At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show (JMS2025), Mitsubishi Motors unveiled the much-anticipated new concept car, the MITSUBISHI ELEVANCE Concept , for the first time in the world. This model is an SUV that hints at the direction of the next-generation Outlander PHEV, and has generated a lot of buzz among car enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the actual exhibit vehicle and thoroughly explain the appeal, features, advantages, and concerns of the ELEVANCE Concept .
What is ELEVANCE Concept? The meaning behind the name
ELEVANCE Concept
“ELEVANCE” represents the next generation of cars
The name ELEVANCE is a combination of the English words “Elevate” and “Advance.” This name embodies Mitsubishi Motors’ strong desire to elevate the lives of its customers and provide them with a richer car experience.
Based on Mitsubishi Motors’ theme of “FOREVER ADVENTURE,” this concept model was developed with the aim of providing a high-quality experience that goes beyond simple transportation. From urban areas to the great outdoors, the vehicle can travel anywhere in comfort and power, enriching the entire journey, including the stay at your destination – this is the worldview that the ELEVANCE Concept aims to embody.
Exterior design: bold and cutting-edge styling
ELEVANCE Concept
Improved Dynamic Shield
The front mask of the ELEVANCE Concept features a boldly evolved design of Mitsubishi Motors’ identity, the Dynamic Shield.
Front design features:
- A powerful character line stretches from the center of the bonnet
- Mitsubishi’s distinctive LED headlight arrangement (LED line at the top, main headlights on the side)
- Honeycomb pattern retractable grille (considering aerodynamic performance)
- The complex layered structure under the grille creates a sense of depth.
In particular, the character line that stretches straight from the center of the hood is a new design approach not seen on the current Outlander, giving it a sharper, more masculine impression.
Muscular and powerful side view
ELEVANCE Concept
When viewed from the side, the ELEVANCE Concept has an overwhelming presence.
Side design highlights:
- Large diameter 285/45R22 tires and impressive wheel design
- Thick, protruding fender arch molding
- Powerful side step shape typical of an SUV
- Adoption of digital outer mirrors
- Innovative “capsule cabin” structure with glass doors
Of particular note is the innovative design of the transparent glass doors and the interior trim that appears to float, visually expressing a sense of openness and unity with the outside world.
Advanced rear design
ELEVANCE Concept
The rear view also gives a sense of Mitsubishi’s new design language.
Rear design features:
- New H-shaped LED rear combination lamp
- Three-dimensional tail lamp design with a sense of depth
- Illuminated Mitsubishi emblem in the center
- Designed to tow a dedicated trailer
The concept also includes a custom-designed trailer house, equipped to allow for a glamping experience at the destination, with solar panels and batteries to support a self-sufficient outdoor experience.
Interior design: High-quality and innovative interior space
MITSUBISHI ELEVANCE Concept
Advanced cockpit with full LCD panel
When you step inside the ELEVANCE Concept, the first thing that catches your eye is the impressively large display.
Cockpit Features:
- An ultra-wide LCD panel that extends from the back of the steering wheel to the passenger seat side
- An LCD display is also located in the center of the steering wheel.
- Huge digital inner mirror (also displays left and right mirror images)
- Equipped with a “skeleton bonnet” function (front camera displays the road surface under your feet)
The “skeleton bonnet” in particular is extremely useful when driving off-road, as it is an innovative feature that allows you to see obstacles and road conditions at your feet that are normally invisible.
AI Co-Driver System
MITSUBISHI ELEVANCE Concept
The LCD display in the center of the steering wheel displays an AI-equipped system called “AI Co-Driver.”
AI Co-Driver Features:
- Learns the driver’s driving habits and preferences
- Suggests destinations and routes based on the mood and situation of the day
- Interactive communication possible
- Knight 2000 “Kit”-like interface
This system goes beyond simple navigation; it aims to be like a companion, interacting with the driver to suggest the best adventure for them.
High-quality materials and spacious space
ELEVANCE Concept
The interior quality is such that Mitsubishi Motors’ recent attention to detail is evident everywhere.
Interior Features:
- High-quality leather-covered dashboard
- Creating a high-quality atmosphere with indirect lighting
- Flat floor (benefit of using in-wheel motors)
- Extra-large legroom
- Full glass roof (with control console in the center)
The highly acclaimed interior quality of the current Outlander has been further improved, giving it the dignity of a luxury SUV.
Innovative convertible cross seats
One of the greatest features of the ELEVANCE Concept is the innovative mechanism of the first row seats.
Seat Features:
- “Convertible cross seat” mechanism that allows only the backrest to rotate and face backwards
- Can be arranged facing the second row seats
- 3-row seat SUV (seats 6-7 people)
- Floating design that continues from the center console
- Yamaha speakers built into the headrests
This mechanism allows you to enjoy face-to-face conversations with family and friends when taking a break at your destination or sleeping in the car. This is a rare feature in SUVs, and suggests a new way of using a car.
Powertrain: Innovative 4-motor PHEV system
Quad motor 4WD S-AWC
The driving performance of the ELEVANCE Concept is supported by an innovative four-motor system.
Powertrain configuration:
- PHEV system (compatible with carbon-neutral fuel)
- Front: In-wheel motor x 2 (independent left and right control)
- Rear: Dual motor + AYC (Active Yaw Control)
- Quad motor 4WD S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control)
This configuration enables advanced four-wheel control that was not possible with conventional PHEV systems.
Advantages of in-wheel motors
The use of an in-wheel motor at the front offers many benefits.
merit:
- Left and right torque can be precisely controlled independently
- Achieves true torque vectoring control
- Improved space efficiency in the engine room
- Achieves a flat interior floor
- Excellent handling stability and cornering performance
Previously, cornering performance was improved by controlling the brakes on the inside tire, but this system actively assists cornering by distributing torque between the left and right wheels, which means more natural and comfortable handling.
Advantages of PHEVs
While many manufacturers are focusing on BEVs (battery electric vehicles), Mitsubishi Motors continues to focus on PHEVs (plug-in hybrids).
PHEV advantages:
- No worries about range even when driving long distances
- Can be used in areas where charging infrastructure is not yet in place
- Flexible operation using EV mode for everyday use and engine mode for long distances
- External power supply function using a large-capacity battery
The flexibility of a PHEV is particularly ideal for the ELEVANCE Concept, which is themed around outdoor activities and adventure.
Advantages of ELEVANCE Concept
After seeing and experiencing it for yourself, we will summarize the excellent points of the ELEVANCE Concept.
1. Innovative design concept
The combination of a capsule cabin and a robust body represents a new direction in SUV design, and its approach of combining transparency and safety is unique and unmatched by other manufacturers.
2. An overwhelming sense of openness
The full-length glass doors and glass roof provide excellent visibility from inside the vehicle. The design allows the driver to feel at one with the outside world even in the great outdoors, perfectly matching the “adventure” theme of the vehicle.
3. Advanced powertrain
The four-motor PHEV system achieves both high-level driving performance and environmental friendliness. In particular, the four-wheel independent control using in-wheel motors is a technology that greatly expands the possibilities of next-generation SUVs.
4. The Potential of AI Co-Drivers
More than just a voice assistant, AI systems learn the driver’s preferences and habits and make optimal suggestions, suggesting a new relationship between cars and people.
5. High-quality interior texture
The interior is made up of high-quality materials, including plenty of leather, and indirect lighting creates an atmosphere that exudes the elegance of a luxury SUV. The interiors of Mitsubishi vehicles have been improving in recent years, and this trend has been further enhanced.
6. Highly practical three-row seating
It also has the practicality of a large SUV, with three rows of seats designed to seat six to seven people. Furthermore, the convertible cross seat mechanism makes it comfortable not only for travel but also for staying at your destination.
7. Equipment to support outdoor life
Combined with a dedicated trailer house, it supports high-quality outdoor experiences such as glamping. Equipped with solar power generation and batteries, it allows for self-sufficient travel.
8. Skeleton bonnet function
The skeleton bonnet function, which allows the driver to check the road conditions under their feet when driving off-road, is an advanced feature befitting a Mitsubishi SUV with excellent off-road capabilities.
Disappointments and issues with the ELEVANCE Concept
On the other hand, there are also issues unique to concept cars and concerns about their practical application.
1. Feasibility of mass production
At this point, it is a complete concept model, and mechanisms such as the full-length glass doors and convertible cross seats may require significant changes before mass production.
2. Practicality of the door
While full glass double doors are aesthetically pleasing, they present practical challenges:
- Opening and closing space in a narrow parking lot
- Ensuring the strength of the glass surface and cost
- Privacy Protection
- Visibility of dirt and scratches
3. Cost of in-wheel motors
In-wheel motor technology is highly advanced, but installing it in mass-produced vehicles poses challenges in terms of cost and durability, making it difficult to maintain price competitiveness.
4. Vehicle size and weight
Equipping a large SUV with four motors and batteries is expected to make the vehicle significantly heavier, which could affect fuel economy and driving performance.
5. Reliability of complex mechanisms
The convertible cross seats and complex electric systems raise concerns about long-term reliability and maintenance costs in the event of a breakdown.
6. Privacy Concerns About AI Features
For the AI Co-Driver to learn driver behavior, it will be necessary to collect and manage personal information, which requires careful consideration from the perspective of privacy protection.
7. Pricing Challenges
With such advanced technology, the selling price is expected to be quite high, likely far beyond the price range of the Outlander PHEV, making market acceptance a challenge.
8. Charging and power supply infrastructure
PHEVs equipped with large-capacity batteries take a long time to fully charge, and infrastructure such as a power supply system for the trailer is also required.
Relationship with the next Outlander
Many automotive media and experts have pointed out that the ELEVANCE Concept hints at the direction of the next-generation Outlander PHEV.
Common elements
Design:
- Improved Dynamic Shield
- Mitsubishi’s powerful stance
- Continuation of PHEV powertrain
Technical aspects:
- Evolution of S-AWC
- Further advances in PHEV technology
- Practicality as a three-row SUV
Actual prediction for adoption in the next-generation Outlander
Realistically, we can expect the next-generation Outlander to carry over the following technologies:
Elements likely to be adopted:
- An evolved version of S-AWC (but possibly not an in-wheel motor)
- AI-powered assistant system (simplified version)
- Large screen display
- High-quality interior materials
- Skeleton bonnet function (camera system)
- Improved version of the PHEV system
Factors that make mass production difficult:
- Full glass door
- Convertible cross seat
- In-wheel motor
- Dedicated trailer house
Mitsubishi Motors’ strategy and the positioning of the ELEVANCE Concept
The ELEVANCE Concept is an important model that shows the future direction of Mitsubishi Motors.
Realizing “FOREVER ADVENTURE”
This concept car is perhaps the clearest expression of Mitsubishi Motors’ brand theme of “eternal adventure.” It visualizes a worldview in which high-quality adventure can be enjoyed in any environment, from urban areas to the great outdoors.
The fusion of electrification and SUVs
This model is a high-level fusion of Mitsubishi Motors’ strengths in PHEV technology, SUV technology, and four-wheel control technology, and strongly demonstrates the company’s technological identity.
Taking on the luxury route
This model furthers the recent trend of improving interior quality, and shows the company’s intention to enter the luxury SUV market. It conveys the company’s aim to be not just a practical SUV, but a premium model that offers a high-quality experience.
Comparison with competitors
Let’s compare the ELEVANCE Concept with competing models.
vs Lexus RX (Toyota)
The Lexus RX is Japan’s leading luxury SUV, but the ELEVANCE Concept is more adventurous, emphasizing off-road performance through the combination of PHEV and S-AWC.
vs Land Rover Defender
The Defender is also an adventure-themed SUV, but the ELEVANCE Concept puts more advanced technologies (AI, in-wheel motors) at the forefront, proposing a new style of adventure through technology.
vs BMW X5/X7
BMW’s SUV lineup is characterized by urban sophistication, but the ELEVANCE Concept stands out with a design that emphasizes a sense of unity with nature.
Summary: An ambitious work that predicts the future of Mitsubishi Motors
The MITSUBISHI ELEVANCE Concept is a concept car that embodies Mitsubishi Motors’ technological capabilities and design philosophy, while hinting at the direction of the next-generation Outlander.
comprehensive evaluation:
Advantages:
- Innovative design approach (capsule cabin)
- An advanced 4-motor PHEV powertrain
- Next-generation technologies such as AI Co-Driver
- High-quality interior and open space
- Unique features such as convertible cross seats
- A dedicated trailer for outdoor living
Issues and disappointments:
- There are many doubts about the feasibility of mass production
- Potentially high costs
- Concerns about the reliability of complex mechanisms
- Designs with practical issues, such as full glass doors
Although it is currently a complete concept model, some of the technologies and designs shown here will undoubtedly be reflected in the next-generation Outlander and future Mitsubishi SUVs. In particular, elements such as the evolution of the PHEV and S-AWC, the introduction of AI technology, and improved interior quality are likely to be realized in the near future.
The ELEVANCE Concept, which attracted the attention of many visitors at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, is Mitsubishi Motors’ answer to the difficult challenge of combining “adventure” and “quality.” It is an ambitious project that gives us great hope as we look forward to seeing how this concept will be incorporated into a mass-produced model in the future.
For Mitsubishi Motors fans and SUV enthusiasts, the ELEVANCE Concept is an appealing model that will raise expectations for the future. It’s a car that will make you look forward to the arrival of the next-generation Outlander.
