This is a glimpse into Mitsubishi’s future

By topgear, 08 March 2019
Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer concept

This is the Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer concept, and let’s get the most pressing thing out of the way first… Yes, it is called Engelberg.

That name wasn’t just a result of the marketing team running out of things to call cars though. It’s actually a Swiss ski resort known for its off-piste routes and backcountry roads. In these days of SUVs acting as city cars, Mitsubishi wants you to get muddy.

And angry, at least looking at the front of the thing. Then count the chunky arches and roof box-mounted spotlights, and the Engelberg Tourer looks fit for purpose as a proper off-roader. Hopefully we’ll see these styling cues make their way onto the next Outlander.

Under the skin there are developments to the Outlander’s plug-in hybrid powertrain. A significantly larger battery means that the Engelberg will run for 69km on electric power alone, while the 2.4-litre petrol engine will kick in and give a total range of 698 kilometres.

There’s also a permanent four-wheel-drive system for all of those off-road adventures and some clever tech such as torque vectoring, drag-reducing shutters on the front grille and 2019’s obligatory cameras in place of wing mirrors.

Unfortunately, this is still just a concept, but the Outlander PHEV has been a huge success for Mitsubishi and we can expect either a refresh or a new model soon. With every man and his dog building an electric or hybrid SUV these days though you need to something different to stand out from the crowd. Does Engelberg do it for you?