KGM Torres and all-electric Torres EVX close in on debuts.
More details have been released on the all-new KGM Torres and all-electric Torres EVX: a family SUV from the brand formerly known as SsangYong.
The regular KGM Torres features a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission – there’s no diesel option or manual gearbox available. Performance and fuel economy figures for the Torres have yet to be released. We do know that the Torres is front-wheel drive as standard, and an all-wheel drive model will be introduced.
Meanwhile the pure-electric KGM Torres EVX is powered by a 73.4kWh battery and uses a single electric motor that produces 150kW and 339Nm of torque to drive the front wheels. KGM claims the Torres EVX is good for up to 462km on a single charge, but has yet to reveal any charging times. The Torres EVX does boast a maximum towing capacity of 1500kg – the same as the petrol-powered Torres – and V2L (vehicle-to-load) charging capabilities, so its battery pack can be used to power appliances when you’re outdoors.
At 4700mm long, 1890mm wide and 1720mm tall, the KGM Torres is a pretty large SUV, measuring about the same size as the Skoda Kodiaq or Nissan X-Trail. However, unlike the Kodiaq or X-Trail, the Torres is not available with seven seats. At least its size should provide plenty of cabin space for the Torres to serve as a family car, with KGM claiming it boasts an impressive 703 litres of boot space, or 1662 litres with the rear seats folded down.
The closest rivals to the electric Torres EVX are likely to be the Skoda Enyaq or Toyota bZ4X family SUVs, however, the KGM is considerably longer and taller than both. It’s actually closer in length to the Tesla Model Y, though not nearly as wide.
Whoever designed the Torres appears 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.
Compared to the combustion-engined Torres, the EVX gets a blanked-off grille, light bar and a unique 20-inch alloy wheel design as seen in our pictures. 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 and a contrasting C-pillar.
Inside, the Torres and Torres EVX both feature a dual-screen setup 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, which does include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in case you’re wondering.
KGM is working on three more electric cars: a mid-size SUV, a large SUV and a pick-up truck, which it will develop in collaboration with Chinese giant BYD – makers of the Atto 3 SUV and Dolphin hatchback. KGM intends to launch the as-yet-unnamed pick-up truck by the end of 2024. It will be based on the Torres EVX, with both vehicles powered by batteries sourced from BYD. The next two EVs will follow in 2025.