KGM Motors, previously SsangYong, has launched its Torres EVX in the UK as it pushes ahead with a total revamp of the brand.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Available in two trims – priced from £44,495 and £47,495 – the five-seater family SUV is KGM’s first-ever electric vehicle and a big part of its reinvention plans under its new owners.

The EVX is built on the same platform as the Torres 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine variant, launched in February 2024 and slotting between the smaller Korando and larger Rexton models. It’s designed to blend the brand’s SUV and 4×4 heritage with latest EV technology.

The powertrain is equipped with a 207hp front-mounted motor that delivers 339Nm of torque. It’s fed by a Cell To Pack (CTP) 73.4kWh blade battery sourced from BYD under the firms’ technology partnership. This delivers a 287-mile WLTP driving range while the bidirectional charger can be used to power electrical appliances directly from the car using vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, enabling outdoor appliances to be powered straight from the car’s battery.

The battery can be charged at 11kW via a wallbox, giving a full charge in some nine hours. It can also be recharged at up to 100kW via a DC rapid charger, giving a 20-80% recharge in around 37 minutes.

The Torres EVX also comes with a one million km battery warranty to enable full customer confidence.

Towing capacity is up to 1.5 tonnes and the brand says the Torres EVX comes with competitive approach and departure angles for off-road driving.

As with the petrol versions of the Torres, it draws on KGM’s ‘Powered by Toughness’ design ethos, which uses more “sleek and modern” lines than the slab-sided Ssangyongs of old, “offering a blend of strength and sophistication”.

It stands out from the petrol version with a full-width LED light bar at the front, while the interior mirrors the layout of the Torres ICE, “providing a sleek and spacious environment with a focus on driver visibility and convenience”. This includes an ergonomic dashboard and dual 12.3-inch driver and infotainment displays.

Two trim levels are up for grabs – K30 and K40 – both using the brand’s new naming system. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio, front USB and AUX ports, TomTom navigation, and wireless phone charging.

Torres EVX K40 also includes a 3D 360-degree ‘surround view’ monitoring system. Safety features include intelligent speed control and speed assist.

As with the petrol version, the EVX also offers up to 1,662 litres of boot space with the rear seats down.

KGM is also pushing ahead with plans for a hybrid petrol powertrain from 2025 while also continuing development work on further electric models. These include a pickup truck, midsize SUV and a large SUV, using dedicated fully electric platforms in partnership with BYD. Mass production of the first two is expected to start in the coming months.

Kevin Griffin, managing director of KGM UK, said: “Torres EVX is our next SUV in electric vehicle innovation. It builds on our advancements and proud SUV heritage by integrating cutting-edge technology, unparalleled safety features and exceptional performance, representing a significant leap forward in mobility solutions.

“We are dedicated to providing drivers with a premium driving experience that seamlessly integrates luxury, versatility and electric performance, and Torres EVX does just that. It stands as a marker towards our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence in the UK market and leading the charge towards the future of electric mobility.”