Mitsubishi has shown a new eX Concept in Geneva.
Described as a vision for a compact SUV the eX Concept is powered by a next-generation EV system ‘which delivers superior environmental performance, torquey and smooth acceleration, and whisper-quiet performance’.
The car is driven by a Twin Motor 4WD and S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control systems which, in collaboration with its advanced connected car and active safety technologies provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities on motorways as well as autonomous parking.
The styling takes inspiration from the coupe elegance of a "shooting brake+2" but with 'compact SUV lines'. The front fascia takes the Mitsubishi ‘Dynamic Shield’ design concept a step forward designed to protect people and car alike, while the daytime running lamps and indicators are positioned on top of the wing to make them more visible to pedestrians.
The easy-access doors without center pillars provide effortless entry to and from the interior. The use of different colouring for the dash and door trim for the driver and passenger sides of the cockpit creates a ‘new-look ambience’. The use of a simple frame structure covered in softshell for the dashboard, instrument cluster and other major elements of the front compartment not only creates a sense of being light in weight visually - but serves to reduce the actual weight of the car.
The center console houses two portable batteries which can be used outside of the car to support those who enjoy pursuing active lifestyles while on the inside, an augmented reality windshield and Intelligent Display in the center of the dash linked to the driver's smartphone and the Cloud provides the driver with recommendations based on their interests and tastes.
The EV system powering the concept combines a second-generation high-capacity, high-performance battery with compact high-output electric motors front and rear. This configuration not only makes the EV system lighter and more efficient but with further weight reductions to the vehicle itself, resulting in a cruising range of 249 miles.
The Twin Motor 4WD system delivers power to the four wheels through the S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system, which uses braking to control front wheel torque delivery and an electronically-controlled mechanical Active Yaw Control component which actively varies torque-split between the rear wheels.
The eX is capable of semi-autonomous operation on motorways when data from cameras and sensors is used to analyse the situation surrounding the vehicle and to automatically increase or decrease vehicle speed or to maintain its lane or to change lane. The car can autonomously find its own parking spot, park itself and be retrieved without any driver input.