Road tested By Hugh Maguire.
Who are KGM I hear you ask? Yet another new Chinese brand entering the Irish market? Well no! It is actually the re birth of the SsangYong brand. SsangYong went bust back in 2022 but were purchased by a south Korean company called KG Mobility and so KGM was born.
KGM are offering a few models on the Irish market including the Koran e-motion but the one of interest here today is their all new electric SUV known as the Torres EVX.
The KGM Torres EVX is a large 5-seat SUV and KGM are hoping this new car will become the flagship for the brand across Europe.
This car is not a rebranded SsangYong but a completely new model on a new platform. Here in Ireland there will be just one model on offer.
So how does it look?
Its a striking looking SUV with boxy good looks and a nod to the style of a Land Rover Defender right down to the bonnet mounted grab handles. With 20 inch diamond cut alloys and the roof available in a contrasting colour this new KGM really has a presence on the road. I liked it and I think it will appeal to many.
How about the cabin?
The first impression is of a vast roomy and well put together interior. There is ample leg and headroom both front and rear and a huge class leading 703 litre load area.
I found the elevated driving position to be just right and all controls fall easily to hand. Two huge screens sweep from the centre to the driver display and they look quite good. Functionality is a bit of a let down though with everything operated via the touchscreen which itself proves slow to respond often needing endless prods with your finger to get it to react. Not ideal while driving! Furthermore there are a host of annoying beeps to warn you of everything from going a KM over the posted speed limit to other endless annoying warnings. Its such a contradiction to place all controls in fiddly touchscreens then have a load beeps every time you take your eyes off the road to operate it.
Equipment levels are pretty good with wired Apple Car Play, Android Auto, wireless charging, ambient mood lighting, USC ports and plenty of handy storage areas.
What is under the bonnet?
This EV is powered by a blade battery made by BYD the Chinese car brand. The 73.4kWh battery powers an electric motor driving the front wheels and KGM claim a range of some 462km. I achieved closer to 370km over my extensive road test. A point of note here is that KGM are offering a 1 million km warranty on the battery, an industry first as far as I know!
So how does it drive?
The new Torres EVX rides and handles reasonably well though it lends itself to a more sedate than eager pace. Frankly it’s European rivals outshine it here.
When pulling away or cornering the front wheels do seem to spin and struggle for grip on anything other than a dry road and there is a good degree of body roll in corners. On the motorway its not as quiet as some rivals but that said the cabin proves to be a pleasant place in which to travel.
Hugh’s Verdict
Overall the new KGM Torres EVX deserves a look if you really want a big roomy electric SUV. However I see one stumbling block in particular that may make buyers hesitate namely the price at €47,500 ( including SEAI grant). That puts it up against some well established rivals and this may indeed slow sales.