The Outlander is in the plug-in version a real success, Mitsubishi has already sold over 130.000 units worldwide. For the new model year, the Japanese have thoroughly revised the SUV technically and significantly refined the inside. But the real sensation is the price.
A true mid-range SUV as a plug-in hybrid (PHV) for under 30.000 Euro? That asks Mitsubishi in his Outlander prospectus rhetorically, because the answer is of course clear: The Japanese offer their big SUV in the new model year 2019 actually for 29.990 Euro, after the actual base price (37.990 Euro) 6.500 Euro premium of Mitsubishi and 1.500 Euro Environmental premium have been deducted. Are we driving a bargain or is the PHV just a blender?
The Outlander is in the plug-in version for five years in the trade and according to Mitsubishi both Europe and the world's best-selling SUV with such a drive. For the new model year was now the first major revision. And here the engineers did not lump themselves. The gasoline engine is even completely new, the displacement is now 2,4 instead of 2,0 liter, power (+ 14 PS) and torque (+ 21 Nm) were raised. Together with the two front electric motors (60 kW / 82 PS) and the rear (70 kW / 95 PS, + 13 PS) results in an electric four-wheel drive and system performance of 161 kW / 220 PS.
The system is mature and ensures a sovereign locomotion of the at least two-ton vehicle. The purely electrical range, which is 54 according to the NEDC consumption cycle and 45 kilometers after the new WLTP measurement, is also convincing. The battery capacity has been increased to a hefty 13,8 kWh for a PHV, it is charged at a fast charging station after 25 minutes, at a household power outlet it takes 5,5 hours. Incidentally, Mitsubishi guarantees the lithium-ion battery for eight years (up to 160.000 kilometers).
The Outlander PHV does not have a gearbox, the petrol engine is switched on via the clutch and is then connected to the wheels via a large gear ratio. At low speeds, the Japanese always drives electrically. All this does not have to interest the driver, because the large vehicle accelerates SUV-typical supple and of course remains silent until the gasoline engine is switched on. Anyway, you can not drive with the five-seater really fast, with purely electric locomotion at 135 km / h is over, the burner works with, maximum 170 km / h are in it.
But high speed and long rides are neither the domain of the Mitsubishi, nor is it useful for a PHV. Because the battery is empty, the consumption of the relatively heavy vehicle by the double drive quickly increases in two-digit dimensions. In everyday life, it is rather to discover the many opportunities that offers the Outlander. So the steering wheel paddles are not about to switch, but to select the Rekuperationsleistung. In the setting "0" virtually no braking torque is built up, while in "5" maximum energy recovery with appropriate delay is announced. In addition, there is the possibility to recharge the battery with the burner, if, for example, despite empty batteries at the end of the journey the last kilometers in the residential area wants to travel electrically. In addition, two outlets can be used to conveniently draw power at any time.
What is really surprising is that Mitsubishi does not buy the complex system and the low price through a modest set of equipment. In fact, the "base" version is equipped with climate control, 18-inch LMs, DAB reception, light and rain sensor, reversing camera and more. About "Plus" (Bi-LED's, heated steering wheel, parking aid front and rear, various assistants) it goes to the top model "Top" with electric driver's seat, leather, glass sunroof and other assistance systems. When Navi Mitsubishi relies on the owner's smartphone, only in the highest level, you can book a fixed system for 600 Euro.
The fine interior of the Outlander PHV, however, fits the exterior design less well. The car looks altogether, especially from behind and in the side view, very conservative; At the front you can show more flag with the typical brand face (Dynamic Shield), but the slightly rugged look can not really convince you either.
But that is one of the few weaknesses of the vehicle. If you are looking for a big SUV with plug-in technology and a low price, you can hardly miss the Outlander. The 3.000 units targeted for next year by marketing boss Christian Andersen in Germany, therefore appear as an at least realistic, perhaps even too modest formulated goal.
Peter Eck / SP-X
Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid - Specifications:
- Five-door, five-seat mid-size SUV, Length: 4,70 meters, Width: 1,80 meters (with exterior mirrors: 2,12 meters), Altitude: 1,71 meters, Wheelbase: 2,67 meters, Boot volume: 463 to 1.602 liters
- 2,4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, 99 kW / 135 PS, maximum torque: 211 Nm at 4.500 rpm, one gear ratio, two electric motors, front: 60 kW / 82 PS / 137 Nm, rear: 70 kW / 95 PS / 195 Nn, system performance: 161 kW / 220 PS, electric four-wheel drive, 0-100 km / h: 10,5 s, Vmax: 170 km / h (in electrical operation: 135 km / h), average consumption: 1,8 liters / 100 kilometers + 14,8 kWh / 100 kilometers, electric range: 54 km (WLTP: 45 km), CO2 output: 40 g / km, emission standard: Euro 6-d-temp, efficiency class: A +
Price: from € 37.990
Price after deduction of Mitsubishi electromobility bonus (6.500 Euro) + environmental bonus (1.500 Euro) from 29.990 Euro
Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid - short description:
- Why: for the extraordinary technology fair price; good electrical range
- Why not: very conservative look; not suitable for frequent drivers - like all PHVs
- What else: a PHV SUV in this class, there is otherwise only in Lexus (NX) and Volvo (XC60)
- When will he arrive: early September