Test: KGM Torres EVX – with good tires it has potential

KGM, isn’t that SsangYong’s new name?

KGM is the new name of SsangYong, the ‘Powered by Mercedes’ brand that almost declared bankruptcy, but was saved by KG – one of the largest steel manufacturers in the world. Such a rescue operation has previously been carried out by a steel giant when Jaguar Land Rover was pulled out of the swamp by the Indian company Tata. With success, because under the Tata flag, production of Jaguar and Land Rover increased to great heights.

A new car brand, and there are already so many of them…

The timing of the introduction of the new car brand KGM is unfavorable to say the least. Not only does the Korean car brand have to compete with almost a hundred Chinese car brands, KGM is also automatically associated with it. Because although the design is quite cool and not as generic as most Chinese, the 1,900 kilo KGM Torres resembles all its Chinese competitors in the sense that it is a relatively affordable crossover at a reasonable price.

What does KG actually mean?

KG stands for Korea Green and although steel manufacturers are generally as green as smurfs are yellow, they can still show a nice example of environmental awareness with this new Torres. Because the Torres is only available here as an electric model. The 4.7 meter long Korean is also in a popular segment with a price of between €40,000 and €42,000, although the competition there is very fierce with models such as the Tesla Model Y and the Chinese BYD Seal U.

Where is the distinctive character?

What the Torres EVX has ahead of its competitors is its solid appearance. This lies in small details, such as the weight of the door and the sound you make when you close it, but also the materials used and the finish. But the tough exterior is an illusion. There is no spare wheel under the hump on the rear door and the SUV is not capable of anything off-road as it is only available with front-wheel drive.

How does the Torres drive?

The handling of the front-wheel drive Torres is good, with a relatively soft suspension and hard dampers – a proven recipe with which Volkswagen has also had success for years. The BYD Seal U is softer and more comfortable and the Tesla Model Y ‘bangs’ more on short bumps. The Torres is somewhere in between in terms of handling. There are four driving modes: Comfort, Eco, Sport and Weather. The differences are not large. But if you like sporty driving, you should first visit the tire shop, because the cheap tires don’t look like much. Never before have we experienced loss of grip so quickly. On a steep slope in the city, colleagues even had to let other cars pass because the front wheels had no grip at all and you also have to be careful not to go straight when cornering. That was still under dry conditions. It doesn’t bode well for turning left into an intersection in the Dutch rain. During a later introduction in the Netherlands we already saw an improvement because there is one on Continental Premium Contact and one on Pirelli P Zero, but at the same event we also spotted an EVX on Nexen tires.

In any case, a better traction control system does not seem to be an unnecessary luxury. This is undoubtedly solved to a large extent with a set of good tires from an A-brand, but it is striking that KGM has chosen this type of rubber. It may be that the car with these rock-hard eco tires falls into a different CO2 class, but it is extremely dangerous. The arsenal of beeps, buzzes and other warning signals with which the KG drives its occupants crazy is maddening. The sounds themselves increase safety, but they do so so often and loudly that you dig into the menu until they are all turned off, thus achieving the opposite effect.

What about the beeps and bleeps?

One look to the right to see if a car is coming and he thinks you are distracted. Then a hellish squeaking starts. Blink your eyes three times in a row and another buzzing tone warns you not to fall asleep. And then we haven’t even touched on the permanent tones for speeding exceeding one kilometer per hour and the alarm for crossing non-existent lines. This needs to change, or there should be a central button to switch off all systems at once, because the cacophony of warning sounds simply makes you unresponsive, even if something is really wrong.

What are the electrical specs?

The electric powertrain of the KGM Torres EVX consists of so-called LFP blade batteries from the Chinese BYD. This is not only a car manufacturer, but also the largest battery manufacturer in the world. The capacity of the battery is 73.4 kWh. Fast charging is possible with 145 kW, which allows you to charge the battery to eighty percent in about forty minutes. The electric motor produces 207 hp and has a pulling force of 339 Newton meters. The KGM isn’t fast with a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 8.8 seconds, but you never feel like you’re running out of speed either. The top speed is limited to 175 km/h, but it sprints to that quite quickly, so you can also keep up well in Germany, for example. The car can also tow another 1,500 kilograms. The brakes are well controlled, the steering is pleasant and you sit upright behind the wheel, giving you a good overview of other traffic. However, a cyclist can disappear behind the sturdy, wide rear door pillar of the Torres on mini-roundabouts, which means you have to be extra alert in the city. You can adjust the degree of regeneration via paddles behind the steering wheel. Although the 1,900 kilo SUV body does not seem to be a good basis for a large range, the Korean appears to be relatively economical not only theoretically, but also in practice. The WLTP range is also excellent with a driving range of 462 kilometers. An official price for the KGM Torres EVX has not yet been mentioned, but assume an amount around €41,000.

Specifications KGM Torres EVX

Dimensions (lxwxh) 4.72 x 1.89 x 1.72 m

Powertrain Electric, 73.4-kWh battery from BYD

Max. assets 152 kW/206 hp

Max. couple 339 Nm

Top speed 175 km/h

0-100 km/h 8.1 sec

Consumption avg. 18.7 kWh/100 km

Range 462 km

From price nnb