The range of electric cars on the German market is slowly becoming confusing. But fans of good value for money should not overlook Ssangyong's first electric model.
The current one has been scoring since 2019 Ssangyong Korando especially with a very good value for money. The new electric variant of the Korean compact SUV, which is nicknamed E-Motion, has recently adopted this advantage. At prices from 39.000 euros before deducting the environmental bonus, it offers a decent 340 kilometers range in a pleasing, practical and spacious layout. However, the brand does make a small quirk.
Visually hardly distinguishable from the combustion engine
In the best sense of the word, the five-door car, which is almost four and a half meters long, is already suitable for the masses from the outside. Classic SUV proportions meet angular beads and joint lines that give the Korando a robust appearance. The design is largely similar to that of the combustion models, the most important distinguishing features are the closed radiator grille and the blue electric accents around the body. Inside, the SUV also dispenses with experiments: the cockpit layout is classic, ergonomically well-placed buttons allow for distraction-free operation, the central screen saves itself from the fashionable gigantism and comes in the classic paperback format.
Nobody has to worry about getting used to it here. Unless he takes a closer look at the numerous individual keys and buttons. But more on that later.
First to the drive. A 140 kW/190 hp electric motor on the front axle takes care of that, which ensures very appealing driving performance. According to the data sheet, it takes 8,5 seconds to sprint from zero to 100 km/h, with a maximum of 156 km/h. Subjectively, the Ssangyong feels a little snappier than the numbers suggest. Above all, the typical electro-energetic pulling power when starting and during intermediate sprints off the highway know how to please. The same applies to the range. The on-board computer did not show the promised 339 kilometers even when the battery was fully charged, but the announced and realistic-looking 300 kilometers are sufficient for all everyday tasks.
Long loading breaks
In view of the decent range, the rather moderate charging capacity can also be tolerated. Just 6,6 kW per hour flow into the 61,5 kWh battery. In practice, it is usually significantly less, since the German unbalanced load regulation slows down the single-phase charger to 4,6 kWh on most power sources. In the worst case, you can hang on the cable for more than half a day before an empty battery is full again. If you are in a hurry, it is better to use the CCS fast charging connection, which only comes up to 80 kWh.
Most competitors can do that better. This does not make the Korando completely unsuitable for longer journeys, but you would probably choose a different car for a holiday trip. Perhaps there can be an improvement in this regard in the medium term with a faster charger or bolder DC charging software.
The original electrical additional functions that the Korando comes up with fall more into the category of "nice idea". They are hidden behind two unusual buttons in the cockpit, which we have never seen in this form in any other electric car. On the one hand there is the socket button, which uses the traction battery to energize a 220-volt connection in the rear, which is suitable for operating tools or household appliances. This can certainly be useful when camping, on the construction site or in emergencies.
Rather few practical uses come to mind for the push-away button. Whoever presses it puts the parked car into a kind of idle mode so that it can simply be pushed away. In some countries with limited parking space, this allows other road users to park. Then they can help themselves. When parking on a slope, however, you should avoid pressing the button as much as possible.
Inexpensive, but also little in it
Despite this Korean quirk, the Korando E-Motion doesn't feel like an exotic at all overall. Instead, the compact crossover is an accessible, easy to operate and drive car that particularly benefits from the quiet and powerful electric drive. The pleasing overall package becomes even more attractive when you look at the price list - especially when you consider the equipment, the Korean is ahead of the competition, which offers similar base prices but in some cases significantly less equipment.
If you invest 38.990 euros, you will already receive the sufficiently equipped basic model "Bronze", which only lacks the seat heating that is desirable in electric cars. If you don't want to do without this, you pay 3.000 euros for the "Platinum" variant, which also offers partial leather seats and a navigation system. The full range of assistance systems - from the blind spot warning system to the parking assistant - is only available in the top model "Titanium" for 45.590 euros. According to the current status, an environmental and innovation bonus of EUR 9.570 each can be deducted, at least for deliveries in the current year. Ssangyong also offers a seven-year (or 150.000 km) warranty, which also covers the battery.
Technical data
Five-door, five-seater compact electric SUV; Length: 4,47 meters, width: 1,87 meters (with exterior mirrors: 2,10 meters), height: 1,65 meters, wheelbase: 2,68 meters, cargo space volume: 551 - 1.248 liters
Electric motor, 140 kW/190 HP, maximum torque: 360 Nm, front-wheel drive, automatic input, 0-100 km/h: 8,5 s, Vmax: 156 km/h, battery capacity: 61,5 kWh, maximum charging power (AC): 6,6 kW, maximum charging power (DC): 80 kW, consumption (WLTP): 16,8 kWh/100 km, test consumption: 19 kWh/100 km, standard range (WLTP): 339 km, test range (Spring): 300 km, energy efficiency class: A+++, emission standard: Euro 6d, CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
Price: from 38.990 euros (29.420 euros after deducting the innovation bonus)
In brief
Why: good space; emission-free, quiet and powerful drive; decent range; good value for money
Why not: low charging power
What sonst: MG ZS EV, Skoda Enyaq iV60, VW ID.4 Pure
