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The menace that electrical utes would ‘take the weekend away’ has been disproved in a single fell swoop by this, the all-new KGM Musso EV.
It’s a cornerstone of the Korean automaker’s revamped mannequin lineup and rising vary of electrical automobiles, and solely the second battery-powered dual-cab ute out there in Australia.
Listed below are 9 issues we like in regards to the KGM Musso EV.
The worth is correct
The KGM Musso EV is obtainable in two grades: a single-motor, front-wheel drive variant priced from simply $60,000 drive-away, and a twin-motor all-wheel drive flagship priced from solely $64,000 drive-away.
The one-motor model may also be had with an upgraded Black Edge bundle for an additional $2000 that provides – as you’d anticipate – black exterior highlights, plus a darkish woodgrain sprint insert, and leather-based and suede seat and inside trim.
Now, that positions the Musso EV not less than $30k cheaper than the one different totally electrical dual-cab ute out there in Australia for the time being, the LDV eT60.
It’s additionally extra inexpensive than the brand new breed of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options such because the BYD Shark 6 (from $57,900 earlier than on-road prices), Ford Ranger (from $71,990 plus on-roads), and the GWM Cannon Alpha (from $61,490 drive-away).
Loaded with creature comforts
Regardless of the low value, each variants come loaded with a beneficiant stage of normal tools, and all the newest digital conveniences and creature comforts, together with:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights and tail-lights
- Keyless entry with push-button begin
- Artificial leather-based trim
- Electrically adjustable driver and passenger seat
- Heated entrance and rear outboard seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Ventilated entrance seats
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Ambient inside lighting
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Fashion and equipment
One of many standout components of the KGM Musso EV is, effectively… the best way it stands out from the gang.
Its futuristic front-end, with slim LED daytime driving lights separated by a damaged line below the vanguard of its sculpted hood and supported by a daring bash plate with contrasting crimson tow hooks on the decrease edge, provides the Musso EV a commanding presence, like a contemporary desert racer.
That is complemented all through its exterior design by components such because the rugged C-pillar garnish, robust wheel-arches and gorgeous geometric, four-section alloy wheels.
Plus, KGM gives the Musso EV with a alternative of six daring exterior paint colors: Grand White, Amazonian Inexperienced, Marble Gray, Blazing Gold, House Black, and Extremely Marine.
On prime of all that, prospects can tailor the car to go well with their private wants with a listing of sensible equipment, together with roof-mounted storage options and varied choices for the tray.
House and luxury
One other distinctive factor in regards to the KGM Musso EV is that it’s constructed round a monocoque platform moderately than a ladder-frame chassis like most different dual-cab utes, together with the diesel-powered variations of the Musso.
And that gives a bonus by way of inside packaging, refinement and luxury, with the cabin providing room for 5 and as a lot area as a mid-size SUV.
With a flat flooring, the rear seat particularly has higher legroom and bigger door apertures for simpler entry than many different dual-cabs.
The rear bench seat has a 60:40-split/fold operate for added flexibility and might be moved ahead or again by 80mm to both create extra space for storing behind the reclining seat backs or additional legroom.
These within the entrance are handled to a commanding view from comfy and supportive seats, a cultured, modern-looking dashboard, and loads of small-item storage options all through.
Powertrain
As we’ve already outlined, the KGM Musso EV is accessible with the selection of two powertrain configurations: a single-motor with front-wheel drive and a twin-motor with all-wheel drive.
Each use the identical 80.9kWh Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack that may deal with as much as 300kW charging charges and might be replenished between 20-80 per cent in round 31 minutes.
In addition they function vehicle-to-load (V2L) performance that allows the automobile for use as an exterior energy supply for energy instruments, tenting tools, and out of doors home equipment.
The one-motor produces 152kW of energy and 339Nm of torque, and is able to driving as much as 420km on a single cost, whereas the twin-motor generates most mixed outputs of 266kW and 630Nm and has a claimed most driving vary of 380km.
Payload
The KGM Musso EV has been designed for each work and play.
Whereas its general dimensions are extra compact than most of its rivals, it virtually matches the common model of its diesel-powered Musso sibling for cargo-carrying capability within the tray, which measures 1345mm in general size, is 1515mm broad and 510mm deep.
It additionally options eight cargo tie-down hooks, a moulded tub liner that extends over the lip for additional paint safety, and LED lighting.
Its car-like underpinnings imply the Musso EV has a completely unbiased five-link rear suspension setup with self-levelling dampers, moderately than a strong axle with leaf springs.
Whereas that restricts its most braked towing capability to 1800kg, it’s ultra-competitive in the case of payload, with the flexibility to hold 905kg and 805kg for the 2WD and AWD variants respectively.
These figures are on par with the Ford Ranger PHEV (808-973kg), and higher than the BYD Shark 6 (790kg) and GWM Cannon Alpha (685kg).
Driving dynamics
The self-levelling rear suspension isn’t just useful when carrying a load within the again, but additionally provides to the Musso EV’s car-like driving character.
The place most ladder-frame rivals are compromised by their rugged underpinnings, the Musso EV feels extra refined with higher trip high quality, extra constructive steering, and sure-footed dealing with traits.
Being all-electric, the Musso EV is silky-smooth in its energy supply, and gives instantaneous acceleration at any pace.
And it’s additionally whisper-quiet, not simply due to these electrical motors however as a result of its monocoque physique development is designed to soak up extra harsh frequencies from highway and wind noise.
Security
The KGM Musso EV is correct on the forefront in the case of cutting-edge security techniques and autonomous driving aids.
Each variants share the identical complete suite of superior capabilities, together with:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane retaining help
- Blind spot collision avoidance
- Rear cross-traffic alert and automatic braking
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Trailer sway management
- Secure exit warning
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- 360-degree parking show
- Eight airbags
Possession credentials
KGM supplies customers with in depth peace of thoughts because of a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee for the car, whereas the high-voltage battery is assured for a decade.
The Musso EV requires common upkeep each 12 months or 20,000km, and has a clear service value menu for the primary seven years, which prices a mean of $285 each year below regular driving situations. If the car is often utilized in extra rugged environments, it might require extra frequent servicing.
