Geneva show: Mitsubishi reveals Engelberg Tourer

MITSUBISHI Motors Corporation (MMC) has pulled the covers off a new plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) concept, dubbed Engelberg Tourer, featuring bold styling and off-road-ready equipment.

The seven-seat SUV sits high with large stylistic wheels and an exaggerated version of Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield design language.

Power comes from twin electric motors borrowed from the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which are paired with an unspecified 2.4-litre petrol engine, allowing for 700 kilometres of total driving range, or 70km in electric-only mode.

As a concept, its efficiency figures are unclear, but Mitsubishi has employed a number of low-consumption technologies, including radiator grille shutters, to reduce drag.

A full-time four-wheel-drive system is bolstered by technology developed in the Lancer Evolution sportscar series, including Active Yaw Control and Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) for improved handling dynamics.

Using the onboard satellite navigation system, the Engelberg Tourer monitors weather, topography, traffic and surface condition data to select the optimum drive mode and tailors torque distribution between the electric and petrol motors.

The high-riding concept gets its name from a ski resort in Switzerland which is known for its challenging terrain, so it is fitting that fog lamps are connected to an automatic opening/closing roof box, and under-guards are equipped on all four corners to protect the vehicle on rough surfaces.

Inside, the electrified concept features a luxurious cabin with a large touchscreen infotainment display, a digital instrument cluster, white leather upholstery and a raised centre console similar to those featured in modern Porsche models.

Mitsubishi has not suggested plans to put the vehicle into production, but if it does, the Engelberg Tourer will be one of the few electrified SUVs claiming strong off-road capabilities.

Alongside the Engelberg Tourer concept at the Geneva motor show, Mitsubishi revealed its new Dendo Drive House (DDH) system which allows owners of electric vehicles (EV) to generate, store and share energy automatically between their car and home.

The DDH system will be offered at Mitsubishi dealerships in Japan and Europe later this year, for customers buying an EV or PHEV model.

DDH consists of a bi-directional charger, solar panels and home battery, allowing owners to charge their vehicle with solar-generated power, and also supply electricity from their vehicle to their home to save on electricity costs.

Mitsubishi also says that DDH would be a suitable provision as an emergency power source.

It is unclear if the DDH system will come to Australia, but Mitsubishi said it plans to roll it out to other markets following the initial Japanese and European launches.