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KGM Torres EVX

This is not the first time we have ridden in the Torres. In 2023, we already drove one with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine in the Belgian Ardennes, good for 163 hp and 280 Nm of torque. Yes, the Torres also comes with an internal combustion engine, only that engine variant is not coming to the Netherlands due to a rather hefty BPM fine. In that respect, the battery-electric version – thus called KGM Torres EVX – is much more interesting. You don’t pay BPM on that model, which significantly reduces the starting price.

Also with SEPP grant

Not surprisingly, the importer has great expectations in the Netherlands especially of the electric KGM Torres EVX. Lou Jedeloo, General Manager KGM, says, “We hope that this model is going to be the first success for us in the Dutch EV market. Especially with a starting price that will be just over 40,000 euros, so the Torres EVX is also eligible for the SEPP subsidy of 2,950 euros when purchased.”

Touch of retro

It won’t be down to the product. Indeed, the Torres EVX makes a solid impression and is also a handsome sight. Somehow, we are reminded of a Range Rover, something to be taken mostly as a compliment. The car looks cool, modern and trendy, with a touch of retro. The car comes in 12 exterior colors, including seven single tone colors: Grand White, Iron Metal, Platinum Grey, Forest Green, Latte Greige, Dandy Blue and Space Black. KGM also provides five two-tone shades with the roof finished in black.

Beautiful interior

The interior design of the electric KGM Torres EVX looks especially calm and stands its ground in terms of ergonomics. KGM uses a hefty panoramic display consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 12.3-inch navigation screen. It is unfortunate, however, that you have to dive into the infotainment system for almost all functions. A conventional control unit for climate control would have been welcome, although the touchscreen has a slight learning curve and functions are quickly found. Several interior themes are available, from Charcoal Black (single-tone) and Rawhide Brown (single-tone) to Teal Grey & Greige White (two-tone). There is a choice of 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels. The 18-inch ones have 225/60R tires. Those who opt for 20-inch alloys get 245/45R rubber.

Fully equipped

Functionalities expected in a modern car are also in the KGM Torres EVX. These include various USB chargers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, a 360-degree camera system, a power tailgate and ambient lighting with 32 different colors.

Room

The interior is otherwise extremely spacious. The model also has ample leg and headroom in the rear. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 703 liters, but if you include all the hidden storage spaces, you end up with a capacity of 839 liters. With the rear seats folded down, by the way, the cargo volume grows to 1,663 liters. The backrest folds down in a 40:60 ratio. Like its gasoline brother, the Torres EVX seems to have a back door. This is mainly because the door handle is on the right. Rest assured: the tailgate simply hinges at the top.

Differences Torres and Torres EVX

In terms of design, by the way, the electric Torres differs greatly from its gasoline brother. The internal combustion engine version has a larger grille and different headlights. The Torres EVX has an LED strip interrupted in the middle of the car. It gives the 4.70-meter-long car a recognizable design. The charging point is located in the left front screen. By the way, did you know that the name Torres refers to the national park in Chile?

Known battery for KGM Torres EVX!

A battery-electric car is all about the right specs. Let’s dive into that, starting with dimensions. The KGM Torres is 4,715 mm long, 1,890 mm wide and 1,715 mm high (1,725 mm with roof rails). The wheelbase comes out to 2.68 meters. The car has an empty weight of 1,915 kilograms. For an electric car of this size with a fairly large battery, this is not too bad. By the way, braked, the model is allowed to tow 1,500 kilograms. Speaking of that battery, the Torres EVX uses a 73.4 kWh battery from Chinese car and battery manufacturer BYD. This is a cobalt-free lithium iron phosphate battery, which BYD calls the Blade Battery.

Performance and charging

The electric motor delivers 152.2 kW (206.9 hp) combined with 339 Nm of pulling power. In practice, you experience that ability as “more than sufficient. That results in a 0-100 time of 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 175 km/h. Much more importantly, what is the range? According to the WLTP standard, the car should be able to travel 462 kilometers on a full charge of electricity. In practice, count on 350 to 400 kilometers, depending on conditions. Of course, the Torres EVX can be charged in various ways, such as via an 11 kW charger. Charging the battery from 0 to 100% takes from about 9 hours.

fast charging

Fast charging the car is also possible. Especially fast, in fact. At 100 kW, charging from 10 to 80 percent takes only 42 minutes, but the car can also handle 145 kW. In the latter case, it takes 37 minutes. Still, a 5-minute gain. A heat pump is standard. It also has a vehicle-to-load (V2L) connection so you can power other equipment, such as at the campsite. Ideal if you want to make coffee or inflate your mattress with compressor. Everything is possible.

How does the KGM Torres EVX ride?

Nice all those specs, but how does such a KGM Torres EVX ride? At least know that you can influence the character of the car. There are four driving modes to choose from, namely Comfort, Sport, Eco and Winter. Those modes all affect powertrain alertness. In Comfort mode, the car responds naturally, but in Sport, the Torres EVX is much more on point. Of course, the car also recovers energy during deceleration. The seats are comfortable and provide adequate support for your body. The adjustability of the seats is also well done, as is the adjustability of the steering column.

Driving assistance systems galore

You could almost write a book about the driving assistance systems, because there are an extraordinary number of them. Consequently, while driving, some horns and bells sound regularly. Fortunately, much can be taken out to avoid annoyance. What should you think about? At least a collision prevention system with cross traffic alert function, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, high beam assist, traffic sign recognition, fatigue recognition, blind spot monitoring, exit warning and so on. It is too much to list. There are also a particularly large number of airbags. Driving with a trailer or caravan is extra safe thanks to features such as hill start assist, hill descent control and trailer stability assist.

Fine chassis

Above all, the KGM Torres EVX gives the feeling of an all-rounder. Everyone drives off in it without a problem. The steering feel may be a bit on the light side, but the damping in the suspension is good. KGM uses front suspension with MacPherson struts and coil springs and Multilink rear suspension with coil springs.

Conclusion review KGM Torres EVX

Overall, with the Torres EVX, KGM puts a puffy and mature electric car on the Dutch market. A car that could be of interest to a lot of people. It is spacious, solidly built, practical, comfortable, extremely richly equipped, beautifully finished and it looks tough. Moreover, its price is competitive. KGM also provides as much as 10 years or up to 1 million kilometers warranty on the car’s battery. Only Lexus does that after the brand. In short: features that will win over several Dutchmen.