Musso EV AWD

Overview

KGM Automotive - the company formerly known as SsangYong, restructured and rebranded following its Korean parent’s financial difficulties - brings the Musso EV to Australia as one of only a handful of electric dual-cab utes available in the market. The AWD variant is the more capable version, adding a front electric motor to the platform for genuine all-wheel traction.

For the ute buyer considering electrification, AWD is not optional: Australian ute use involves towing, unsealed roads, and wet or muddy conditions where rear-wheel-only traction creates real limitations. The Musso EV AWD addresses this with a dual-motor setup that distributes torque across all four wheels and brings 0–100 km/h performance to 7.5 seconds - quicker than the FWD variant and more than adequate for a loaded dual-cab.

The 80.6kWh battery delivers 380km of WLTP range in AWD configuration - slightly less than the FWD variant’s 420km due to the additional motor mass. V2L capability at 3.6kW is standard, allowing job site power tool use from the vehicle’s battery - a genuine work utility feature. The 2,000kg braked towing rating is lower than petrol utes in the class, a fundamental characteristic of current EV ute platforms.

Pricing & Variants

The $5,000 premium over the FWD Musso EV buys AWD traction - the appropriate specification for a working ute. Against PHEV utes, the Musso EV AWD offers lower running costs on all electric power but concedes towing rating and has a limited range without fast-charging infrastructure.

Performance

Dual electric motors in AWD configuration produce combined power sufficient to move the full-size dual-cab body with purpose. The 0–100 km/h time of approximately 7.5 seconds is brisk for a ute and benefits from full electric torque available from standstill. Top speed is 160 km/h. Towing up to 2,000kg braked is rated with AWD, making it viable for boat trailers, small horse floats, and light camper trailers.

The AWD system provides electronic torque vectoring between axles, improving low-speed traction on loose or slippery surfaces. The Musso’s approach and departure angles are ute-class standard, adequate for the same unsealed roads that conventional ute buyers navigate.

Range and Charging

The 80.6kWh battery provides 380km of WLTP range in AWD configuration. Real-world driving without climate control and at mixed urban/suburban speeds will return approximately 300–340km; highway driving at 110 km/h reduces this to approximately 280–310km. With a trailer attached, range consumption increases significantly - towing with electric utes requires range planning that petrol utes don’t demand.

DC charging at up to 80kW brings the battery from 10–80% in approximately 60 minutes at a CCS2-compatible charger. This is slower than many pure-passenger EVs and will be the key planning consideration for work vehicle operators who need rapid recharging. AC home charging at 7.2kW takes approximately 12 hours for a full charge - overnight charging is the practical baseline.

Interior and Technology

The Musso EV’s dual-cab interior is functional and well-specified for a work and lifestyle ute. A 10-inch central touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with physical controls for climate, 4WD mode, and tray/cargo functions. Leather-accented seating, heated front seats, and a digital instrument cluster are fitted.

A dedicated tray mode for cargo area management and integrated tow bar controls are available. The rear seat folds flat for extended cabin storage. A 12V outlet and 240V socket are available from the V2L system, enabling tool charging and site equipment power without a generator.

Practicality

Dual-cab configuration seats five adults. The rear seat is adult-adequate for a ute, though not as spacious as dedicated passenger vehicles. The cargo tray is full-length for the class and supports standard ute canopy fitments. A tow bar is available for the rated 2,000kg braked load.

V2L capability at 3.6kW distinguishes the Musso EV from PHEV utes that lack power export. For tradespersons charging tools, running a job site LED flood, or powering a compressor, this is a practical work feature that adds genuine daily utility beyond driving.

Safety

The Musso EV AWD carries KGM’s active safety suite: autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a reversing camera. Trailer stability control is active when towing. Refer to ANCAP Australia for the current crash test rating on the Musso EV generation.

Running Costs and Ownership

Running cost at $0.30/kWh: (80.6 ÷ 380) × 100 × $0.30 = approximately $6.36/100km. Against a diesel ute consuming 9–11L/100km at $2.10/L ($18.90–$23.10/100km), the Musso EV AWD running cost advantage is substantial at high kilometres.

KGM warranty: 5 years on the vehicle with battery warranty to be confirmed with KGM Australia. The service network is developing - major capital cities are covered, but regional coverage requires individual verification. Parts supply as a Korean brand with established Australian history should be adequate.

Verdict

The KGM Musso EV AWD is the right specification of KGM’s electric ute for buyers who plan to use it as an actual ute: AWD traction for towing and off-road conditions, 380km of range for suburban and regional day use, and V2L for job site power. The 2,000kg towing limit is the most significant constraint against petrol competitors, and the 80kW DC charging limits rapid recharging on longer work trips.

For urban and suburban tradespersons who accumulate high kilometres within range of home charging and need occasional towing under 2,000kg, the Musso EV AWD reduces operating costs materially. For buyers who regularly tow heavy loads or operate in remote areas far from charging, a PHEV or diesel ute remains more practical. The $65,000 price is premium territory for a brand that has yet to fully re-establish itself under the KGM name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the towing capacity of the KGM Musso EV AWD?

The Musso EV AWD is rated for 2,000kg braked towing. This covers boat trailers, small horse floats, and light camper trailers. It is lower than diesel utes in the class, which typically offer 3,000–3,500kg braked. Buyers with heavier trailers should evaluate PHEV utes such as the GWM Cannon Alpha or Ford Ranger PHEV.

Does the KGM Musso EV AWD have V2L?

Yes. The Musso EV AWD includes V2L (vehicle-to-load) capability rated at 3.6kW. This allows the driver to power 240V appliances from the vehicle’s battery - useful for job site tools, camping equipment, and emergency power. This is a meaningful practical advantage over PHEV utes that lack power export.

How much range does the KGM Musso EV AWD lose compared to the FWD version?

The AWD variant offers 380km WLTP versus 420km for the FWD - a 40km reduction attributable to the additional front motor mass and AWD system losses. For most buyers who choose the AWD for towing and off-road capability, this range trade-off is acceptable given the traction benefits gained.