All-new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV sparking interest

WE CAN WELL REMEMBER the launch of the first Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid Outlander, held in Canberra in 2014. It was a revelation to most motoring journalists, and required a different way of looking at driving.

Fast-forward to 2022, and the new-generation Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV, based on the sophisticated, stylish and safe new Outlander platform, will arrive in Australian dealers from August 15th.

“Mitsubishi is proud of its pioneering plug-in hybrid EV heritage,” said Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO, Shaun Westcott.

“With all-new Outlander signifying a significant shift in Mitsubishi’s design philosophy, it’s the perfect vehicle with which to showcase our continued leadership in the PHEV drivetrain space,” he said.

Available in 5 and 5+2 seat configurations, the latest Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV range goes on sale in August, commencing with the value-packed ES grade, progressing through Aspire, Exceed and flagship Exceed Tourer variants.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV pricing

Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV ES 5-seat	$54,590
Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV Aspire 5-seat	$60,990
Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV Exceed 5+2 seat	$65,990
Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV Exceed Tourer 5+2 seat	$68,490

All prices plus on road costs

An advanced PHEV powertrain that offers the best of all worlds

The new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV’s heart is its sophisticated drivetrain. Designed to further enhance its EV appeal, it offers a smoother, more responsive and quieter drive, with sharper acceleration and longer EV only driving range.

Featuring a new-generation 20.0kWh lithium-ion battery pack, twin electric motors, and a revised, specifically-tuned, Atkinson cycle 2.4-litre combustion engine, the new Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV offers up to 84km of pure electric driving range, with combined cycle fuel consumption of 1.5L/100km.

Twin electric motors enhance Super-All Wheel Control AWD

All-new Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV amplifies the previous generation’s theme, featuring all-new front- and rear-mounted electric motors.

The front axle motor generates 85kW, up from 60kW, while taking up a similar space within the vehicle.  The rear motor hits the 100kW mark, up from 70kW previously. The rear motor features a new, integrated motor control unit occupying a smaller space than before, enabling the new Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV to offer a three-row, ‘5+2’ seating configuration for the first time (on Exceed and Exceed Tourer).

The twin e-motor system also enhances Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC), Mitsubishi’s all-wheel drive system.

S-AWC benefits from the e-motors’ instant torque response, delivering drive to the wheels that can best deploy it faster than is possible from a conventional tail shaft driven AWD system.

New drive battery packs in 45 percent more capacity

The new drive battery is situated low in the chassis, fitted between the axles for optimum weight distribution. At 20kWh, its storage capacity is an impressive 45 percent larger than the previous version’s 13.8kWh system.

Further efficiency gains via smart engineering

A new battery cooling system ensures optimum battery operation by using the vehicle’s air conditioning unit, while an upgraded power drive unit is equipped with a voltage boost function bolstering front e-motor performance, while simultaneously reducing power consumption through improved efficiency.

A reinforced differential employs a thicker carrier and stronger shaft and pinion, allowing the new Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV to turn up its regenerative braking capability.

There are six adjustable regeneration levels, capable of being set by the driver.

Pulling the left-side, steering-wheel mounted ‘gear’ paddle engages the third level of regeneration as a default; the fourth and fifth are deployed with additional left-paddle pulls, while a reduced regeneration rate is realised by pulling on the right paddle.

Maximum energy regeneration is now realised by the new ‘innovative pedal operation’ mode, accessed via a centre console button. This makes it possible to accelerate and decelerate just by controlling the accelerator pedal*, so drivers can concentrate on steering the vehicle. This function also has the benefit of reducing the fatigue caused by switching pedals.

*Brake pedal must still be used when stronger deceleration is required, or when stopping the vehicle to a standstill.

Combustion engine redefined as a generator

The 2.4-litre petrol Atkinson cycle combustion engine acts primarily as an on-board generator (or range extender) in series hybrid mode, though is also capable of driving the front wheels directly in parallel hybrid mode, which is enabled at cruising speed or under high load driving situations. This engine now generates a 98kW power peak (up from 94kW).

Combined maximum power and torque outputs are measured at 185kW and 450Nm respectively.

Fuel tank capacity has changed from 45 to 56 litres.

Take charge of your charging with two cables supplied as standard

The new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV supports multiple charging modes. Charging ports are easily accessed via a protective cover on the vehicle’s right rear side.

These include an AC connector that supports Mode 2 (standard 240V AC) and Mode 3 (fast 240V AC, with dedicated Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)) charging, while adjacent is a CHAdeMO port that enables Mode 4 DC rapid charging.

Mode 2 and Mode 3 charging cables come as standard equipment across the range.

Charge time guide

Type	Parameters	Time
Mode 2 (240V AC domestic)	0 – 100% charge	12 hours
Mode 3 (240AV AC fast with EVSE)	0 – 100% charge	6.5 hours
Mode 4 (DC CHAdeMO)	0 – 80% charge	38 minutes

 Bi-directional charging system designed to power more than the vehicle

Mitsubishi’s Dendo Drive House is a bi-directional charging system that allows the new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV to act as a mobile energy store, capable of recharging and discharging power whenever and wherever it is needed.

Accessed via the vehicle’s CHAdeMO charging port, this capability allows the energy stored in the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV’s 20kWh drive battery to be discharged; back into the grid (Vehicle-to-Grid), or to power a home or other property (Vehicle-to-Home) not connected to the grid (also known as ‘Islanding’).

Vehicle-to-Load allows fast and convenient power for the fun things

In Aspire and above, there are also two on-board 1500W, 240V AC three-pin power points that provide Vehicle-to-Load capability, drawing electricity from the vehicle’s battery to power a range of camping equipment or domestic appliances. 

Dynamic Shield highlights striking exterior design

The fourth-generation Mitsubishi Outlander range’s distinctive exterior was crafted under the Japanese ‘I-Fu-Do-Do’ philosophy.

Translating as ‘Authentic and Majestic’, this ethos is reflected in the vehicle’s bold proportions, muscular fenders and the chiselled lines of the next-generation ‘Dynamic Shield’ grille.

The use of strong horizontal design lines emphasise width, with specially-designed 18-inch (on ES) and 20-inch (on Aspire and above) alloy road wheels creating a powerful road presence. 

High-quality interior appointments, without sacrificing practicality

Matching the bold, upmarket interior, the new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV’s interior melds luxurious fixtures and materials with impressive family practicality.

The Outlander’s interior design team focused on improved seat comfort, reduced NVH levels and high-quality materials usage at key touchpoints throughout the cabin.

From the comfortable cloth upholstery found in the ES to the high-grade, two-tone leather found in Exceed Tourer, all Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EVs are capable of delivering long-trip luxury.

In practical terms, ES and Aspire both deploy a two-row, five-seat layout with 40/20/40 split-fold capability.

For Exceed and Exceed Tourer models, a three-row, ‘5+2’ seat layout is featured. This has been designed specifically for the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV and uses a re-designed folding mechanism to accommodate the PHEV powertrain while maximising available rear luggage capacity. 

 Cutting-edge connections

The All-new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV features cutting-edge connectivity as standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired) featured and Qi wireless smartphone charging on Aspire grade and above.

An intuitive 9.0-inch central infotainment touchscreen is standard range-wide and all models feature a stunning 12.3-inch full colour digital instrument cluster. This highly customisable display features multiple display options and extended contents that are PHEV-specific, including an energy flow meter, kWh consumption information and total EV driving time calculator.

For additional driver engagement, Aspire models and above deploy a 10.8-inch full-colour windscreen projection Head Up Display. 

Five-star ANCAP score

All-new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV has recorded a five-star ANCAP rating, tested against the latest 2022 safety protocols.

Key highlights of the active safety suite fitted as standard on all Outlanders include:

• Forward Collision Mitigation system, with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Predictive Forward Collision Mitigation
• Emergency Lane Assist
• Lane Departure Prevention
• Lane Departure Warning
• Blind Spot Warning
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Driver Attention Alert

Cyclist detection during daytime only                       

Key standard specifications

Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV ES

The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV range is introduced by the ES grade.

The ES has strong appeal for those seeking the unique benefits Outlander’s PHEV system provides. It features a value-packed standard specification, including:

Exterior:

• Fourth-Generation Outlander All new exterior design
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Plug-in Hybrid EV badging

 Interior:

• Fourth-generation Outlander All new interior design
• Cloth seat trim
• Urethane steering wheel with haptic vibration alert
• 40:20:40 split fold second-row row seat with recline adjustment

 Passive Safety:

• First-row driver and passenger front airbags
• First-row driver and passenger centre airbag
• First-row driver and passenger side airbags (torso)
• Driver’s knee airbag
• First- and second-row curtain airbags

 Safety Assist Technology – Collision warning and avoidance:

• Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) with:

• pedestrian detection
• cyclist detection
• junction assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Blind spot Warning (BSW)/Lane Change Alert (LCA)

• Blind Spot Intervention
• Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK) with:

• Oncoming traffic recognition
• Overtaking traffic recognition
• Road edge recognition (no lane marking)

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
• Parking sensors – front and rear
• Rear view camera

 Safety Assist Technology – Braking and Stability:

• Active Stability Control (ASC)
• ABS
• Traction Control
• Terrain Control
• Active Yaw Control (AYC)
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
• Hill Start Assist
• Hill Descent Control

 Safety Assist Technology – Fatigue Assistance:

• Driver attention alert

 Safety Assist Technology – Advanced Lighting:

• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
• LED headlamps
• LED DRLs

 Safety Assist Technology – Connected Roads & Cars:

• Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) using camera and navigation data

 Comfort and Convenience:

• One touch start system
• 12.3-inch Digital driver display
• Dual zone air-conditioning
• Rear air outlet
• Tyre repair kit
• Splash free window washer system

Audio:

• 9-inch audio display with SAT NAV
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Six speakers including two tweeters
• Bluetooth connectivity with voice and steering wheel controls
• Digital Audio Broadcast+ (DAB+)

Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV Aspire

For those seeking even sharper visuals, the Aspire grade includes the following standard equipment above ES:

Exterior:

• 20-inch alloy wheels with two-tone finish
• Front and rear bumper bar silver skid plate garnish
• Privacy glass
• LED fog lamps with silver surround bezel
• Silver roof rails

 Interior:

• Leather steering wheel
• Combination seat trim
• Power driver seat – slide, recline, height and lumbar support
• Heated driver and front passenger seat
• Roll type tonneau cover

 Safety Assist Technology – Collision warning and avoidance:

• Rear Automatic Braking
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Multi Around Monitor (MAM)

 Safety Assist Technology – Advanced Lighting:

• Automatic Headlights (Dusk sensor)
• LED headlamp – high grade
• Headlamps with automatic levelling device
• Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB)

 Comfort and Convenience:

• AC power supply (Vehicle to Load); two 1500W, 240V, three-pin outlets
• Head up display (windshield projection)
• Rain sensing wipers
• Electric fold outer door mirrors with hot wire
• Keyless Operating System (KOS)
• Power tailgate with one touch open and handsfree operation
• Smartphone wireless charger
• 2x USB power socket in rear console
• Electro chromatic rear view mirror

Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV Exceed

Moving to the Exceed adds further sophistication, with the following additions over Aspire:

Exterior:

• Colour coded lower body accent (front, side and rear)
• Panoramic sunroof – front tilt/slide with one touch open and close
• B- and C-pillars with gloss black paint

Interior:

• 5+2 seating configuration
• Quilted leather appointed seat trim (in a choice of Black or Light Grey)
• Power passenger seat – slide, recline, height and lumbar support
• Two-position seat memory function for driver and front passenger
• Aluminium gearshift trim panel
• Pull-up second-row sunshades
• Tri-zone air-conditioning with rear A/C control panel
• Illumination in front door trim

Comfort and Convenience:

• Electric outer door mirrors with memory and reverse auto tilt

Audio:

• BOSE nine-speaker premium sound system

Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV Exceed Tourer

Befitting its status as Mitsubishi’s brand flagship, the Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Tourer Plug-In Hybrid EV features bespoke interior and exterior finishes for added luxury and road presence. In addition to Exceed, if offers:

Exterior:

• Two-tone exterior body colour

Interior:

• Two-tone high grade leather interior (black and saddle tan)
• Driver and passenger seat massage function

 Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV colour palette

The following exterior paint options are available for the All-new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV:

• White (Solid)
• Cosmic Blue (pearlescent)
• Sterling Silver (metallic)
• Titanium (metallic)
• White Diamond (prestige)
• Red Diamond (prestige)
• Black Diamond (prestige)
• Black Diamond with Deep Bronze two-tone (Exceed Tourer)
• White Diamond with Black Mica two-tone (Exceed Tourer)

10-year warranty and capped price servicing

The new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV is covered by Mitsubishi’s market-leading 10/10 Diamond Advantage warranty and capped price servicing program.

This comprises a 10-year/200,000-kilometre manufacturer’s warranty, with 10-year Capped Price Servicing. Diamond Advantage also offers up to four years complimentary roadside assist.

(Mitsubishi’s Standard New Car Warranty is 5 year/100,000 km (whichever occurs first). You may also be eligible for an Extended New Car Warranty up to 10 year/200,000 km if you’ve had all scheduled services done through the authorised Mitsubishi Motors Dealer Network. Some customers are excluded such as government, taxis, rentals and selected national business. All vehicles are sold with Mitsubishi’s standard new car warranty. The Standard New Car Warranty is subject to the vehicle being serviced in accordance with the service schedule.)

The drive battery is covered by an eight-year, 160,000km warranty.