KGM-SSANGYONG

KGM also electrifies the Torres and Musso families

In its new era under the KGM name (formerly Ssangyong), the South Korean—not Chinese—brand is setting itself major challenges and ambitions. Among them is conquering the European market with quality, modern, robust, and affordable products. To comply with European regulations, it has also electrified its lineup (without forgetting combustion engines, which are also present). To this end, it simultaneously launched two of its models with hybrid or fully electric powertrains: the Torres and the Musso.

Since its launch in 2022, the Torres SUV has been a sales success. The combustion engine version was followed by the battery-electric version (EVX), and now the hybrid version (HEV) arrives. At 4.70 meters long and with a 2.68-meter wheelbase, it stands out among the B and C SUVs, and its robust body gives it the appearance of a true all-terrain vehicle. KGM took advantage of the new engine design to improve its small details, such as a more rigid monocoque with greater sound insulation.

The electric motor drives the wheels...Although the main focus is under the hood. Or rather, under the entire car. The Torres HEV stands out from its siblings with its Dual Tech hybrid technology, consisting of a 1.5-liter Miller-cycle G15 turbo engine, specially developed to work in parallel with the electric motor (which drives the wheels). It forms an inseparable unit with a 170 kW (228 hp) electric motor and a dedicated DHT automatic transmission.

The Torres Hybrid's interior combines the Slim & Wide ergonomic concept with refined details, providing a feeling of spaciousness and comfort. Its futuristic, driver-focused design improves visibility and ease of use, incorporating a modern approach to SUV design.

The cabin also offers homey comfort and plenty of storage space, exceeding the standards of a typical midsize SUV. The reclining second-row seats provide comfort on long trips, and when the seats are fully folded, the second row offers a generous 1,662 liters of luggage space, ideal for outdoor activities such as camping and car camping.

Power is provided by the internal combustion engine (and regeneration under braking), which feeds a 1.83 kW/h LFP battery (a considerable capacity for a hybrid). However, the key component of the entire package is the software that manages it: there are nine possible hybrid modes, all fully automatic and without driver intervention. The goal is maximum efficiency and minimum fuel consumption. With a combined output of 204 hp, the vehicle consumes a maximum of 5.9 liters of gasoline per 100 km.

On its own... Although the driver has three classic driving modes (Eco, Comfort, and Sport), the Torres Hybrid's most notable feature is the lack of additional options: it does everything itself, automatically switching programs and even adjusting braking regeneration based on road and traffic conditions. No more special driving techniques! The computer already does this better than we can...

The Torres HEV also incorporates a complete package of ADAS, cameras, and sensors to enhance active and passive safety. The driver's seat features two large 12.3-inch color screens. The central display houses most of the functions and requires navigating through various menus to, for example, activate or deactivate certain functions and assistance features. However, there are also some physical buttons, which are appreciated. 300 Nm of torque... With a relatively soft and comfortable suspension and good seats, the Torres Hybrid is a comfortable ride, with good all-around visibility in urban traffic. With 300 Nm of torque, it offers good acceleration and is quite quiet, except when you hear the combustion engine recharging the battery. It's important to remember that its main function is to generate electricity.

Concurrent with the launch of the Torres HEV, KGM unveiled a new model for 2026: the all-electric Musso. It's the brand's first pickup truck with this technology, succeeding the model launched in 2018. At first glance, it's clear this isn't a spartan work truck, but rather a sophisticated leisure vehicle, equipped with a spacious cabin and comfortable rear seats like those of any SUV.

80.6 kWh battery for the Musso... The front end of the body is very reminiscent of the powerful and robust style of the Torres, but differs in the double-cab design and rear cargo bed. It's a unibody (no independent chassis, as is common in pickup trucks) equipped with an advanced self-leveling suspension, as the bed can support up to 500 kg on the rear axle. Naturally, the 80.6 kW/h LFP battery is mounted in the floor (stiffening the body) and features a reinforced safety structure.

Because the Musso EV is—above all—a vehicle for use on all types of terrain. Despite the comfort and interior equipment worthy of an urban SUV, it offers off-road performance, especially the 175 kW (237 hp) dual-motor 4WD version, which delivers no less than 630 Nm of torque between the two axles. It also offers approach and departure angles of over 20 degrees and a ground clearance of 181 mm. There's also a simpler front-wheel-drive version with 152 kW (207 hp) for those who don't want to use it beyond asphalt or on compact terrain.

Good job...The cabin is luxurious for a pickup truck, with a huge angled panoramic screen and minimal additional controls, aside from the gear selector and steering-wheel paddles for regeneration levels. Driving couldn't be simpler, more progressive, and easier, aided by sensors and cameras located at all four corners (it's a considerable size, over five meters long and almost two meters wide). And the manufacturer claims up to 420 km of range in the two-wheel-drive version and an ultra-fast 31-minute recharge of the 300 kW battery.

Perhaps most impressive is the comfort of the rear seats, with spacious and comfortable (climate-controlled and adjustable) seats, as well as the electrically adjustable front seats. And the finishes on the walls and dashboard, providing a comfortable, elegant, and quiet cabin. You'd never guess this is a pickup truck! Because it's primarily a leisure vehicle, available in six vibrant colors.

The new electric Musso won't be added to KGM's catalog until next spring, so approximate pricing is not available. The exact price of the new Torres hybrid is also unknown, but the brand's Spanish representatives told us that—as a launch offer—prices will start around 31,000 euros.

Autonews