Chinese brand’s second electric car comes in the form of a large family SUV
- Sits between Korando and Rexton in range
- Second full EV from SsangYong
- Arrives late 2023
The fully-electric SsangYong Torres SUV has been revealed. This all-new model will sit between the medium-sized Korando and the larger Rexton in the SsangYong lineup, and promises to take the brand in a new direction under the ‘Powered by Toughness’ slogan.
The name of the new model is inspired by the Patagonian national park, Torres del Paine, and the spectacular views it contains. SsangYong says that the name encapsulates the sense of escapism and adventure; something it hopes has been translated into the design and function of the new Torres.
Newly-released images of the SsangYong Torres give us our best look yet at the all-new model. The front end of the SUV is characterised by a vertical slat grille – much like that of a Jeep Wrangler – and a set of angular LED running lights that are reminiscent of those seen on the Range Rover Evoque. Another similarity to a Land Rover model can be found at the rear where the Torres gets a set of external storage boxes, similar to those available on the new Defender.
On the inside, the Torres looks to be a vast improvement over SsangYong models of old. The cabin is dressed in swathes of leather and features textured speaker covers on the doors. In the centre, there looks to be a brand-new infotainment system; exact dimensions of the screens are yet to be confirmed, but we can see the Korando will get a digital instrument cluster and two large touchscreens – one for sat-nav and media and the other for the climate controls.
Ssangyong is yet to reveal technical specifications for the new Torres, but it will need a range of around 300 miles in EV form (there will be petrol versions in markets outside the UK) to remain competitive with the likes of the Skoda Enyaq iV. What we do know at this stage is that the Torres represents SsangYong’s second venture into the EV market, after the relatively mediocre Korando e-Motion that went on sale in early 2022.
As you may be able to surmise from its new motto, SsangYong is re-positioning itself as a rugged off-road brand; consequently, the Torres should offer greater off-road capability than most of its electric SUV rivals.
Size-wise, the Torres is described as a ‘larger mid-size SUV’, so it’s likely to be more spacious than its competitors, too. Prices and full specifications will emerge nearer the car’s release date in 2023.
Read more on our picks for the best electric SUVs and our best hybrid SUVs.
Keyword: New SsangYong Torres is a rugged electric 4x4