Audi moving aggressively into Korean market with new models

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Audi is speeding up its expansion in the Korean market, offering various new models ranging from its popular A6 luxury sedan to the e-tron electric vehicle (EV), the German carmaker said Monday.

Seeking a rebound here, the carmaker rolled out the Audi A5 in the first half of 2019 and the Audi A3, the Audi A6 45 TFSI, the Audi A4 and the Audi A8 L 55 TFSI quattro in the second half of the year.

This year, Audi has released 20 new models including the Audi A6 TDI quattro, the Audi Q3 and the Audi e-tron 55 quattro in an effort to beef up its vehicle lineup.

Thanks to these efforts, Audi has sold 19,498 vehicles as of October to become the third-largest imported car brand here.

Audi A6 40 TDI / Courtesy of Audi Korea

Audi said the best-selling model here is the Audi A6 40 TDI. The four-cylinder turbo-diesel sedan offers drivers a dynamic driving experience as the vehicle can hit 100 kilometers per hour in 8.1 seconds. The model also features enhanced safety functions such as Pre Sense 360, which detects collision hazards all around the car and implements safety measures, and adaptive cruise assist.

Audi e-tron 55 quattro / Courtesy of Audi Korea

Audi also began selling the e-tron, its first electric-powered SUV, starting July 1. The e-tron comes with a higher-capacity 95-kilowatt-per-hour battery pack and its electric motors can generate 360 horsepower.

On a single charge, the vehicle is able to travel up to 307 kilometers and it takes only 6.6 seconds to accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour. To improve aerodynamics, the e-tron features virtual side mirrors.

As Korean consumers have recognized the new model's power efficiency and superior design, Audi sold 394 e-tron models in July alone. Given that 640 imported EVs were sold in that month here, the sales number proved the e-tron successfully attracted consumers' attention. By September, the carmaker sold 601 e-tron models only in three months.

The new Audi Q8 / Courtesy of Audi Korea

The company is also wooing consumers with its premium SUV the Audi A8. The full-size SUV comes in two versions ― the new Audi Q8 45 TDI quattro premium and the new Audi Q8 50 TDI quattro premium.

With a 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6 engine, the Q8 is capable of accelerating from a standstill to 100 kilometers per hour in 7.1 seconds. One of the highlights of the Q8 is adaptive air suspension, which offers improved ride firmness and enhanced safety.

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