As EVs become more common in the Australian market, it was only a matter of time before we finally got a second electric option to go up against the LDV eT60, and the KGM Musso EV is just that.
KGM might not be a household name, but the Musso sold well under the brand’s former name of SsangYong, with the Korean marque now taking the bold step of having a go at Australia’s lucrative ute market.
Described by KGM Australia managing director Joseph Lee as “more than just an electric ute – it’s a turning point”, the Musso EV is aimed at being a ‘recreational pickup’ rather than a true work ute like the majority of players in the segment.
Sales of the KGM Musso EV will kick off in December, allowing it to beat the upcoming electric Toyota HiLux BEV and LDV eTerron 9 to market, both of which are expected here in 2026.
Available in front- and all-wheel drive guise, prices start from $60,000 drive-away for the entry-level, self-titled Musso EV, well down on the circa-$92,990 plus on-road costs list price of the LDV eT60, though the latter’s lack of popularity has seen dealers offer huge discounts.
Powering the base Musso EV is a single electric motor, sending 152kW and 339Nm to the front wheels.
Its 80.6kWh battery has a claimed driving range of 420km – significantly more than the HiLux BEV’s 240km claim, though it’s short of the 430km figure for the eTerron 9 overseas.
Capable of towing up to 1800kg braked, it’s also ahead of the HiLux BEV (1600kg) and the outgoing LDV eT60 (1000kg). The front-drive ute has a maximum payload capacity of 905kg, while tipping the scales at 2165kg.
Standard equipment in the Musso EV includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, DRLs and tail lights, self-levelling rear suspension, dual-zone climate control, faux leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a wireless phone charger.
Stepping up to the ‘Black Edge’ variant adds an extra $2000 to the price, increasing to $62,000 drive-away. It adds, as you’d expect, a number of black features, including alloy wheels, exterior highlights, leather and suede seats with suede headrests, and a dark wood grain dashboard.
At the top of the tree is the Musso EV AWD, with prices starting from $64,000 drive-away. It retains the equipment of the base ute, but adds a rear electric motor to make 266kW and 630Nm combined, resulting in a drop of its driving range to 380km, while payload is also reduced at 805kg.
Measuring 5160mm long, 1920mm wide and 1750mm tall, the Musso EV is about 160mm shorter, 65mm wider and sits 50mm lower than the upcoming HiLux BEV. Its 3150mm wheelbase though adds an extra 65mm onto the Toyota.
On top of the HiLux BEV and LDV eTerron 9, the KGM Musso EV is expected to face competition in the near future from the Isuzu D-Max EV and the JAC T9 EV.
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