MITSUBISHI Motors Australia has launched its four-variant Outlander plug-in hybrid (PHEV) range this week, the new-generation medium SUV featuring a beefed-up power unit, larger capacity battery, stronger electric motors, and a longer pure electric driving range (84km) when compared with the outgoing model.

Priced from $54,590 to $68,490 plus on-road costs, and with trim grades comprising ES, Aspire, Exceed and Exceed Tourer, the Outlander PHEV range is said to offer “a smoother, more responsive and quieter drive, with sharper acceleration and longer EV only driving range”, thanks in no small part to an updated 20kWh lithium-ion battery pack (45 per cent more capacity than the previous version’s 13.8kWh unit) and specifically tuned 98kW (+4kW) 2.4-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine.

Combined outputs for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV are listed at 185kW and 450Nm – which is about the same figure offered by a 5.0-litre V8 powered HSV Commodore only a few short decades ago.

The Outlander PHEV also features a larger fuel tank than before (up 11 litres to 56) and new rear electric motors with an integrated control unit occupying a smaller space than before, enabling the new Outlander PHEV to offer a three-row, ‘5+2’ seating configuration for the first time (on Exceed and Exceed Tourer versions).

The twin e-motor setup, which supplements the vehicle’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system, consists of an 85kW front-axle motor (up from 60kW previously) and a 100kW rear motor (up from 70kW). Claimed combined cycle fuel consumption is 1.5L/100km (NEDC).

The petrol engine acts primarily as an on-board generator (or range extender) in series hybrid mode, though is also capable of driving the front wheels directly in parallel hybrid mode, which is enabled at cruising speed or under high load driving situations.

Meanwhile, a new battery cooling system ensures optimum battery operation by using the vehicle’s air-conditioning unit, while an upgraded power drive unit is equipped with a voltage boost function that bolsters the performance of the front e-motor, while simultaneously reducing power consumption.

A reinforced differential employs a thicker carrier and stronger shaft and pinion, Mitsubishi claims, which allows the new Outlander PHEV to turn up its regenerative braking capability.

There are six adjustable energy regeneration levels – the maximum energy regeneration (also known as “one-pedal”) drive mode is accessible via a centre console button.

Multiple charging modes are supported. Charging ports include an AC connector that supports Mode 2 (standard 240V AC) and Mode 3 (fast 240V AC, with dedicated Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) charging, while adjacent is a CHAdeMO port that enables Mode 4 DC rapid charging. Mode 2 and Mode 3 charging cables come as standard equipment across the range.

In Aspire and Exceed variants, there are also two on-board 1500W/240V AC three-pin power points that provide vehicle-to-load capability for powering camping equipment or domestic appliances.

Five-seat Outlander PHEV ES ($54,590 plus ORCs) are equipped with LED headlights and DRLs, 18-inch alloys, a reversing camera, and front and rear parking sensors. The model features cloth upholstery, a urethane steering wheel, 12.3-inch instrument panel, push-button ignition, and dual-zone climate control.

Infotainment is courtesy of a 9.0-inch touchscreen with native satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio reception and a six-speaker sound system.

Safety technology includes a full complement of airbags and electronic chassis controls, hill start assist, trailer sway control and hill-descent control on top of adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection and junction assist, blind-spot warning and intervention, lane change and lane departure warning, as well as emergency lane keeping.

For the five-seat Outlander PHEV Aspire ($60,990 plus ORCs) we find 20-inch alloys, LED fog lights, silver skid plates front and rear, a roll type cargo cover, adaptive LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, an automatic tailgate, 360-degree camera technology, rear automatic braking and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Aspire variant also features a leather-trimmed steering wheel, combination upholstery, a power adjustable driver’s seat, front seat heating, head-up display, self-dimming rear-view mirror, power folding and heated wing mirrors, keyless entry, a wireless charging pad and two USB outlets in the rear.

Outlander PHEV Exceed ($65,990 plus ORCs) is distinguished by colour-coded lower body accents, B- and C-pillars with gloss black paint, a panoramic sunroof, quilted leather upholstery, 5+2 seating, an electrically adjustable front passenger seat, front seat memory, auto-tilt wing mirrors, aluminium gearshift trim panel, front door trim illumination, tri-zone climate control, pull-up second-row sunshades, and a Bose nine-speaker audio system.

Finally, the Outlander PHEV Exceed Tourer ($68,490 plus ORCs) features a two-tone exterior finish (Black Diamond with Deep Bronze or White Diamond with Black Mica), which is complemented by a two-tone high grade leather interior (black and saddle tan), as well as driver and front passenger seat massage function.

All Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV variants are sold with an eight-year/160 000km drive-battery warranty and a five-year/100,000km manufacturer warranty, the latter of which may be eligible to be extended to 10 years/200,000km if all scheduled services are done through the Mitsubishi dealership network.

Similarly, the 12 months of complimentary roadside assist can be maintained for up to four years if the vehicle is serviced by authorised dealers in accordance with the service schedule.