The past week has been big for the KGM Musso EV, with several spy shots, leaks, and announcements. As such, we’ve decided to begin rounding it all up into one living post about the Musso EV with rolling updates. If you didn’t already know, KG Mobility (KGM), the new owner of the SsangYong legacy, is steering into a transformative era with the introduction of its dedicated pickup sub-brand—Musso. Building on decades of heritage and innovation, the Musso EV is set to become Korea’s first electric pickup truck, redefining utility and style for modern drivers.
A Legacy Reinvented
The Musso name carries a storied past. Originally launched under the SsangYong banner in 1993, the Musso became synonymous with durable SUVs and versatile pickups—think the Musso Sports, Actyon Sports, and Korando Sports. Now, with a name inspired by the Korean word for rhinoceros, symbolizing strength, grandeur, and resilience, KGM is reintroducing Musso as a cutting-edge, electrified pickup brand ready to meet the demands of the future.
Distinctive Design and Styling
Early spy shots and festival appearances have revealed that the Musso EV stays true to its conceptual roots while evolving to meet practical needs. Derived from the 2023 O100 concept, the production model is heavily based upon the Torres EVX SUV with a few key differences:
- Striking Front End: A slim LED headlight setup, integrated with segmented LED daytime running lights, gives the Musso EV a bold, almost Hummer-like character. The modern front fascia, featuring a unique grille and refined bumper designs, sets it apart from traditional pickups.
- Functional Aesthetics: The extended wheelbase and redesigned rear end cater to the dual-cab layout, offering both style and practicality. Customisation options abound—from roof racks and skid plates to deck dividers and roll bars—making the Musso EV as versatile as it is visually appealing.
- Colorful Appeal: Notably, the Musso EV has already been spotted in a range of vibrant colors, including golden yellow, green, white, and blue, appealing to a lifestyle-focused market looking for individuality as much as performance.
The Musso EV is larger than images suggest, standing 1,750 mm tall, 1,920 mm wide, and 5,160 mm long.
Powertrain, Platform, and Performance
Underneath its modern exterior, the Musso EV is built on a robust and innovative platform shared with the Torres EVX:
- Electric Drivetrain: Powered by a BYD-sourced 80.6kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) blade battery, the Musso EV is expected to feature dual electric motors that drive both axles, enhancing traction and performance. While its extended body and aerodynamics mean the WLTP range may not match the 500 km of the Torres EVX, the Musso EV strikes a balance between utility and efficiency.
- Vehicle-to-load: Up to 3.5kW of V2L power can be used until a pre-set battery discharge level (from 70% to 20%).
- Carrying & Towing: The towing capacity is unconfirmed, while the carrying capacity is 500kg in South Korea. This capacity will be higher in overseas markets. For example, the standard Musso (Rexton Sports) can carry 700kg in South Korea, but 1,095kg in Australia.
- Future Variants: Alongside the all-electric Musso, a hybrid system is all but assured. Built on the architecture as the Torres-hybrid, the ‘Musso PHEV’ will be a more direct competitor to the BYD Shark.
Market Position and Launch Strategy
KGM is positioning the Musso EV as a trailblazer in the electric pickup segment:
- Domestic and International Debut: Set to launch in Korea’s domestic market in the first quarter, the Musso EV is scheduled to make a striking public appearance at the 2025 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival—a culturally significant event that underscores its rugged yet refined appeal. Plans are already in motion to extend availability to markets in Europe and Australia by year’s end.
- Competitive Edge: By claiming the title of Korea’s first electric pickup truck, the Musso EV not only beats competitors like Kia’s Tasman but also taps into a growing global demand for sustainable, lifestyle-oriented utility vehicles.
Korean pricing has been announced as ₩48m KRW ($53k AUD) for the Standard and ₩50.5m KRW ($56k AUD) for the Deluxe. This makes the Musso EV a very close competitor for the BYD Shark, except with 400km electric range instead of 80km electric range, and a battery approaching thrice the size.
A Vision for the Future
KGM’s innovation extends beyond the Musso EV. With ongoing developments in hybrid technology—evident in the recently certified Torres Hybrid and the potential adaptation of its Dual-Tech Hybrid System for future Musso variants—the company is poised to disrupt the utility segment. KGM’s forward-thinking approach, combined with SsangYong’s legacy, ensures that the Musso EV is more than just a new model—it’s a statement of intent.
KGM is set to deliver a new vehicle that’s as much about lifestyle as it is about performance and efficiency. The Musso EV represents a bold step forward for a company that is not only embracing change but also shaping the next generation of utilities in a competitive global market. Neither arrogant nor threatened by Chinese growth, KGM has chosen to utilise current market disruption to their advantage.
