Musso back as an EV

0 0 November 20, 2025 Edit this post

Remember SsangYong's Mercedes-powered Musso utility from 2004.

It made a comeback a couple of years back and is about to rise from the dead again, this time as a fully electric vehicle.

The Korean-based SsangYong is no more, by the way. These days it's the company known as KGM Australia.

The Musso EV comes in three guises; two-wheel, better equipped two-wheel drive Black Edge and top of the line all-wheel drive, priced from $60,000 plus on-roads.

Two-wheel drive versions have a single electric motor that powers the front wheels, while the all-wheel drive has two electric motors -- one for each axle.

Both feature the same 80.6 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LifeP0₄) blade battery.

The two-wheel drive is good for 152kW of power and 339Nm of torque, while the second electric motor in the all-wheel drive boosts the combined output to 266kW and 630Nm.

All important Driving range is 420km for the two-wheel drive and 380km for the all-wheel drive, with claimed energy consumption of 23.0 or 26.0 kWh respectively.

Advanced Cell-to-Cell (CTC) technology increases energy density, while the impact-resistant pack design enhances both protection and performance.

Regenerative braking is adjustable across three levels via steering wheel-mounted paddles, while the intelligent system automatically adapts to road gradients and surrounding traffic, maximising energy recovery.

With 300kW DC fast charging, the battery can recharge from 20 to 80 per cent in about 31 minutes.

Customisable charging targets add further flexibility, and built-in Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality enables external power supply for camping gear, tools, or outdoor appliances.

The “Rhino” emblem on the C-pillar points to Musso’s heritage of strength, grandeur, and unshakable confidence.

The distinctive identity continues at the rear with a bold, debossed KGM logo on the tailgate.

However, with just 180mm of ground clearance, off-road excursions will be a challenge.

Inside, a panoramic dashboard features an integrated 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen, all powered by KGM’s next-generation Athena 2.0 OS, delivering faster, more intuitive usability.

The interior is crafted with premium materials, with powered, heated and cooled seats up front and ambient interior lighting.

The same high standard of comfort extends to rear passengers with adjustable 60/40 seats complimented by heating for the outer positions.

Sharing its tub dimensions with diesel Musso, there are eight tie-down hooks for securing camping gear, bicycles, surfboards, and other leisure equipment.

A durable, moulded tub liner is standard and extends over the top edge of the tub for extra protection, with lighting for improved visibility when loading or unloading after dark.

The rear seats slide 80mm sliding range and recline 32 degrees, complemented by a 60/40 split-fold configuration for flexible cargo space and enhanced passenger comfort.

Self-levelling rear suspension keeps everything balanced by automatically maintaining the ideal ride height.

This advanced, factory-fitted system enhances stability and safety under heavy loads, outperforming traditional suspension setups.

It’s a smart feature tailored for a versatile EV Ute built to tackle both work duties and weekend adventures.

The two-wheel drive can accommodate a payload of 905kg; the all-wheel drive 805kg, while it can tow a 1800kg braked load.

“This is more than just an electric Ute – it’s a turning point,” KGM Australia boss Joseph Lee said.

“The Musso EV is purpose-built for lifestyle drivers who want practicality, efficiency and weekend-ready versatility in one package.

"It’s a vehicle that embraces the outdoor lifestyle while pushing the boundaries of innovation.

"This highly anticipated new vehicle offers KGM Australia the opportunity to lead into the lifestyle electric ute space.”