Fiery Drive: Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid - Reborn and Ready to Roar
Refreshed Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid – Pioneer Returns to Market
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The plug-in hybrid is having a comeback in Germany - and it's high time for the Mitsubishi Outlander! This repackaged, fourth-generation model is set to hit the market this spring, starting at €50,000. Once a trendsetting compact SUV, this revamped beauty is here to dominate the streets!
The Outlander initially stormed the market in 2013 with diesel-powered compact SUVs still ruling the roost. Over the years, its hybrid drive system has been polished, improving performance and efficiency. Even in this latest upgrade, Mitsubishi promises the essence of the original remains intact.
As before, the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Gen 4 relies on a team-up of an electric all-wheel system and a hybrid drive. A gasoline engine kicks in with 136 PS, while an electric motor chips in with 116 PS on the front axle. A rear electric unit, packing a robust 136 PS, boosts the powertrain. The total horsepower promised by the manufacturer stands at 306 PS.
The lithium-ion battery, now bulkier with a 22.7 kWh capacity, is tucked under the body between the axles. It promises an electric driving range of up to 85 kilometers according to standard measurements. During a test drive in Lisbon, the onboard computer displayed a fuel consumption of 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers after about 220 kilometers. The battery, filled to 50 kilometers of remaining range at the outset, held its ground pretty accurately, reporting 23.2 kWh per 100 kilometers consumption.
Mitsubishi gets an A+ for the smooth transitions from electric to gasoline drive, barely detectable and almost inaudible with moderate driving. Only when calling for extra power, such as during overtaking, does the gasoline engine make a modest appearance amidst gentle damping.
Touting the latest improvement of its all-wheel system S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), the manufacturer claims it ensures superior traction and confident performance, even in challenging situations, with seven driving modes (Normal, Eco, Power, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, or Mud) controlled through a central rotary dial.
Real Muscle on the Road
The Outlander packs a serious punch off-road, too. Its suspension strikes a good balance, combining comfort with a touch of firmness. It easily handles naughty curves and narrow highway on-ramps without swaying, guaranteeing a safe and thrilling ride.
🚗 ** Plug-in Hybrid Cars to be Unveiled in 2025** 🚗 The electronic drive control selects the appropriate program based on driving conditions and battery charge level, much like its predecessor. It provides three modes: EV for purely electric driving at low and medium speeds, hybrid (employing the internal combustion engine to generate electricity, for example, when accelerating uphill), and parallel (simultaneous operation of electric motors and gasoline engine).
The Outlander can zip up to a maximum speed of 170 km/h, with a top pure electric speed of 135 km/h. All in all, it delivers rock-solid reliability and encourages fuel- and energy-saving habits, particularly when the electric range starts to dwindle as speed increases. But don't worry, this compact SUV can speed up briskly when needed - a 0-100 km/h sprint takes a decent 7.9 seconds.
Chademo Connector - Not Mission Critical
Operating Modes
The "Save" mode enables you to maintain the current charge level, while "Charge" mode charges the battery during driving using the internal combustion engine, for example, before entering environmental zones. The new Outlander still needs a bit of work in external charging. The maximum 3.7 kW that the charger can deliver to the battery is nothing to write home about. A full charge can take up to seven and a half hours. The Chademo fast charger of the Outlander isn't state-of-the-art, as this type of connector is seldom used in Germany.
Battery Usage and Features
The Outlander's bidirectional battery can power external devices. From the Plus version onwards, it comes equipped with a 230-volt power outlet on the rear seats and in the trunk, suitable for charging electric bikes, coffee makers, or mobile music systems. The German importer is considering a CCS adapter for more versatility. Nevertheless, the Chademo connector doesn't pose a deal-breaker, as most buyers primarily charge at home overnight and rarely use fast charging.
Design
The 4.72-meter-long Outlander sports a typical Mitsubishi style. Despite its size, it proudly flaunts its membership in the brand's family. The sculpted front with optically sunken headlights and the separation of daytime running lights and headlights leaves an indelible impression. The prominent side lines and the narrow LED taillights at the sturdy rear also demand attention.
Interior
Its numerous "real" buttons, switches, and knobs instantly grab your attention. Controls are simple and sensible, with well-structured menus. The ambiance is hardy yet elegant, boasting good material and build quality. The digital instrument cluster and the central control touchscreen boast a generous diagonal of 12.3 inches.
Assistance Systems and Connectivity
Expect the usual array of assistance systems, which can occasionally be both a blessing and a nuisance with their loud audible signals and occasionally forceful interventions. Annoying warning tones can be silenced using a button on the steering wheel - until the next start, of course. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now wirelessly enabled for ergonomic convenience.
Warranty Extension
Mitsubishi is thrilled to announce an extended warranty! This expansion extends the warranty by three years, putting the brakes on at eight years or 160,000 kilometers, starting after the five-year warranty or the 100,000-kilometer mark. Each annual service extends the warranty by an additional 12 months.
Pricing and Features
The Outlander is available in four versions - Basis, Plus, Intro Edition, and Top - priced from €49,990 to €59,490. The entry-level model includes features such as a 360-degree camera, two-zone climate control, a warm water heater, and a parking assistant. The Intro version sports a head-up display, while higher trim levels come decked out with heated seats and more goodies.
Technical Data - Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Top
Future, five-seater mid-size SUV* Length: 4.72 meters*, Width: 1.86 meters*, Height: 1.75 meters*, Wheelbase: 2.70 meters*, Trunk volume: 495-1404 liters*, Curb weight: 2120 kg*.
- Plug-in hybrid powertrain: 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine; Power: 100 kW/136 PS, Max. torque: 203 Nm at 2500 rpm, two electric motors (front 85 kW/116 PS, rear 100 kW/136 PS); System power: 225 kW/306 PS; Lithium-ion battery with 22.7 kWh; Electric range: 85 km, Charging time: Household plug 16/10 A 6.5 to 10 hours, Chademo: 32 minutes; All-wheel drive 0-100 km/h: 7.9 s, Vmax: 135 km/h (electric), 170 km/h (hybrid) Fuel consumption (WLTP): 0.8 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 19 g/km, Electricity consumption (WLTP): 23.5 kW/h/100 km, CO2 class: B* Price: starting at €59,490 Euro.
[1] Mitsubishi Motors, Outlander PHEV (2023). (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2023, from https://www.mitsubishicars.com/outlander/plug-in-hybrid
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[3] (n.d.). Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (4th Generation). Edmunds Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 14, 2023, from https://www.edmunds.com/mitsubishi/outlander-phev/2023/#specs
[4] Taylor, A. (2023, January 20). New Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: UK prices, specs and on sale date. Carwow. Retrieved February 14, 2023, from https://www.carwow.co.uk/mitsubishi/outlander-phev/prices-specs
[5] Abbasi, F. (2023, January 26). Mitsubishi to compete with Tesla Model Y. Fully Charged Network. Retrieved February 14, 2023, from https://fullycharged.show/news/mitsubishi-to-compete-with-tesla-model-y/
[6] 📸 Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2023, from https://www.mitsubishicars.com/outlander/
- The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid's fourth generation, due to hit the market this spring, features a hybrid drive system that, unlike other vehicles, not mechanically propelled.
- The Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Gen 4 encourages fuel- and energy-saving habits, with a top electric speed of 135 km/h and a total horsepower of 306 PS.
- Outside of Germany, the Outlander is also equipped with a Chademo fast charger, though its use is not mission critical for most buyers, as they primarily charge at home overnight.
