Tesla Model Y sedan (Tesla Korea) Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Tesla are expected to reshape Korea’s imported car market as the dominant trio this year, fueled by record sales from the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, data showed Monday. According to data from the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association and Carisyou, BMW and Mercedes-Benz sold 67,250 units and 59,561 units here from January to November, ranking first and second, respectively. Tesla, securing the third position for the first time, sold 28,498 units in the same period. Notably, Tesla’s sales in Korea almost doubled from the previous year’s 16,461 units, marking a significant milestone since its entry in 2017. Mercedes-Benz The New E-Class sedan (Mercedes-Benz Korea) Industry insiders say Tesla’s breakthrough signals a shift from the traditional “big four” lineup, previously led by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Volkswagen, into a “big three,” now consisting of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Tesla. This is largely driven by Volkswagen Group’s shrinking presence here as well as Tesla’s strong market penetration. The EV maker’s bestselling vehicle was the Model Y sport utility vehicle, which sold 17,671 units, ranking third among the top-selling models, following Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan (22,021 units) and the BMW 5 Series sedan (18,947 units). Tesla's Model 3 sedan ranked fourth with 10,319 units. The Model Y, a China-made version equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries, has gained traction in Korea despite a 62 percent cut in consumer subsidies this year from 5.14 million won ($3,540) to 1.95 million won. The new BMW 5 Series sedan (BMW Korea) Tesla continues to expand its foothold in Korea, its third-largest market in the Asia Pacific region after China and Australia, and unveiled its eighth showroom in Gangnam, Seoul, earlier in the month. The store -- the third Gangnam -- offers test drives and consulting services and is located near the flagship showrooms of other carmakers, including Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Maserati. However, experts indicate Tesla’s creeping presence here might be challenged by a powerful contender: China’s BYD, which is slated for a Korean debut next year. The world’s largest EV maker will likely start selling the Seal sedan, Atto 3 SUV and Dolphin hatchback. As budget car models, the estimated prices for the Atto 3 and Dolphin are approximately 35 million-40 million won, cheaper than Tesla’s upcoming Model Q, priced at around $37,499. “Although BYD’s vehicles might not be eligible for the Korean government’s EV subsidies due to countermeasures against Chinese companies, it could aggressively slash prices to gain a competitive edge over rival models in the same segment,” said Kim Pil-su, a car engineering professor at Daelim University. “Consumers here might still be reluctant to buy electric cars with China-made batteries or EVs from China due to a series of EV fires this year. However, amidst the economic slowdown, cost-effective battery-powered vehicles can appeal to consumers.” Meanwhile, BYD announced the official launch of its Korean branch in November, with plans to open the first showroom in Western Seoul early next year. The company has also completed the selection of six local dealerships, including DT Networks, Samchuly EV and Harmony Automobile. good