New Korean electric ute approved for Aussie attack: 2026 KGM Musso EV ready to tackle BYD Shark 6, LDV eT60 and MG U9 

KGM Australia (formerly SsangYong Australia) has received a tick of approval from the Federal Government for the local appearance of a pure-electric version of its Musso dual cab ute.

Details posted by the government regulator have confirmed full compliance on everything from “powertrain safety requirements” and emissions, to side intrusion strength and tyre specification. 

Released in its Korean home market earlier this year and positioned as “Korea’s first electric pick-up” the big, five-seat dual cab is based on the same monocoque platform as the Torres mid-size SUV.

Offered in Korea in (152kW/340Nm) single-motor front- and (304kW/6363Nm) dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration, the Musso EV carries an 80.6kWh LFP battery for a claimed combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle driving range of 420km (WLTP) in the FWD version.

Peak DC charging rate is 200kW, which translates to a 10-80 per cent charge in 24 minutes. And multiple driving modes - ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Winter’ - automatically adjust regenerative braking based on factors including vehicle proximity and road gradient.

Trailer stability control is standard, self-levelling rear suspension is an option and Vehicle to-Load (V2L) power capacity is onboard. But maximum towing capacity (in Korea) is listed as 1800kg; well off the local norm of 3500kg and payload is only 500kg.

Measuring 5.2 metres end-to-end, 1.9m wide and 1.7m tall with a 3150mm wheelbase, the Musso EV doesn’t vary greatly in size from its internal-combustion sibling. Kerb weight at 2.2 tonnes for the FWD and 2.3 tonnes for the AWD isn’t a million miles away from the ICE version’s roughly 2.1-tonne weigh in.

For off-highway enthusiasts, the Musso EV’s approach angle is a relatively modest 20.2 degrees while departure is a more useful 24.3 degrees and ground clearance is 181mm.

The interior features twin 12.3-inch screens for media and instrumentation, the former running the brand’s ‘Athena 2.0’ operating system with a 200W Alpine system taking care of audio.

Domestic trim choices include black or tan leather as well as a grey/white two-tone leather combination. Standard rims are 17-inch alloy.

Accessory options run to a glass side canopy, tub side risers supporting rear roof bars, a hard rolling tonneau cover, storage boxes, a roof carrier, roof bars, skid plates, a tray divider, a sports bar and sliding bed.

For reference, KGM’s ICE Musso is currently offered here across six grades, all AWD, ranging from $42,500 to $53,000, drive-away. 

A direct currency conversion puts the Musso EV at the equivalent of A$52,000 for the base FWD and it’s worth noting the PHEV BYD Shark sits at $57,900, before on-road costs, the MG U9 range begins at $52,990, drive-away, while the 4x2-only LDV eT60 weighs in at a hefty $92,990, before on-road costs.

KGM Australia has been contacted for comment.