Mitsubishi Motors Corporation unveiled its latest electric crossover SUV concept car, the MITSUBISHI ELEVANCE Concept, at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, which opened at Tokyo Big Sight on October 29, 2025. This article provides a thorough explanation of the details of this concept car, which is attracting attention as a next-generation SUV.
What is ELEVANCE Concept? The meaning behind the car name
MITSUBISHI ELEVANCE Concept
The name “ELEVANCE” is a combination of the English words “Elevate” (to raise or elevate) and “Advance” (to move forward or evolve). This name embodies Mitsubishi Motors’ strong determination to pursue the highest quality in-car experiences and achieve further evolution.
At the press conference, Takao Kato, Mitsubishi Motors’ President and CEO, spoke of the company’s vision to “promote the wonder of adventure that will remain unchanged into the future.” The theme of the car, “FOREVER ADVENTURE,” is based on the belief that no matter how much technology evolves, adventure into unknown territory and the joy of driving will remain forever.
Advanced powertrain technology – fusion of quad-motor 4WD and PHEV systems
MITSUBISHI ELEVANCE Concept
Carbon-neutral PHEV system
The ELEVANCE Concept’s greatest technological feature is its PHEV (plug-in hybrid) system, which combines a highly efficient gasoline engine compatible with carbon-neutral fuel with a large-capacity drive battery.
Why did we choose a PHEV over a BEV (battery electric vehicle)? The reason is based on a clear concept: “Go far and have a high-quality experience without worrying about range.” When considering long-distance travel and outdoor activities, the advantage of a PHEV, which is not restricted by charging infrastructure, comes into play.
Currently, there are many different types of carbon-neutral fuels, each with its own optimal combustion temperature, which presents a challenge. Mitsubishi Motors is currently working on selecting and developing the optimal fuel, including engine structure.
Revolutionary quad-motor 4WD system “S-AWC”
The ELEVANCE Concept employs Mitsubishi Motors’ proprietary four-wheel control technology, S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control). This next-generation S-AWC achieves the following innovative motor arrangement:
Front: Equipped with an in-wheel motor to enhance handling stability.
Rear: Equipped with a dual motor AYC (Active Yaw Control) that boasts high driving force.
This quad motor (four motors) system enables precise and independent control of traction at each wheel, resulting in the following outstanding performance:
- High off-road performance
- Vehicle posture control keeps the body flat even on uneven roads
- Safe and secure driving on any road surface and in any weather
- Minimizing vehicle body sway and tilt on rough roads
Furthermore, the suspension, which has a vehicle height adjustment function, also contributes to stabilizing the vehicle’s posture.
Exterior design – a fusion of power and innovation
Dynamic Shield Evolution
MITSUBISHI ELEVANCE Concept
The exterior design of the ELEVANCE Concept is an advanced expression of Mitsubishi Motors’ Dynamic Shield design identity. The front section exudes strength with its bold and thick design, while the cabin and rear are designed with a sleek aesthetic.
Capsule-shaped cabin and seamless design
Its greatest feature is its smooth, seamless capsule-shaped cabin. The highly robust, annular frame structure body, which incorporates the concept of a rib-bone frame, encases the cabin, creating a sophisticated, high-quality feel while also conveying a sense of strength and security.
The linear flow from the headlights to the character line on the body side and on to the taillights creates a majestic and imposing design. Furthermore, by extending the glass area on the body side down to below the character line, it creates an open design that allows you to fully enjoy the scenery from inside the car.
Functional Lighting Techniques
The headlights are equipped with a special function that visually informs the driver of the width of the road that is safe to pass through, thereby supporting driving on narrow mountain roads, etc.
The body color is a warm shade called “terracotta,” and the design evokes a sense of harmony with nature.
Interior – A fusion of AI technology and a sense of openness
Innovative “AI Co-Driver” system
MITSUBISHI ELEVANCE Concept
The ELEVANCE Concept’s most advanced feature is the AI Co-Driver. This system, which displays information on the LCD screens in the steering wheel and instrument panel, acts just like a co-driver in a rally, providing comprehensive support to the driver.
Key features of AI Co-Driver:
- Personalized suggestion function – Suggests destinations based on the driver’s lifestyle and values, expanding the range of activities and opportunities for experiences
- Real-time road analysis – Proposes appropriate driving modes based on road conditions read by sensors
- Comprehensive analysis of surrounding conditions – AI technology is used to analyze surrounding conditions and vehicle status in real time
- Narrow Road Judgment Assistance – Helps determine whether or not to pass an oncoming vehicle on a narrow road
In this way, the AI Co-Driver aims to be like a companion that provides detailed support to the driver.
Seamless and open interior space
MITSUBISHI ELEVANCE Concept
The interior design makes the most of the open feeling that the capsule cabin provides.
Distinctive design elements:
- Seamless shell design – seamless design extends from the instrument panel and door trim to the floor, creating a sense of unity
- Large monitor – Large monitors are installed that stretch from the driver’s seat to the passenger seat, clearly displaying the surroundings, including blind spots in front of the vehicle.
- Three-row, six-passenger seating – A spacious interior that allows you to relax comfortably even when carrying family, friends, and luggage.
- Colors that don’t obstruct visibility – The area above the door is intentionally finished in black, ensuring that the color doesn’t obstruct the view.
- Creating a sense of protection – The roof has a skeletal design that gives occupants a sense of security
The padding on the inside of the doors not only provides cushioning, but also reduces anxiety caused by the passengers being able to see more of the lower part of the car than the passengers when driving at high speeds.
The center console is equipped with a dial for integrated four-wheel control, allowing for intuitive operation.
Commitment to Sustainability – Adoption of Perovskite Solar Panels
The ELEVANCE Concept is also thoroughly environmentally friendly. Both the vehicle and trailer are equipped with perovskite solar panels that can be adapted to curved surfaces. This makes effective use of sunlight and pursues sustainability.
By taking advantage of the large-capacity battery, it can be combined with a trailer to be towed and used for glamping. The trailer can be unfolded to provide a bedroom space that can sleep two adults, proposing new possibilities for outdoor living.
The latest information on the Delica series was also announced.
At the Mitsubishi Motors booth at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, the latest information on the Delica series was also announced along with the ELEVANCE Concept.
Delica Mini reservations are going well
The new Delica Mini, a super-height mini wagon, was announced on September 18, 2025, and is off to a strong start, receiving over 10,000 pre-orders by October 29. Deliveries began on October 29, demonstrating Mitsubishi Motors’ presence in the minicar market.
Major improvement of Delica D:5 – First adoption of S-AWC
The Delica D:5 minivan is scheduled to be released this winter with a minor change. The biggest topic is the adoption for the first time of “S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control),” which integrates control of driving, turning, and stopping.
This has resulted in significant improvements in handling stability, safety, and off-road performance in a variety of situations. The Delica D:5, which has a reputation for its ability to drive on rough roads, will undergo further evolution. A significantly improved prototype was exhibited at the venue.
Highlights of the Mitsubishi Motors booth at Japan Mobility Show 2025
Booth theme: “FOREVER ADVENTURE”
The Mitsubishi Motors booth, located in West Hall 1, is themed “FOREVER ADVENTURE,” and expresses the wonder of adventure, which remains unchanged even in the distant future, with a lineup of concept cars and models that encourage adventure.
Exhibit vehicle lineup
- MITSUBISHI ELEVANCE Concept (world premiere)
- Delica D:5 significantly improved model (prototype/reference exhibit)
- Delica Mini (new model)
- Trailer-type bedroom (in collaboration with ELEVANCE Concept)
The Japan Mobility Show 2025 will be held during the following dates:
- Press Days: October 29-30, 2025
- Public release date: October 31st to November 9th, 2025
- Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
Mitsubishi Motors has also launched a special website to provide various information about the Japan Mobility Show 2025.
Mitsubishi Motors’ vision of the future of mobility
President Kato had this to say about the future of the community:
“In the future, electrification and intelligence will accelerate, and we may see ultra-fast charging, wireless charging, and fully autonomous driving become a reality, playing an important role as part of social infrastructure. However, no matter how advanced technology becomes, there will always be adventure in unknown territory, and no matter how high-performance mobility becomes, there will always be the joy of driving. Not only will we be able to travel comfortably, safely, and securely, but we will also be able to have experiences that move our hearts.”
Based on this philosophy, Mitsubishi Motors has made it clear that it will proactively incorporate technological innovation while valuing the joy of driving for all drivers and passengers.
A model lineup that symbolizes the essence of Mitsubishi cars
Mitsubishi Motors currently offers the following models as part of its lineup, which represent the essence of Mitsubishi cars.
- Outlander PHEV
- Triton
- Delica
- Delica Mini
These models allow you to experience adventure and the joy of driving in your everyday life, and the ELEVANCE Concept can be said to be a concept car that embodies this idea in an even more evolved form.
Summary – Mitsubishi Motors’ direction for next-generation SUVs
The MITSUBISHI ELEVANCE Concept presents the ideal form of a next-generation crossover SUV, combining Mitsubishi Motors’ expertise in electrification and four-wheel control technologies at an advanced level.
Summary of key features:
- Environmental performance – Carbon-neutral fuel compatible engine + PHEV, perovskite solar panels
- Driving performance – Quad motor 4WD, next generation S-AWC, height adjustable suspension
- Intelligence – Comprehensive driving assistance with AI Co-Driver
- Design – Capsule-shaped cabin for a sense of openness and advanced dynamic shield
- Lifestyle proposal – glamping experience with trailer
Along with technological advances, we value the essential human desires of “spirit of adventure” and “driving pleasure.” This balance is the essence of Mitsubishi Motors’ “FOREVER ADVENTURE” philosophy, and the ELEVANCE Concept is a concrete answer to that goal.
Seeing the actual vehicle at Japan Mobility Show 2025 will give you a deeper understanding of the future mobility experience this concept car depicts. The vehicle will be open to the public until November 9th, so be sure to visit the Mitsubishi Motors booth at Tokyo Big Sight.
Mitsubishi News Release
https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/jp/newsroom/newsrelease/2025/20251029_1.html
