Korean automaker SsangYong Motor is under new ownership and will soon be renamed to KG Mobility so it is no surprise that the development of future models has restarted. Our spy photographers caught a camouflaged prototype of the SsangYong Torres with a fully electric powertrain, which is expected to debut later this year.
The all-new SsangYong Torres was introduced in June 2022, as a rugged-looking compact SUV slotting between the Korando and the Rexton. The ICE-powered version comes fitted with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a six-speed automatic with optional 4WD. However, the company is now working on a fully electric version that will broaden its appeal and expand the target group.
Read: SsangYong Motor To Be Renamed To KG Mobility
The prototype has camouflage on both ends, so we can’t really see the extent of the visual updates. Chances are that the electric Torres will feature a redesigned front bumper with smaller intakes, most likely retaining the Jeep-style grille and the thin LED headlights. The profile appears to be largely unchanged although the company could add new alloy wheels. At the back, the omission of the tailpipe and EV-specific badges should be considered a given. A sneaky photo under the rear bumper reveals the floor-mounted battery pack that inevitably lowers the ground clearance of the SUV.
Interestingly, the interior of the prototype is different from the Torres, with the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment screen being integrated within the same panel. The steering wheel still has the SsangYong emblem, which could be replaced by the soon-to-be-revealed KG Mobility branding making it the first model to receive this treatment.
We don’t have information on the technical specifications of the electric Torres, but the model could share the powertrain with the slightly smaller Korando e-Motion. The latter comes fitted with a single electric motor (FWD) producing 190 hp (140 kW / 190 PS), while its 61.5 kWh battery (55.3 kWh usable) is good for a WLTP range of 340 km (211 miles). It remains to be seen if the company will upgrade those specs for the new model.
The SsangYong (or should we say KG Mobility) Torres EV is expected to debut in 2023. The fully electric SUV will likely be offered in export markets outside Korea, including Europe and Australia.
