Mitsubishi Teases 'Major' Updates to the Outlander PHEV

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has announced significant upgrades to the Outlander PHEV, their popular crossover SUV. The revamped model is scheduled for release in Japan sometime in Q4, however availability and timings have not been confirmed by Mitsubishi Australia.

The updated Outlander PHEV features a "newly developed, high-capacity drive battery". This enhancement "significantly extends" the electric-only range and provides more responsive, powerful, and smooth acceleration.

The vehicle maintains its high 4WD off-road performance, now combined with a more advanced PHEV system. This system allows for efficient and smooth transitions between electric and hybrid driving modes.

Details on the new PHEV system have not been provided, though it's speculated that power and torque will remain the same but range will be over 100km.

Currently, the Outlander plug-in hybrid uses a 2.4-litre petrol engine combined with two electric motors to generate 185kW and 450Nm. The petrol-only model offers 135kW and 244Nm from a 2.5-litre engine.

Interior quality has been improved with a larger 12.3-inch smartphone-linked navigation display and new seat ventilation.

Mitsubishi has also partnered with Yamaha Corporation to develop a new audio system, enhancing the in-car sound experience with 12 speakers tuned by Yamaha sound masters.

The Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi's flagship model, combines the benefits of an electric vehicle for daily use with hybrid capabilities for longer trips. Initially launched in 2013, it underwent a full model change in 2021 and has been sold in over 60 countries.

The exterior design has been refined, featuring a more sophisticated front fascia and new 20-inch aluminum wheels. A new color option, Moonstone Gray Metallic, adds a special effect with blue highlights under light.

Developer Naoki Akita emphasized the model's evolved sophistication and attention to detail, including a new grille design for the Yamaha sound system. Kenjiro Honda, Chief Vehicle Engineer, highlighted the upgraded driving experience due to improvements in the battery, tires, suspension, and power steering.

The vehicle's interior now includes semi-aniline leather seats with precise stitching and a ventilation feature for enhanced comfort.

Summary of Changes for the New Outlander PHEV

• Release Schedule:
  • Japan: Q4 2024
  • Australia: Early 2025
• Battery and Powertrain:
  • Newly developed, high-capacity drive battery
  • Significantly extends electric-only range
  • More responsive, powerful, and smooth acceleration
  • Advanced PHEV system for efficient transitions between electric and hybrid modes
• Specifications:
  • Speculated electric-only range: Over 100km
  • Current PHEV: 2.4-litre petrol engine with two electric motors generating 185kW and 450Nm
  • Petrol-only model: 2.5-litre engine offering 135kW and 244Nm
• Interior Enhancements:
  • Larger 12.3-inch smartphone-linked navigation display
  • New seat ventilation
  • Partnered with Yamaha for a new 12-speaker audio system
  • Semi-aniline leather seats with precise stitching and ventilation
  • Auto-dimming rear-view mirror and heated seats with cooling functions
  • New dark brown seat color
• Exterior Design:
  • Sophisticated front fascia
  • New 20-inch aluminum wheels
  • New Moonstone Gray Metallic color option with blue highlights
  • New front grille with active shutters for enhanced aerodynamics
• Developer Insights:
  • Evolved sophistication and attention to detail
  • New grille design for Yamaha sound system
  • Upgraded driving experience with improved battery, tires, suspension, and power steering
• Speculated Performance Model:
  • Potential new 285kW Ralliart variant
  • Tri-motor plug-in hybrid powertrain with Active Yaw Control
• Facelift Features:
  • Smaller headlights
  • Revised front and rear ends
  • Slimmer tail lights
  • Seat ventilation for upper-spec trims
  • Chassis refinements for improved ride quality
• Market Confirmation:
  • No updates confirmed for Mitsubishi Motors Australia
  • Minor tweaks to MY24 models currently available