Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV debuts at 2012 Paris Motor Show
Mitsubishi has unveiled the production Outlander PHEV in Paris, confirming a 2.0-litre petrol engine, dual electric motors and up to 55 km electric-only range.
Mitsubishi presented the production version of the Outlander PHEV at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, confirming the plug-in hybrid SUV’s technical details and its sales timeline for Japan and Europe. The Outlander PHEV is the first mainstream SUV to combine a petrol engine with dual electric motors and a sizeable battery, offering electric-only driving for daily use and petrol backup for longer journeys.
Plug-in hybrid layout and powertrain
The Outlander PHEV uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with two 60 kW electric motors, one driving each axle, and a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor. This layout, derived from the PX-MiEV II concept, gives the Outlander PHEV permanent four-wheel drive with no mechanical link between the front and rear axles. Mitsubishi claims the electric motors each deliver 81 hp (60 kW) and 195 Nm of torque. The system can operate in pure electric mode, series hybrid mode (engine charges the battery), or parallel hybrid mode (engine and motors drive the wheels together).
Mitsubishi quotes an electric-only range of up to 55 km (34 miles) on a full charge, with a combined petrol and electric range of 880 km (547 miles). Official fuel consumption is rated at 1.6 litres per 100 km (172.3 mpg UK), reflecting the car’s ability to run on battery power for short trips. The battery can be charged from the mains, and the car also supports regenerative braking.
Market launch and rivals
Mitsubishi plans to launch the Outlander PHEV in Japan in early 2013, with European sales to follow. The company has not given a precise UK on-sale date, but the Outlander PHEV is expected to be one of the first plug-in hybrid SUVs available in volume on the continent. Its closest direct rivals at launch will be limited, as most other manufacturers are still developing plug-in hybrid systems for larger vehicles. The Outlander PHEV’s electric range is notably higher than that of many plug-in hybrid saloons and hatchbacks then on sale, and its claimed fuel consumption puts it among the most efficient SUVs of its time.
Technical specification summary
| Engine | 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol |
|---|---|
| Electric motors | 2x 60 kW (front and rear) |
| Battery | 12 kWh lithium-ion |
| Electric-only range | Up to 55 km (34 miles) |
| Total range | Up to 880 km (547 miles) |
| Fuel consumption | 1.6 l/100km (172.3 mpg UK) |
| CO2 emissions | Not specified at launch |
Context at the Paris show
The Outlander PHEV’s Paris debut placed Mitsubishi alongside other manufacturers showing advanced hybrid and electric concepts. The company’s production-ready status set it apart from rivals still at the concept stage, such as the Lamborghini Asterion Hybrid Concept and the Renault Eolab Concept, both also revealed at the show. Mitsubishi’s approach focused on practicality and real-world usability, with a drivetrain ready for immediate market rollout rather than a distant technology showcase.
With its combination of electric range, four-wheel drive and a conventional SUV bodyshell, the Outlander PHEV marked a turning point for plug-in hybrids in the mainstream market. Its arrival in European showrooms was set to test demand for plug-in hybrid SUVs, a segment that would see rapid growth in the following years.
For more on hybrid and electric concept debuts from Paris, seeParis Motor Show Live Lamborghini Asterion Hybrid ConceptandParis Motor Show Live Renault Eolab Concept.
