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The threat that electric utes would ‘take the weekend away’ has been disproved in one fell swoop by this, the all-new KGM Musso EV.
It’s a cornerstone of the Korean automaker’s revamped model lineup and growing range of electric cars, and only the second battery-powered dual-cab ute available in Australia.
Here are nine things we like about the KGM Musso EV.
The price is right
The KGM Musso EV is offered in two grades: a single-motor, front-wheel drive variant priced from just $60,000 drive-away, and a twin-motor all-wheel drive flagship priced from only $64,000 drive-away.
The single-motor version can also be had with an upgraded Black Edge package for an extra $2000 that adds – as you’d expect – black exterior highlights, plus a dark woodgrain dash insert, and leather and suede seat and interior trim.
Now, that positions the Musso EV at least $30k cheaper than the only other fully electric dual-cab ute available in Australia at the moment, the LDV eT60.
It’s also more affordable than the new breed of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) alternatives such as the BYD Shark 6 (from $57,900 before on-road costs), Ford Ranger (from $71,990 plus on-roads), and the GWM Cannon Alpha (from $61,490 drive-away).
Loaded with creature comforts
Despite the low price, both variants come loaded with a generous level of standard equipment, and all the latest digital conveniences and creature comforts, including:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights and tail-lights
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Synthetic leather trim
- Electrically adjustable driver and passenger seat
- Heated front and rear outboard seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Ventilated front seats
- Dual-zone climate control
- Ambient interior lighting
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Style and accessories
One of the standout elements of the KGM Musso EV is, well… the way it stands out from the crowd.
Its futuristic front-end, with slim LED daytime driving lights separated by a broken line under the leading edge of its sculpted hood and supported by a bold bash plate with contrasting red tow hooks on the lower edge, gives the Musso EV a commanding presence, like a modern desert racer.
This is complemented throughout its exterior design by elements such as the rugged C-pillar garnish, tough wheel-arches and stunning geometric, four-section alloy wheels.
Plus, KGM offers the Musso EV with a choice of six bold exterior paint colours: Grand White, Amazonian Green, Marble Grey, Blazing Gold, Space Black, and Ultra Marine.
On top of all that, customers can tailor the vehicle to suit their personal needs with a catalogue of practical accessories, including roof-mounted storage solutions and various options for the tray.
Space and comfort
Another unique thing about the KGM Musso EV is that it’s built around a monocoque platform rather than a ladder-frame chassis like most other dual-cab utes, including the diesel-powered versions of the Musso.
And that provides an advantage in terms of interior packaging, refinement and comfort, with the cabin offering room for five and as much space as a mid-size SUV.
With a flat floor, the rear seat in particular has better legroom and larger door apertures for easier access than many other dual-cabs.
The rear bench seat has a 60:40-split/fold function for added flexibility and can be moved forward or back by 80mm to either create additional storage space behind the reclining seat backs or extra legroom.
Those in the front are treated to a commanding view from comfortable and supportive seats, a classy, modern-looking dashboard, and plenty of small-item storage solutions throughout.
Powertrain
As we’ve already outlined, the KGM Musso EV is available with the choice of two powertrain configurations: a single-motor with front-wheel drive and a twin-motor with all-wheel drive.
Both use the same 80.9kWh Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack that can handle up to 300kW charging rates and can be replenished between 20-80 per cent in around 31 minutes.
They also feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality that enables the car to be used as an external power source for power tools, camping equipment, and outdoor appliances.
The single-motor produces 152kW of power and 339Nm of torque, and is capable of driving up to 420km on a single charge, while the twin-motor generates maximum combined outputs of 266kW and 630Nm and has a claimed maximum driving range of 380km.
Payload
The KGM Musso EV has been designed for both work and play.
While its overall dimensions are more compact than most of its rivals, it almost matches the regular version of its diesel-powered Musso sibling for cargo-carrying capacity in the tray, which measures 1345mm in overall length, is 1515mm wide and 510mm deep.
It also features eight cargo tie-down hooks, a moulded tub liner that extends over the lip for extra paint protection, and LED lighting.
Its car-like underpinnings mean the Musso EV has a fully independent five-link rear suspension setup with self-levelling dampers, rather than a solid axle with leaf springs.
While that restricts its maximum braked towing capacity to 1800kg, it is ultra-competitive when it comes to payload, with the ability to carry 905kg and 805kg for the 2WD and AWD variants respectively.
Those figures are on par with the Ford Ranger PHEV (808-973kg), and better than the BYD Shark 6 (790kg) and GWM Cannon Alpha (685kg).
Driving dynamics
The self-levelling rear suspension is not just beneficial when carrying a load in the back, but also adds to the Musso EV’s car-like driving character.
Where most ladder-frame rivals are compromised by their rugged underpinnings, the Musso EV feels more refined with better ride quality, more positive steering, and sure-footed handling traits.
Being all-electric, the Musso EV is silky-smooth in its power delivery, and offers instant acceleration at any speed.
And it’s also whisper-quiet, not just because of those electric motors but because its monocoque body construction is designed to absorb more harsh frequencies from road and wind noise.
Safety
The KGM Musso EV is right at the forefront when it comes to cutting-edge safety systems and autonomous driving aids.
Both variants share the same comprehensive suite of advanced functions, including:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keeping assistance
- Blind spot collision avoidance
- Rear cross-traffic alert and automated braking
- Driver attention monitoring
- Trailer sway control
- Safe exit warning
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 360-degree parking display
- Eight airbags
Ownership credentials
KGM provides consumers with extensive peace of mind thanks to a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for the vehicle, while the high-voltage battery is guaranteed for a decade.
The Musso EV requires regular maintenance every 12 months or 20,000km, and has a transparent service price menu for the first seven years, which costs an average of $285 per annum under normal driving conditions. If the vehicle is regularly used in more rugged environments, it may require more frequent servicing.