"Do they make an electric G-Wagen, too?"
At the "Smart Energy Plus (SEP) 2026" exhibition held on the 28th in Hall B of COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, a visitor's gaze lingered on a vehicle as they examined the Mercedes-Benz iconic off-roader, the "G-Class (G-Wagen)." The G-Wagen, renowned for its boxy body and rugged appearance, had appeared in an electric version.
The exhibition floor drew attention with electrified vehicles showcased by domestic and international automakers. The space was filled with models including the Mercedes-Benz electric G-Class and the All-New Electric CLA, the Lexus ES, Porsche's electrified models, and Kia's PV5 and Niro. Visitors' interest continued as they could encounter everything from vehicles rarely seen on everyday roads to eco-friendly cars closely tied to daily life, all in one place.
At the Mercedes-Benz booth, the transformation of a traditional luxury SUV into an electric vehicle caught the eye. The electric G-Class is characterized by maintaining the distinctive boxy design of the existing model while incorporating an electric drivetrain. The All-New Electric CLA, displayed alongside it, is a sedan aimed at the electrification era, demonstrating that Mercedes-Benz is expanding its electric vehicle lineup while preserving the identity of its existing luxury cars.
Lexus led with its 8th-generation "All-New ES," recently launched in Korea. The ES is Lexus's representative premium sedan, and this complete model change marked the first addition of a pure electric vehicle model. This expanded the options from an electrification strategy centered on hybrid vehicles to include pure electric vehicles.
Vehicles from the American automaker Buick also drew attention. By displaying recently unveiled new models up close, they garnered interest from visitors. With various imported cars appearing side by side, including the Mercedes-Benz electric G-Class and All-New Electric CLA, the Lexus ES, and Porsche's electrified models, a space was created where visitors could compare each brand's design and electrification strategies.
At the exhibition spaces for domestic automakers, practical electric vehicles attracted attention. Kia's Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV), the PV5, highlighted its spacious interior and diverse utility possibilities. It is a model developed to be utilized for various purposes, from passenger transport to logistics. The Niro also welcomed visitors as an eco-friendly car aimed at everyday commuting needs.
Visitors did not stop at just looking at the vehicles' exteriors. They opened doors to check the interior space or sat in the driver's seat and rear seats to assess the vehicle's size and convenience. In particular, students who visited the exhibition in small groups set down their bags next to the vehicles and eagerly climbed into the driver's seats. Some gripped the steering wheel or sat in the rear seats to look around the interior, while others took commemorative photos with each other in front of the cars, creating memories. The students' visits continued as they could directly experience vehicles that are not easily accessible in daily life.
The eco-friendly cars displayed side by side at the exhibition demonstrated the scalability of automakers' electrification strategies. The range to which electrification technology is applied has expanded, covering everything from luxury off-roaders and premium sedans to high-performance sports cars and PBVs that emphasize practicality.
In addition to the automotive booths, visitors' attention was drawn to a demonstration of "Spot," a quadrupedal robot with even more lively movements. Spot, developed by Boston Dynamics, an affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group, illuminated a corner of the exhibition floor as it freely moved its four legs.
in INDUSTRY
