Mitsubishi Motors Corporation unveiled the Mitsubishi Elevance Concept, an electrified crossover SUV concept, alongside an adventure-inspired model lineup at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. The showcase includes the new Delica D:5 prototype, an all-around minivan updated with improved steering stability, better road handling, and more rugged styling. The brand also showcased the all-new Delica Mini, a super height-wagon kei-car, which goes on sale in Japan today.
During the press conference, Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Motors, stated: “We chose ‘Forever Adventure’ as our booth theme to express our passion for delivering the timeless wonder of exploration. This spirit comes to life in models that embody the essence of Mitsubishi Motors – such as the Mitsubishi Elevance Concept, which integrates the best of our electrification and all-wheel control technologies, and the Delica series, now evolved with enhanced performance and refined styling. Even in an age of advanced technologies, we remain committed to the pure joy of driving and aim to inspire a mobility experience that awakens the sense of adventure.”
Concept car
The Mitsubishi Elevance Concept is an electrified crossover SUV designed to elevate the time spent inside the vehicle. It combines smooth, seamless styling with a quad-motor 4WD system powered by Mitsubishi Motors’ signature Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) technology, enabling confident and comfortable driving across diverse driving scenarios – from urban streets to off-road adventures.
Its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) system, featuring an engine compatible with carbon-neutral fuel, delivers the clean, exhilarating performance of an electric motor. The large-capacity traction battery also adds ample power, transforming adventure destinations into luxurious glamping retreats when paired with a trailer.
The Mitsubishi Elevance Concept also introduces AI Co-Driver, which encourages exploration by suggesting destinations tailored to each driver’s lifestyle. By turning everyday travel into a personalized journey, the concept redefines mobility as a high-class adventure – enhancing both the driving experience and the time spent at each destination.
Exterior design inspired by the luxe adventurer Concept
The Mitsubishi Elevance Concept pairs a sleek, futuristic SUV profile with a more muscular lower body, creating a design that highlights both elegance and strength. This design language will feel equally at home in city environments as it does in more rugged, off-road settings.
The capsule-style cabin is enveloped by a robust body structure inspired by the rib-bone frame concept, delivering exceptional rigidity. This advanced architecture innovation, premium quality, strength, and a reassuring sense of security.
At the front, the Mitsubishi Elevance Concept showcases an updated take on Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield design, paired with a honeycomb-structured front grille, which evokes both sophistication and power. Strong character lines run continuously from the headlights along the sides to the taillights, giving the body a confident, commanding stance. By lowering the side windows below the character lines, passengers can fully enjoy the surrounding scenery while in motion.
Eco-friendly PHEV system and electric 4WD for outdoor enjoyment
The Mitsubishi Elevance Concept features a PHEV system equipped with a high-efficiency gasoline engine compatible with carbon-neutral fuels, as well as a large-capacity traction battery. For everyday driving, it runs quietly and cleanly as an EV, while its hybrid system lets you go on long trips without range anxiety.
Mitsubishi Motors’ signature S-AWC technology now incorporates a quad-motor 4WD system, with in-wheel motors at the front to enhance steering stability, and dual-motor Active Yaw Control (AYC) at the rear to deliver a powerful driving force. This advanced system ensures a comfortable ride and superior road handling across various road conditions and driving scenarios.
AI Co-Driver suggestions and a premium interior
The Mitsubishi Elevance Concept introduces an AI Co-Driver, displayed on the LCD screen embedded in the steering wheel and instrument panel. It offers personalized destination suggestions tailored to individual lifestyles and preferences. It also uses AI to analyze surrounding conditions and vehicle status in real-time, recommending optimal drive modes based on road conditions detected by the sensors.
From the instrument panel and door trim down to the floor, the interior has been molded into a seamless, shell-type form. The cohesive layout visually projects a sense of comfort and sophistication, creating an atmosphere that feels like a protective cloud of safety embracing everyone aboard.
The instrument panel features a large-screen monitor that extends from the driver’s side to the passenger side, giving the driver a view of front blind spots and other areas around the vehicle, even on rough roads that could potentially damage the floor panel.
The three-row, six-passenger seating layout offers spacious interior room that allows family and friends to travel in comfort even when loaded up with luggage. The high-quality leather seats cradle everyone snugly for a comfortable ride, even when spending long hours on the road.
The vehicle also supports trailer hauling with ample interior space. Equipped with a kitchen and shower enclosure, these features can be powered by the PHEV system to provide overnight comfort, transforming the experience into a refined glamping-style excursion.
Delica Series
The Delica series is a long-standing model that combines safe, secure, and comfortable driving performance across a wide range of road and weather conditions, with a spacious and practical interior. Since the launch of the first-generation model in 1968, it has consistently embodied the product concept of “a vehicle that reliably transports passengers and cargo to their destination across diverse road conditions.”
Supported by customers for over half a century, the series has achieved cumulative sales of more than 1,380,000 units. Its versatility suits a broad range of settings, from daily driving to outdoor activities such as camping and recreation. Designed to create enjoyable moments with family and friends, these models encourage customers to explore new opportunities.
New Delica D:5 Prototype
The Delica D:5 is an all-around minivan that blends the comfort of a minivan with the superior road handling capabilities of an SUV. Developed under the concept of an “enhanced all-around MPV,” it now features S-AWC technology. An overhaul of the drive modes enables optimal driving performance across diverse road surfaces, improving both steering stability and road handling.
The exterior design adds a polished touch to its powerful off-road profile, clearly expressing the unique value the Delicaseries has consistently offered. The newly designed front grille and bumper convey both toughness and sophistication, while newly added wheel arch moldings further emphasize its powerful road handling. Inside, metal-accentuated panels evoke the feel of outdoor gear, and the updated interface features digital display gauges for a more advanced feel.
Special website for the new Delica D:5 (Japanese only):
https://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/lineup/delica_d5/special/teaser
All-new Delica Mini
Developed under the concept of an “advanced, active, reliable partner,” the Delica Mini is a super height-wagon kei-car that bears the name of the Delica minivan, which combines a spacious interior with powerful driving performance.
Every aspect of the vehicle has been enhanced – from its outdoorsy and endearing exterior design, to a refined and innovative interior, and improved handling and user-friendliness thanks to five newly added drive modes.
Special website for the all-new Delica Mini (Japanese only):
https://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/lineup/delica_mini/special
Photos by the author
