Mitsubishi reveals PHEV 4x4 Elevance concept

MITSUBISHI unveiled its Elevance Concept at Japan Mobility Show, showcasing an adventurous three-row SUV that could become the next Pajero.

While it might look like a fancy luxury SUV from the outside, complete with a colour-matched pod-style trailer, Mitsubishi assured punters that its Elevance Concept offers genuine 4x4 capability.

According to Mitsubishi, the concept features a quad-motor 4x4 system that utilises the brand’s Super-All wheel control (S-AWC) – not to be confused with the Triton’s Super Select 4WD II system.

The quad-motor system uses in-wheel motors at the front, and dual-motor Active Yaw Control (AYC) at the rear, controlling traction at each individual wheel which Mitsubishi says “enhances off-road ability”.

Beyond the 4x4 system, little is known about the total power output, battery capacity, electric-only driving range and other key specifications, but Mitsubishi did outline that the Elevance Concept features “a high-efficiency gasoline engine… as well as a large-capacity traction battery”.

While a three-row SUV, the concept will seat six occupants rather than the unusual seven, but Mitsubishi promises “spacious interior room… even when loaded up with luggage”.

The brand also outlined the inclusion of an AI co-driver, which analyses surrounding conditions and recommends different drive modes. It will also recommend destinations, based on user preferences – in case a driver is somehow unsure of where they’re going.

Also on the Mitsubishi stand was the Delica D:5 prototype, alongside the Delica Mini kei-car, with the latter now on sale in Japan but unlikely to reach Australian shores. 

The full-fat D:5, though, is a likely bet with Mitsubishi Australia reportedly making it known it wants a new Delica, presumably to take the fight to the Kia Carnival in the lonely people mover segment – because vans with extra seats still drive like vans.

Whether the new Delica will be as off-road capable as its distance relatives, like the cult classic third generation L300 or the infamous fourth generation L400 is yet to be established, but the Japanese-only website for the model shows it driving through extreme environments like snow.

“We chose ‘Forever Adventure’ as our booth theme to express our passion for delivering the timeless wonder of exploration,” said Mitsubishi Motors president and chief executive, Takao Kato.

“This spirit comes to life in models that embody the essence of Mitsubishi Motors – such as the Mitsubishi Elevance Concept, which integrates the best of our electrification and all-wheel control technologies, and the Delica series, now evolved with enhanced performance and refined styling.

“Even in an age of advanced technologies, we remain committed to the pure joy of driving and aim to inspire a mobility experience that awakens the sense of adventure.”