Let’s be honest: pick-up trucks have something irresistible about them. They’re big, tough, and ready to haul a caravan, a boat, or half a barn. But let’s also be honest about something else: most pick-ups guzzle gasoline or diesel like it’s going out of style. Not exactly a love letter to Mother Nature. But now, in an era where even the most die-hard car enthusiasts are starting to fall for the charms of electricity, South Korea’s KGM comes charging in with a surprise that raises eyebrows and makes your wallet smile: the Musso EV. An electric pick-up that looks like a rhinoceros, drives like a luxury SUV, and won’t bankrupt you. Sounds too good to be true? Let’s dive in.
A new musso, minus the smoke plume
KGM, formerly known as SsangYong (yes, that name was a tongue-twister), has launched the Musso EV as a breath of fresh air in the pick-up segment. This isn’t some dusty diesel beast but a fully electric four-door powerhouse that’s already turning heads in South Korea – literally, with its eye-popping yellow paint. Built on the Torres EVX SUV platform, this Musso EV blends modern design with a hefty dose of practical utility. And let’s not forget: it’s a pick-up that won’t choke your neighbors with exhaust fumes.
The Musso EV comes in two flavors: a front-wheel-drive version with a single 152.2 kW (207 hp) motor and an all-wheel-drive variant with dual motors pumping out a combined 304 kW (about 413 hp). That’s enough to tow a hefty trailer or impress your mother-in-law on the way to the campsite. The battery? An 80.6 kWh LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) Blade pack from China’s BYD, promising a range of 401 km on the WLTP cycle. In the real world, with a few boots in the cargo bed and a headwind, expect a bit less, but it’s still impressive for a machine that looks like it could drag a small bulldozer.
Design: More flair than a k-pop star
Let’s talk looks, because this Musso EV is no wallflower. Its design mixes ruggedness with modernity, sporting a wide strip of daytime running lights under the hood and headlights tucked low in the bumper, ready for a standoff. Extra lighting in the wheel arches, beefy side mirrors, roof rails, and rear handles give it an adventurous vibe. And yes, there’s a rhinoceros logo on the C-pillar, a nod to the original Musso from the ‘90s. The tailgate proudly screams “KGM,” and the 17-inch wheels, while not massive, fit its tough character perfectly.
Inside, it’s a different story. Forget bare-bones workhorses with plastic seats; the Musso EV’s cabin feels like a luxury SUV. Two 12.3-inch touchscreens dominate the dashboard, and the Alpine audio system makes your playlist sound like you’re in a concert hall. Leather upholstery, heated seats, and a sleek design make it hard to believe this is a pick-up. It’s like living in a chic loft, but with a cargo bed out back.
What makes it special?
The Musso EV isn’t your average pick-up. Unlike many competitors, like the Maxus eTerron 9 or Ford F-150 Lightning, it ditches the ladder frame for a unibody structure. That makes it lighter (2,155 kg compared to the eTerron 9’s nearly 2,900 kg) and more agile, more of a lifestyle pick-up than an indestructible work mule. Still, it doesn’t skimp on practicality: a 1,500 kg towing capacity and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality mean you can power your electric tools or even a fridge. Handy for an impromptu barbecue in the middle of nowhere.
Then there’s the price. In South Korea, the Musso EV starts at roughly €31,900, a fraction of what you’d pay for a Tesla Cybertruck or Rivian R1T. In Europe, expect a higher price due to taxes and import costs, but it’s still a bargain compared to the competition. KGM also throws in a jaw-dropping 10-year or 1-million-kilometer warranty on the battery. That’s confidence with a capital C.
The Competition: An electric wild west
The Musso EV enters a market buzzing with activity. The Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck rule the roost in America, while Maxus, with the eTerron 9 and T90 EV, has a foothold in Europe. Then there are newcomers like Slate, an American start-up promising an affordable pick-up, and RAM, set to launch the 1500 BEV in 2024. But what sets the Musso EV apart is its balance of price, luxury, and practical utility. It’s not a beast boasting 800 km of range or 1,000 hp, but honestly, who needs that to haul a boat to the lake?
That said, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The front-wheel-drive version lacks the all-wheel-drive appeal many pick-up fans crave, though an AWD variant is in the works. And while the 401 km range is solid, it can’t match the 640 km of a Rivian R1T with its largest battery. But for the price and comfort you get, this is a darn compelling package.
The Future: Work and play, electric style
The Musso EV is a sign of the times. As the world electrifies, from convertibles to off-roaders, pick-ups couldn’t stay behind. KGM has smartly tapped into this trend with a vehicle that appeals to both entrepreneurs and adventurers. Whether you’re a contractor hauling tools emission-free or a weekend warrior heading into the wilderness with a kayak, this pick-up has something for you.
And let’s not forget: electric driving is getting cheaper. Studies show that from 2025, electric vehicles will be cheaper over their lifetime than gasoline or diesel cars, thanks to lower maintenance costs and cheaper “fueling” – especially if you charge at home during off-peak hours. The Musso EV fits this picture perfectly, with a durable battery and a price that won’t drain your bank account.
Conclusion: A Pick-Up with a plug and personality
The KGM Musso EV isn’t a game-changer like the Tesla Cybertruck, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a practical, affordable, and surprisingly luxurious pick-up that proves you can be tough without choking the planet. With its bold yellow look, high-tech interior, and a reliable battery, this vehicle speaks to both your inner cowboy and your eco-conscious side. Is it a true workhorse or more of a lifestyle beast? That depends on your needs. But one thing’s certain: the Musso EV makes the electric pick-up market a whole lot more exciting.
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