These are independent illustrations based on SsangYong’s official teasers of the upcoming X200 SUV as well as information we’ve obtained, which were penned by CarScoops’ artist Josh Byrnes and are neither related to nor endorsed by SsangYong.

South Korean automaker SsangYong is planning an SUV assault of electrified and rock-crawling proportions. As part of its road map to financial success, the company has revealed a series of teaser sketches depicting a rugged-looking Jeep Wrangler rival.

Codenamed X200, the SUV is a spiritual successor to the first-generation Korando which dates back to the iconic CJ Jeep. While the teasers give away the X200’s look, a lot of questions remain, so let’s delve further and explore everything it is anticipated to offer.

Read: SsangYong Reveals Next-Gen SUV Design But Jeep Might Have Something To Say About It

Illustrations Copyright Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes

Looking Like A Brawler

Just look at this thing! The tough-guy aesthetic has the Wrangler and Bronco in its crosshairs for sheer off-road presence. SsangYong has employed its new ‘Powered by Toughness’ design ethos, which embodies four unique pillars: Robust Architecture, Vibrant Contrast, Unexpected Delight and Communion with Nature.

This new direction can be seen in the contrasting diamond grille, angular headlight housings and chiselled hood. Another point of discussion is the front and rear fenders; like a well-toned athlete, they protrude outwards, adding dynamism to the stance. Other unique elements include an upright windshield with a retractable contrasting roof and Bronco-inspired tie-down points on the hood. The squared-off rear features ‘X’ detailed LED tail lamps and a tail-gate mounted spare wheel.

These are the official teaser sketches of the X200 that were dropped earlier this year

A Durable Outlook 

Said to be inspired by the current Land Rover Defender, the X200 will have a spacious cabin adorned with industrial styling and hard-wearing materials. There will be seating for five, and conjecture suggests a three-door variant may also be on the cards as a Defender 90 challenger.

As with its upcoming J100 sibling, the X200 will offer a digital driver’s display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging, WiFi connectivity, and a heads-up display. A vast array of driver-assist systems, including lane-keeping aid, full-range dynamic cruise control, road sign recognition and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, will also be available.

Any similarity of the first generation Korando (1983-1987) to the Jeep Wrangler is purely coincidental. Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Under The Hood

What propels the X200 is currently a game of conjecture. Rumors suggest a range of petrol and diesel engines, plus some form of electrification. These include a 1.5-litre turbo-four with 160 hp (120 kW), a 1.6-litre diesel, and an all-electric variant with two 140 kW electric motors, one on each axle. Power for the EV variant comes from a 61.5 kWh lithium-ion battery shared with the Korando e-Motion, with a range over 200 miles (320 km) on the WLTP cycle.

Also See: What We Know About The 2022 SsangYong J100 SUV

While all-wheel-drive is guaranteed, questions remain over the architecture it will use. The most likely options are Mahindra’s Electric Scalable and Modular Architecture (MEMSA) or a body-on-frame chassis like the Jeep Wrangler. With terrain management assistance, the latter route would enable the X200 to exhibit off-road prowess to match its rugged looks.

Jeep Wrangler, the original

Rivals & Reveal

The X200 will compete against trailblazers like Ford’s Bronco and Bronco Sport, Jeep Wrangler, and Land Rover Defender.

An official reveal is yet to be confirmed; however, rumors suggest an early 2022 debut, with sales subsequently kicking off in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Would you buy an X200 over a Wrangler or Bronco if SsangYong were to sell it in your country? We’d love to hear your views in the comments below.

Illustrations Copyright Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes