Mitsubishi may be a smaller automaker, but that doesn’t mean it can’t dream big — and the Japan Mobility Show (formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show) is a great place to put those dreams on display. This year, Mitsubishi is showing off a new concept car called Elevance. While it’s clearly more of a show car than something that signals production intent the Mitsubishi Elevance Concept embodies the brand’s take on many of the advanced technologies that will define the future of the automotive industry.
A Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain
The Elevance Concept features a plug-in hybrid powertrain rather than an all-electric one — which is something we’ve been seeing more of as automakers shy away from an accelerated all-electric future. It uses a large-capacity battery for maximum electric range, and Mitsubishi says its high-efficiency engine can run on carbon-neutral fuels. Of course, that means its eco-friendliness relies upon what sorts of affordable, compatible fuels are available to drivers. At least Mitsubishi already has experience with plug-in hybrids, like the Outlander PHEV it sells today.
Electric Four-Wheel Drive
The Elevance also features a quad-motor all-wheel drive system with in-wheel motors up front, and dual-motor active yaw control at the rear. Mitsubishi says this version of the S-AWD system allows the Elevance to control traction at each wheel to help with off-road duty. It also has a body control system to increase stability, and create a calm, level ride on uneven terrain, which it says can help prevent motion sickness.
Of Course There’s A.I.
Inside, the Elevance Concept features an A.I. “co-driver” integrated into the car’s LCD display, both in the steering wheel and in the instrument panel. This robo-buddy can help the driver get to their destination, but also suggest destinations based on what it knows about the human’s lifestyle and preferences. It can use the car’s sensors to analyze its surroundings, and suggest driving routes based on those conditions.
Room For The Whole Family
The Mitsubishi Elevance Concept has three rows, with room for six occupants, which means each passenger gets a good amount of personal space, along with comfortable leather seats. Mitsu assures ample cargo space as well, but also says the Elevance is capable of towing. The PHEV system can even supply power to a camper trailer, allowing for maximum comfort and convenience when you’d otherwise be “roughing it” at your campsite.
TopSpeed’s Take
We miss Mitsubishi being a bigger part of the automotive landscape in the U.S. The Elevance is only a concept, but its PHEV powertrain and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system are just the sorts of things we could see American customers appreciating. And while its looks are very much the over-the-top design we expect to see in a concept car, it’s not too far removed from something we could expect to see on our roads nowadays. Look at cars like the Kia EV9, in which the leap from concept to production styling was mostly a matter of finer details. An off-roadish, long-range PHEV with lots of room seems like something that could make sense today.