New SsangYong Torres electric SUV to arrive in 2023

South Korean brand SsangYong is set to introduce a fully electric version of its new Torres SUV to the UK towards the end of 2023. But, these new images of the petrol-powered model that’ll go on sale in its native South Korea later this year provide us with our first look at the brand’s second EV.

Europe will only get a zero-emissions version of the Torres, which the brand has hinted will arrive in the UK late next year. Although this is unconfirmed, it could follow the smaller Korando e-Motion's naming convention and be dubbed the 'Torres e-Motion'.

The Torres introduces a new design language for SsangYong, while at the same time not straying too far from its established functional and utilitarian philosophy. Up front, there's a distinctive, chunky grille design reminiscent of those on today’s Jeep range, though there is no confirmation the electric version will get the same treatment; the electric Korando gets a blanked-off front end to aid aerodynamics.

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Elsewhere, there are plenty of other typical 4x4 touches, like lots of black plastic cladding and side steps, plus side mounted storage boxes like you’ll find on a Land Rover Defender. We expect the last of these items to be optional, of course.

We’ve also been given a look inside the Torres’ cabin, which features three separate screens: a digital driver’s display, a central infotainment touchscreen and another just below it – presumably for the climate controls. The Torres will be five-seater only, with up to 703 litres of boot space in the petrol model. It’s likely the electric version will be slightly less practical.

No further details have been nailed down yet, so we don't know whether the Torres will match or improve upon the Korando e-Motion's 211-mile range and 100kW maximum charging speed. By 2025, a third electric SsangYong SUV will have joined the range in addition to the Korando and Torres, though specifics on that car haven’t been revealed as yet.