The new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is officially unveiled in the European market

The arrival of the fourth generation of the Mitsubishi Outlander in Europe has been in the works for quite some time, so much so that the Japanese brand announced it in spring 2023, even with photographs and the first data. We have waited, and it has almost become a matter of pleading, but it is finally here: the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is officially arriving on the European market.

So, its arrival is not a surprise, but it is a long-awaited one: the return of one of the renowned SUVs in the form of a fourth generation that remains as imposing as its predecessors. On its bulky front end, the front grille and the headlight design take on special importance, full LED as could not be otherwise, distributed in an upper and a lower section, the latter with up to 12 individual LEDs to change the configuration according to driving conditions.

From the side view we can see how its pronounced lines flow, emerging from enormous wheel arches that house different wheel designs that can be 18 or 20 inches in size, and reaching the rear pillar with a Jet Tail Fin, a design with which Mitsubishi aims to evoke the sensation of separation between the roof and the rest of the bodywork. And we arrive at a rear end sculpted in a hexagonal shape and inspired by the tailgate of the Montero, while the T-shaped rear light cluster is based on the Grand Horizon design concept.

Mitsubishi indicates that the new Outlander PHEV will be available in seven body colours and five two-tone options, and that we will be able to access its range through the Motion, Kaiteki and Kaiteki+ trim levels, not forgetting an extensive range of accessories both for personalisation and for the main use we will give it.

If we step inside the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, we will find a cabin without ostentation and with a design that reflects the Japanese approach of omotenashi, which is based on attention to detail and hospitality. Overall, it is characterised by a cabin that is more spacious, roomy and comfortable, but which is also quieter and transmits fewer vibrations to the occupants, who will also benefit from the extra light provided by the large panoramic roof with electric opening and, obviously, high-quality materials. In addition, the boot offers a capacity of 495 litres, which can be increased to 1,422 litres if the seats are folded in a 40:20:40 configuration.

The new Mitsubishi Outlander embraces new technologies, and the driver will have as an instrument panel a 12.3-inch full-colour TFT screen that is fully customisable; while the infotainment system is handled by the 12.3-inch Smartphone Link Display screen, with improved navigation via TomTom and real-time traffic information using the Google Places API, as well as widgets and connectivity through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Mitsubishi also notes that the Yamaha Premium Dynamic Sound audio system, with eight speakers, can be fitted, as well as the Yamaha Ultimate Dynamic Sound system with twelve speakers including a subwoofer.

This technological deployment for the occupants also comes with the latest safety and driver-assistance systems, where we can find, among others, the 360º camera, a frontal collision mitigation system, automatic rear emergency braking, blind-spot warning with lane change assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and a driver monitoring system, among others.

Mechanically, the new Mitsubishi Outlander is a PHEV, that is, a plug-in hybrid combining a four-cylinder petrol engine with 2,360 cc and 16 valves with two electric motors, one on each axle, to achieve a combined output of 302 CV and a torque of 400 Nm. It works together with a 22.7 kWh battery that provides an electric range of 86 kilometres on the combined cycle without exceeding 130 km/h, while the total range is 844 kilometres, with a fuel consumption of 0.8 litres/100 km and maximum emissions of 19 g/km.

The vehicle allows you to choose between three driving modes depending on how you are using it (EV, series hybrid or parallel hybrid), in addition to manually selecting among four battery charge management modes. There are also seven further driving modes to adapt to any road or situation: Normal, ECO, Power, Asphalt, Gravel, Snow or Mud.

To learn the specific prices in Spain of the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV we will have to wait a little longer, as the brand will not begin production until late 2024 at the Okazaki plant.