The Australian automotive landscape is witnessing a significant shift with the arrival of the KGM Musso EV, a fully electric, all-wheel-drive ute. This development directly challenges past political narratives surrounding electric vehicles, particularly those suggesting electric 4WDs were incapable of towing or would impinge on the tradie lifestyle.
KGM, the new identity for the established South Korean brand SsangYong Motor, has launched the Musso EV, built on the same platform as the KGM Torres medium SUV. While not the first all-electric ute in Australia – that title belongs to the LDV eT60 – the Musso EV distinguishes itself as the first to offer an all-wheel-drive option, alongside a 2WD variant.
Compared to its rear-wheel-drive competitor, the Musso EV boasts a higher braked towing capacity of 1800 kg, surpassing the eT60’s 1000 kg, although its payload is slightly less.
## Interior Comfort and Technology
The interior of the Musso EV represents a modern departure from traditional utility vehicles. It features carpeted floors, leather-look seat coverings (leather and suede in the AWD model), and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with reach and height adjustment. Front seats offer electric adjustment, while the rear seats provide manual fore/aft adjustment for a reclining function, though this may limit legroom for taller passengers.
Despite the comfortable appointments, some elements retain a more basic utilitarian feel, likely a compromise for mainstream pricing. The audio system is AM/FM only, without digital radio, and navigation is not integrated into the Australian version. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported via wired connection, enabling navigation through apps like Google Maps. The reviewer found Android Auto to function seamlessly, noting that Bluetooth-only phone connectivity offered limited address book access.
## Practicality: The Tub and Charging
As a unibody dual-cab ute, the Musso EV’s cargo area is constrained by its passenger cabin design, and it cannot accommodate an aftermarket tray. For users whose needs align with the tub’s dimensions, it includes a full liner, an 150kg-rated tailgate, eight tie-down hooks, and a switchable tub light.
The charge port is conveniently located on the front left guard, suitable for kerbside charging in Australia. AC charging capabilities include 7kW single-phase and 10.5kW three-phase, with DC charging reaching up to 300kW. The vehicle is also V2X capable up to 3500W.
## Driving Experience and Performance
From the driver’s perspective, the Musso EV presents a modern dashboard with two integrated flat displays. The driver’s display provides essential information like speed and remaining range, while the central touchscreen offers access to various vehicle functions. While the touchscreen is well-sized, its startup and response times can be slow for certain vehicle functions, though it performs better with Android Auto and steering wheel controls.
Parking is made easier by a comprehensive suite of aids, including a reverse camera, 360-degree view, and proximity sensors. Visibility from the side and rear windows is notably good.
Steering wheel controls offer convenient access to many functions, and paddle shifters allow for easy adjustment of regenerative braking levels. A minor drawback is that the regenerative braking level resets to its lowest setting upon restarting the vehicle.
The accelerator response is calibrated to mimic a diesel ute, featuring a slight lag upon initial input. While potentially designed for drivers transitioning from internal combustion engines, this may be a point of adjustment for experienced EV users accustomed to instant acceleration.
## Safety and Assistance Systems
The KGM Musso EV is equipped with a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The system is generally regarded as helpful rather than intrusive, with distinct audible alerts for different warnings. The lane-keeping assist, while gentle, can be easily disengaged for situations requiring lane adjustments on country roads.
## Range and Efficiency
The Musso EV demonstrates competitive range, with the 2WD model achieving a WLTP-rated 420km, outperforming the LDV eT60’s 330km. Both 2WD and AWD versions proved capable of achieving these figures under normal driving conditions during testing.
Energy consumption figures are 23 kWh/100km for the 2WD and 26 kWh/100km for the AWD model (WLTP).
## Verdict
With drive-away prices starting at $60,000 for the 2WD and $64,000 for the AWD, the KGM Musso EV presents a compelling option for those seeking an electric work or adventure vehicle. Its comfortable interior and unibody construction suggest a leaning towards private buyers, though its pricing and running cost benefits may appeal to tradies.
However, the vehicle’s size and turning circle mean it may not be ideal for urban environments or tight parking situations. For individuals with a genuine need for its load, passenger, and towing capacities, the Musso EV stands out as a strong contender in the limited Australian EV ute market. With upcoming releases like the LDV eTerron 9 and Toyota Hilux BEV, the competitive landscape is expected to evolve.
**Specifications:**
* **Seating Capacity:** 5
* **Battery:** 60 kWh (LFP)
* **Charging:** 1-phase AC: 7 kW (max), 3-phase AC: 10.5 kW (max), DC: 300 kW (max)
* **Charge Port Location:** Front-left
* **V2X Connection:** 3500W via adapter at charge port
* **Energy Consumption (WLTP):** 2WD: 23 kWh/100km, AWD: 26 kWh/100km
* **Drive Configuration:** Front-wheel drive (2WD) or All-wheel drive (AWD)
* **Towing (unbraked/braked):** 750kg/1,800kg
*Test cars provided were the Musso EV 2WD in Amazonia Green and AWD in Blazing Gold.*