SsangYong has announced plans to enter the mid-size all-electric SUV market with a model that would take on the likes of the Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4 with a smaller price tag. Codenamed J100, the new car has been pictured in teaser images with a view to launching it in 2022.
No technical specifications for the car have been announced, though in 2018, SsangYong revealed plans for a purpose made pure-electric SUV platform suitable for C and D segment SUV models, the same size as has now been hinted at for the J100.
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The brand’s financial position has shifted considerably since plans for the EV platform were made public. SsangYong entered receivership in late 2020, and with the first vehicle slated for launch on the new platform for 2024, we’re unsure if the J100 will use a dedicated EV architecture or an adapted internal combustion engine platform, like the new Korando e-Motion.
A selection of teaser images have been released to preview the vehicle, which appears to be designed as a rugged looking electric SUV with off-road intent. The model’s design incorporates plenty of more traditional SUV cues, such as the squared-off grille with wide horizontal slats, and tough-looking cladding and bash plates, plus the spare wheel cover on the tailgate. It looks quite unlike anything in the current SsangYong line-up.
In terms of size, the brand defines the J100 as a larger mid-size SUV, though it will be smaller than the Rexton. SsangYong has also confirmed that it is developing an all-electric pick-up truck, but has not confirmed if this will be a derivative of the new J100.
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