Authentic And Majestic, Mitsubishi Presents The All-New Outlander PHEV Crossover SUV

Launched through an online world premiere, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s (MMC) fully reimagined plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model, the all-new Outlander crossover SUV.

Based on the concept of ‘I-Fu-Do-Do’ or authentic and majestic in Japanese, it adds a new dimension to the powerful ride, roomy interior spaces and wide-ranging functionalities expected of an SUV.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s president and chief executive officer, Takao Kato, remarked, “With low CO2 emissions and environmental impact in terms of life-cycle assessment, the all-new Outlander PHEV model can be considered the best solution for carbon neutrality today. With our electrification technology that delivers an exhilarating, eco-friendly ride, plus all-wheel control technology for safety and peace of mind in any kind of weather and road conditions, we are confident this new Outlander can make driving even more enjoyable and fulfilling.”

The all-new Outlander PHEV is MMC’s flagship model that boasts the expertise in electrification, all-wheel control technologies, a newly-developed platform and an array of system advancements. 

To begin with, it underpins a new-generation PHEV system that delivers more powerful road performance and greater driving range.

Notably, MMC has completely updated the Outlander’s PHEV components by extending its EV driving range and enhanced its exhilarating acceleration unique to EVs. 

With an increase of around 40 percent in the output of the front and rear motors and drive battery, it can keep driving in EV mode and avoid starting the engine as much as possible.

It can do so even when pressing hard on the accelerator, which results in delivering a smooth, powerful and satisfying motor-based driving of a high-output twin-motor four-wheel-drive (4WD).

Next, by switching to a large capacity drive battery with a total capacity of 20 kWh and raising the all-electric range to 87 km (WLTC) has assured sufficient driving range.

This is possible even when using functions such as the air conditioner, while at the same time helping to reduce the frequency of charging.

Plus, an increase in the capacity of the gas tank has also expanded the total possible range when combining EV driving with hybrid driving.

Moreover, its power drive unit for the front motor is newly equipped with a booster function which bolsters the driving force. 

As such, it amplifies the supply of voltage to the front motor while simultaneously improving electric consumption by raising the efficiency of the generator. 

Then, unifying the rear motor with the control unit has also secured enough floor space to install a third row of seats, enabling a seven-passenger seating layout. 

By installing the control unit on the outside of the passenger compartment, it further aids to shut out high-frequency noise for superior quietness.

Also, its newly added innovative pedal operation mode makes it possible to both accelerate and decelerate just by controlling the accelerator pedal. 

In fact, the accelerator pedal alone can exert proper braking force with no need to switch to the brake pedal when decelerating.

Therefore, drivers can concentrate on steering, lessen the fatigue caused by switching pedals and have more peace of mind on slippery surfaces such as snowy roads.

Speaking of which, the all-new Outlander PHEV crossover also provides safe, secure and comfortable driving in various weather and road conditions.

For instance, it is equipped with the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system, which is built on a twin-motor 4WD setup. 

Featuring one drive motor in the front and one in the rear, it comes with a new brake Active Yaw Control (AYC) function for the rear wheels.

Thus, allowing the system to distribute the driving force to the front and rear wheels optimally according to road and driving conditions.

Additionally, torque vectoring by controlling the brakes on the left and right wheels is also possible for the front and rear wheels.

Resulting in the maximum performance from all four tires in a more balanced manner, delivering handling true to the driver’s intention and high operating stability.

Apart from that, seven drive modes can be selected depending on road surface conditions and driving style. 

Normal is the basic mode, optimized for normal driving on paved roads, while Tarmac mode provides brisk acceleration response and high-cornering performance on dry paved surfaces. 

Third, the Gravel mode provides balanced operability and road handling ability on unpaved or wet paved roads, and Snow mode delivers stable vehicle behaviour on snowy and other slippery roads.

Mud mode optimizes tire slippage according to vehicle speed for superior road handling on muddy roads, deep trenches of snow and also providing better ability to escape when stuck. 

Modes based on driving style are Power mode, which delivers powerful acceleration when needed, and Eco mode which prioritizes economic and environmentally friendly driving.

Meanwhile, its newly developed platform, a highly rigid structure of Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body design, helps in achieving a high level of safety.

Significantly improving the front body rigidity and torsional rigidity which contributed to improving steering stability.

Interestingly, Mitsubishi has also used a hot stamping method, ultra-high tensile strength steel sheets with a pressure value of 1,470 MPa.

Fused around the passenger compartment, these sheets go beyond the conventional steel sheet reinforcement to form a highly durable passenger compartment with little deformation.

Embedded with MMC’s latest active safety technologies, which detect collision risks with multiple sensors for safer driving, keep collision risks to a minimum while offering maximum safety.

Not to forget, the all-new Outlander PHEV is also equipped with evolved MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance technology for highways. 

The control system integrates Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) to assist the driver in maintaining distance between vehicles while keeping in the centre of the lane. 

Equally important, this system also detects speed limit signs and automatically adjusts the set speed accordingly. 

Likewise, the MI-PILOT with Navi-link utilizes map data to automatically adjust vehicle speed as needed according to curves, forks, and other circumstances on expressways. 

Besides that, the vehicle can also automatically start within about 30 seconds of stopping in traffic, alleviating driver fatigue.

On top of that, the Mitsubishi Connect system is adopted for more safety, security and comfort behind the wheel. 

Users can easily access emergency assistance, check the travelable distance of the drive battery, set charging times and notifications to avoid forgetting to charge.

Subsequently, it can also display the positioning of a parked vehicle on smartphone app maps to see its location and has a parental control function that sends alerts of vehicle driving status.

Moving on to the aesthetic aspects, the all-new Outlander PHEV exudes an exterior that has a powerful presence along with an advanced and high-class interior.

Constructed based on the daring expressions of functionality akin to its other SUVs over the years, MMC developed the all-new Outlander under its new design concept, ‘Bold Stride’.

Inspecting the front, MMC has evolved the ‘Dynamic Shield’ for a new generation to create a front-end design that boasts a sense of presence.

Pan to the side, the large-diameter 20-inch wheels along with the muscular fender flare housings that combine with D-pillars were inspired by the vertical tail of airplanes.

Tilting slightly to the top, seen is a floating-like roof that conjures an image of powerful yet crisp road performance.

Flipping to the rear, present is a hexagonal-like tailgate design, and the horizontally themed tail lamps that extend to both edges create a silhouette which accentuates wideness and stability.

Paint-job can be selected from a total of 10 colours. E.g., Vivid, Crystalline, or high brightness Diamond Colour series ranging from Red Diamond, White Diamond, and the new Black Diamond.

Transitioning inside, the horizontally sculpted instrument panel makes it easy to understand the position of the car while driving, and expresses robustness and a feeling of spaciousness. 

Whereas, the centre console is designed to project a high-class presence with a layout that is contemporary looking and driver-oriented.

Feeling around, finely textured soft padding that is pleasing to the touch can be found all over the interior, with stitching added for a high-quality feel.

That said, based on the Mitsubishi Touch approach, the monitors and gauges are designed to be reassuringly easy to see.

All the selectors, dials and switches are designed to provide a confident grip and operation, resulting in a quality feel that appeals to the senses.

Presently, three trim levels are available. The base model M (five passengers) comes standard with driver assistance technologies and active safety system.

Conversely, the fully equipped G model (five or seven passengers) has additional features including 20-inch wheels and Mitsubishi Connect.

While the high-end P model (seven passengers) tops everything by offering premium exterior, interior, Bose premium sound system, et cetera.

Pricing-wise, the all-new Outlander PHEV model is priced from JPY 4,621,100 to JPY 5,320,700 (RM 168,858 to RM 194,422) with 10 percent consumption tax included.

Overall, sales will commence in Japan on December 16, 2021, followed by Australia and New Zealand in the first half of 2022 and North America in the second half of 2022.