagonists are Hyundai Motor Company’s flagship mid-to-large sedan, the “The New Grandeur,” and Mercedes-Benz’s pride in the imported large flagship segment, the “The New S-Class.”
‘Full Model Change’ Pays Off… ‘The New Grandeur’ Surpasses 10,000 Units on Launch Day
The “The New Grandeur,” a boldly refreshed facelift model introduced by Hyundai Motor Company, set a new milestone from its very first day on the market. Unveiled on the 14th, “The New Grandeur” recorded over 10,000 pre-orders on the first day alone, generating explosive demand. This is the second-highest record among all Grandeur facelift models, following the 17,294 units set by the sixth-generation Grandeur (IG) facelift model released in November 2019.
This popularity can be attributed to changes that go beyond a simple annual update and amount to a full model transformation. Hyundai Motor Company revamped both the exterior and interior design of “The New Grandeur.”
The previously split front radiator grille has been unified, and a new mesh pattern has been applied to the grille design. The front headlamps and rear tail lamps have been made slimmer. Hyundai Motor Company explained that the turn signals have been moved to the top for a more integrated appearance. The overall length has increased by 15 mm compared to the previous model, now measuring 5,050 mm. Other dimensions include a width of 1,880 mm, a height of 1,460 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,895 mm.
The interior emphasizes spaciousness while maximizing the comfort expected of a flagship sedan by generously using premium materials. The dashboard instrument panel behind the steering wheel has been replaced with a more compact 9.9-inch “slim display.” In addition, a large 17-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio capable of running Pleos Connect (Pleos) is installed at the center.
The integration of advanced technologies is another factor attracting consumers. Through Pleos, passengers can access not only navigation but also media, vehicle control, and various other features. Notably, the car is equipped with “Glaeo AI,” an artificial intelligence based on a large language model (LLM). It can understand driver intent and context, going beyond simple commands.
To use Glaeo AI, you simply press the voice recognition button on the steering wheel and give a command. For example, if the window is already open and you say “open the window,” it will reply, “The window is already open.” If you command, “open the rear window,” it will immediately lower the rear window, thereby enhancing driving convenience.
The new Grandeur is available with four engine options: ▲2.5 gasoline ▲3.5 gasoline ▲3.5 LPG ▲1.6 turbo hybrid gasoline. The top trim, Calligraphy, has increased in price by around 5 million won, now ranging from 47.1 million to 52.36 million won. The hybrid model of the new Grandeur starts at 48.64 million won. As the official eco-friendly car announcement has not yet been made, the price reflecting tax benefits has not been released.
Benz’s Pride ‘The New S-Class’ Surpasses 1,000 Units in Five Days
In the imported large sedan market, Mercedes-Benz is maintaining its prestige. The highest-end flagship sedans, “The New Mercedes-Benz S-Class” and “The New Mercedes-Maybach S-Class,” surpassed 1,000 pre-orders just four days after pre-orders began on the 18th.
The facelifted lineup stands out for delivering an intuitive and personalized digital experience based on the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). With an improved powertrain and advanced driving assistance technologies, it offers the hallmark stable and effortless driving feel of the S-Class.
This S-Class underwent the most extensive update ever for a single generation, with over 2,700 components—more than 50% of the vehicle—either newly developed or redesigned. Notably, for the first time in the model’s history, an illuminated grille has been applied, and the new digital light twin-star headlamp design further highlights the flagship sedan’s presence.
To commemorate the S-Class launch, Mercedes-Benz Korea is introducing two limited launch editions, each restricted to 140 units: the S450 4MATIC Long AMG Line “AMG Line Plus Edition,” and the S500 4MATIC Long “Sparkling Black Edition.”
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“The New Mercedes-Benz S-Class” is available in six configurations, with prices (including VAT) ranging from 154 million won to 270 million won. “The New Mercedes-Maybach S-Class” will be released in three configurations, with prices (including VAT) from 317 million won to 407 million won. Both models are scheduled for official domestic release in the third quarter of this year.
This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.
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