The all-electric SsangYong Torres EVX is officially coming to the UK. The South Korean brand – soon to be rebranded as KGM – has announced that it will launch what will be its second EV onto the UK market in the first quarter of 2024.
The Torres EVX was unveiled back in March and is already on sale in Korea, where technical details have been published. The electric SUV is offered with just one powertrain that uses a 73.4kWh battery and 201bhp electric motor to drive the front wheels. This battery/motor combo is good for a range of around 260 miles on the Korean government’s testing cycle, although we expect figures on the European WLTP test cycle to be slightly higher.
At 4,715mm long, 1,890mm wide and 1,735mm tall, the Torres EVX is much larger than the brand’s other electric SUV, the Korando e-Motion. It’s also considerably longer and taller than the Skoda Enyaq or Toyota bZ4X that it’s likely to rival, but roughly the same width as both cars. The Torres EVX is actually closer in length to the Tesla Model Y, though not nearly as wide.
At least it’s size should provide plenty of cabin space for the Torres EVX to serve as a family car, with SsangYong claiming it boasts a van-like 839 litres of boot space – 254 litres up on the Enyaq – or 1,662 litres with the rear seats folded down.
The Torres EVX designers appear to have taken inspiration from across the SUV market, particularly the Kia Sorento, Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser. The front end alone looks like a mish-mash of elements from sources including the new Hyundai Kona and a Jeep Wagoneer, while the wheels could have easily been swiped from the Volvo EX90.
Unlike the internal-combustion engined Torres that’s also on sale in Korea (but won’t be coming to the UK), the EVX gets a blanked-off grille and broken up light bar. The all-electric version also does without the red towing hitch covers on the regular Torres, but both versions feature extensive amounts of black plastic cladding on the sides.
Inside, the Torres EVX features a dual-screen set-up consisting of a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and 12.3-inch central touchscreen. The cabin overall is minimalist, with very few buttons to be found anywhere except for on the dual-spoke steering wheel. That means you’ll be adjusting the climate controls using the touchscreen system, which does include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in case you’re wondering.
UK pricing and specifications for the Torres EVX have yet to be announced, but it’s currently offered in two trim levels in Korea. Base E5 trim models come with a heat pump, LED headlights and daytime running lights, the two 12.3-inch displays, dual-zone air conditioning, powered tailgate, heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless phone charger and numerous safety systems. Meanwhile top-spec E7 cars add leather upholstery, heated rear seats and even more safety tech.
Prices in Korea start from around 50,000,000 won, which at the current exchange rate works out to around £30,000. However, we expect the Torres EVX to be priced closer to £40,000 considering that the smaller Korando e-Motion starts from £33,995, rising to £39,995 for a top-of-the-range example.
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As we mentioned, SsangYong will soon be rebranded as KGM after it was purchased by Korean firm KG Group in 2022, saving it from liquidation. It has three more EVs in the works, including an electric pick-up truck that the brand intends to launch by December 2024. That pick-up truck will be based on the Torres EVX, with both vehicles powered by batteries sourced from Chinese giant BYD – makers of the Atto 3 SUV and Dolphin hatchback.
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