Torres EVX debuts as KGM’s first EV

Quick look

• KGM is the former SsangYong automaker renamed by a new owner in 2022.
• Torres EVX is the first fully electric model of the company.
• Its dimensions are similar to the Proton e.MAS 7.
• Cabin controls minimise use of physical switches.
• 80.6 kWh LFP battery has claimed range of up to 362 kms.

You are unlikely to have heard of KGM, an automaker, but if we mention SsangYong, then the name would be familiar. It was a Korean brand which appeared in the Malaysia market in the 1990s with SUV models like the Korando and Musso. The brand also had a model called the Rexton which was assembled locally. As well as a flagship model called the Chairman which was adapted from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class as the brand’s attempt to move further upmarket.

The Malaysian distributor put in a lot of effort to develop the brand but unfortunately, financial problems led to the brand changing owners a few times and it lost its momentum in Malaysia and faded away after 2012.

During the Asian Financial Crisis of the late 1990s, SsangYong was owned by Daewoo. After that, it was acquired by China’s SAIC, which then sold it to Mahindra & Mahindra. Each owner found it too challenging to revive the company which nevertheless seemed to continue business in some markets despite being in receivership.

KGM since 2022
In 2022, KG Group, a Korean industrial company, made a big investment in the company and became its majority owner, renaming it KGM. Under this new owner, things have been looking better and 3 years later, it is beginning to build a new range of models.

In May 2025, it launched the new Actyon as the first model under the KGM brand. This has now been followed by the automaker’s first fully-electric mid-size SUV, the Torres EVX. The new model  represents a further significant step in KGM’s long-term electrification strategy which will see a new generation of fully electric vehicles.

‘Powered by Toughness’ design philosophy
The exterior design of the Torres EVX adopts KGM’s ‘Powered by Toughness’ design philosophy which blends robust SUV styling with contemporary sophistication. Strong design details and straight, bold character create a dynamic look with the lighting units giving a unique visual signature (somewhat like the smart #5).

The Torres EVX has dimensions of 4715 mm (L)/1890 mm (W)/1725 mm (H) with a wheelbase of 2680 mm. This would make it about the same size as a Proton e.MAS 7 but its roofline is 55 mm higher. The wheelbase of the Proton is, however, 70 mm longer.

Still sticking to touch controls
KGM’s designers don’t seem to have got the memo that touch controls are not appreciated by most motorists and the Torres EVX is presented with ‘minimised use of physical controls’. All vehicle functions are managed from a 12.3-inch display and information is shown on this display as well as another one of the same size.

Advanced vehicle dynamics enhancements include shock absorbers equipped with Smart Frequency Damping, a technology that enables precise tuning to control larger body movements while delivering more compliant damping over rough surfaces. This result is improved ride comfort and greater handling stability, as the suspension seamlessly adapts to changing road conditions.

Further contributors to ride comfort include the reinforcement of sound-absorbing and insulating materials in key noise transmission areas such as the engine compartment, engine cover, and wheelarches, effectively reducing both road and engine noise.

3-in-1 drivetrain
The 3-in-1 EV drivetrain generates 152.2 kW (207 ps)/339 Nm which goes to the front wheels through a single-speed automatic transmission. Power comes from a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a capacity of up to 80.6 kWh which is said to give a range of up to 462 kms.

DC charging with a supply of 300 kW is claimed to fill from 10% to 80% capacity within 37 minutes (a 100 kW DC supply would take about 5 minutes longer for the same recharge). With an 11 kW AC charger, 0 to 100% is said to take up to 9 hours.

In Australia, the Torres EVX is priced from A$58,000 (about RM155,000). With the duty-exemption on EVs set to end on December 31, 2025, it is unlikely that someone will want to bring start importing the Torres EVX. If KGM is adventurous and decides to assemble locally, then it could enjoy the duty-exemption up to 2027. Anyone interested?

KGM Actyon is first model of rebranded SsangYong company