KGM SsangYong has introduced its first-ever electric ute, a lifestyle-oriented model derived from a family SUV and carrying the Musso name. Although it shares its name with the diesel-powered Musso ute currently available in Australia, this new electric pick-up is an entirely different vehicle, built on the lighter, car-based platform of the Torres mid-size SUV.
This unveiling marks the return of the Musso name to KGM SsangYong’s domestic market, where the diesel version sold in Australia is known as the Rexton Sports, emphasizing its connection to the Rexton 4WD SUV. While Australian plans for the Musso EV have been confirmed, an exact launch date has yet to be announced. A right-hand-drive version has been confirmed for the UK market in 2025.
So far, only one official image of the Musso EV has been released, but the vehicle made a public appearance at an ice festival in South Korea, offering a clearer view of its design. The production version closely resembles the O100 ute concept that KGM showcased about a year ago, though some styling elements, such as the bonnet trim, have been refined for the final model. Since it is based on a car-like platform rather than a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis, the Musso EV may serve as Australia’s closest equivalent to compact American utes like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Technical specifications have not yet been revealed, but given its connection to the Torres, some educated guesses can be made. The electric Torres EVX features a 152kW/339Nm front-mounted motor paired with a 73.4kWh BYD-sourced battery, providing a WLTP-rated driving range of 462km. A visible '4WD' badge on the front door in the official image suggests that a dual-motor all-wheel-drive version will be offered as well. The Musso EV name is set to become part of a broader lineup of Musso-badged utes available in KGM showrooms in South Korea.
Additionally, teaser images of another new Musso model featuring exhaust pipes suggest that a next-generation diesel version is also in development. The current Musso diesel, originally launched in 2018, may be replaced by a new model with a more rugged design. A recent press release from KGM lists the existing Rexton Sports as being produced from "2018-2025," indicating a potential rebranding or full model replacement in the near future.
The new KGM Musso EV is expected to arrive in South Korean showrooms by the end of March 2025. In its home market, the vehicle will be sold under the KGM brand name, as the SsangYong name has now been retired.