New SsangYong electric off-roader previewed

SsangYong has released images of an all-new rugged SUV rival for the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq – among others – that is being developed under the J100 codename and will reach international markets in 2022.

No further details have been released on the new all-electric model, which will become the second mass-market EV from the Korean brand after the just-announced SsangYong Korando e-Motion that's due for release in Europe and other markets later this year.

With aggressive styling that includes tough cladding, prominent bash plates, squared-off wheel-arches and a spare wheel carrier on the tailgate, SsangYong is clearly aiming to not only steal sales from the Volkswagen Group but carve out a new niche with a zero-emissions Land Rover Defender or Jeep Wrangler rival.

As well as the SUV, SsangYong has confirmed it will introduce a battery-powered pick-up but has not explicitly confirmed it will be J100-based.

To launch after the SUV, probably around 2023/24, the all-new electric ute could see SsangYong become the first brand in Australia to offer a battery-powered dual-cab 4x4 ute.

Whether it replaces the current SsangYong Musso ute, or sits alongside it as a standalone model, remains to be seen.

While the Korando e-Motion is under consideration for Australia, a company spokesperson said it was too early to confirm the J100 models for this market.

However, he emphasised that they "will be on our radar".

The J100 SUV is expected to share its powertrain and architecture with the new Korando e-Motion, which emerged overnight with a 142kW electric motor and 61.5kWh lithium-ion battery.

A more powerful dual-motor version that will offer all-wheel drive is believed to be in the pipeline, justifying the J100's adventurous looks and potentially providing the basis for the 4x4 ute version.

Beneath the skin, the battery-powered Korando e-Motion is based on the Mahindra Electric Scalable and Modular Architecture (MEMSA).

Both the Korando and J100-based EVs are likely candidates for the Australian market, but there's no confirmation at this stage that they'll be released here.