Ssangyong Korando e-Motion

(Almost) nothing works without an e-car. That's why the small Korean brand Ssangyong now has one on offer. The Korando e-Motion arouses few emotions, but appeals to the ratio. But that is exactly what could convince some drivers these days.

Now the Korean manufacturer is also bringing Ssangyong its first electric car on the market. the Korando e-Motion has a 140 kW/190 hp electric motor and a 61,5 kWh battery on board, which should enable a standard range of 339 kilometers. The 4,47 meter long E-SUV is available in three equipment variants and costs at least 38.990 euros, which reduces to a very reasonable 29.420 euros after deducting the innovation bonus. If you want to drive the E-Korando, which comes with a seven-year full guarantee of up to 150.000 kilometers including the battery, you probably have to hurry. This year, the importer will receive only about 500 copies. 

Perfect for the city

Ssangyong describes itself as an all-wheel drive specialist. With the Korando e-Motion, however, the Koreans are limiting themselves to front-wheel drive, which should primarily have cost reasons, but is also explained by the fact that electric cars are mainly used in the city anyway. For this environment, the compact Korean is the right length, short enough to fit in most parking spaces but with enough room for at least four passengers. 510 liters of luggage fit into the trunk, and if you need more space, you can expand the luggage compartment to almost 60 liters by folding down the 40:1.250 split seats. The charging cable is housed in a 10 liter compartment under the floor. 

Ssangyong Korando e-Motion
With the Korando e-Motion, however, the Koreans are limited to front-wheel drive

Visually, the new Korando is clearly related to its sister models powered by petrol or diesel, since it is also based on the same platform; Ssangyong only wants to develop its own e-platform for upcoming models. The biggest visual difference to the combustion variants is the closed front without a radiator grille and the blue accents on the headlights, the exterior mirrors and the underbody protection. The E-Korando is not an outspoken beauty, but it is quite impressive in its natural habitat, the city and suburbs.    

Various equipment variants

Getting into the e-car is easy, the driver looks from his leather seat, which can be heated and ventilated depending on the equipment, at the displays that are common today. Although they are large in the Korando, they are fortunately not overly huge. The central display measures 8 inches in the “Bronze” base and 9,2 inches in each of the higher-quality “Platinum” (from 41.990 euros) and “Titanum” (from 45.590 euros) versions. Then a navigation system is always integrated. In addition, there is the configurable instrument panel in front of the driver, which measures 12,3 inches. 

Korando is an acronym of "KORean's cAN DO", which unfortunately doesn't quite apply to the vehicle's fine-tuning. The steering is clearly too indifferent, the brakes are difficult to dose. On the other hand, the comfortably tuned chassis is convincing, which also enables pleasant cornering thanks to the flat-mounted batteries. Of course, the e-Motion is not an athlete, but it shouldn't be at all. Nevertheless, it may have turned out a bit too well-behaved, which is less important in an urban environment. The level of recuperation can be conveniently set in three stages using shift paddles on the steering wheel. In the strongest level 3, the braking effect is high after lifting the accelerator pedal, but it is not enough for real one-pedal driving.  

Long loading times

Of course, longer and even long journeys have to be carefully planned in such a car, because at 340 kilometers the range is more reasonable than generous in line with the overall appearance. We haven't been able to test the real consumption yet, but we still expect real ranges of 260 to 280 kilometers in everyday use, since a heat pump is fortunately on board as standard. Unfortunately, the e-Motion only charges in one phase, which leads to charging times of more than 10 hours on a wall box with an almost empty battery. After all: Thanks to a charging capacity of up to 80 kW, the electric Korean should recharge from 33 to 20 percent battery level in 80 minutes at a quick charging station.  

Ssangyong Korando e-Motion
Unfortunately, the e-Motion only charges in one phase, which leads to charging times of more than 10 hours on a wall box with an almost empty battery

Despite some minor weaknesses, the first electric car from the Ssangyong brand is very competitive and not only attractive because of the pricing. The extensive equipment, a reasonable range and the good workmanship are also on the plus side of the Korando e-Motion and make up for the not particularly active driving appearance and the cheeky assistance systems. 

Technical data 


Five-door, five-seat compact SUV with electric drive; 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, range (WLTP): 339 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: favorable basic price; good equipment; reasonable range
Why not: missing fine tuning on steering + brakes; single phase charging only 
What else: the Korando as diesel - low consumption without fear of range 
When does he come: from now on 

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