Mitsubishi Pajero reborn! Wild quad-motor Mitsubishi Elevance SUV concept signals electrified Toyota LandCruiser rival is on the way

The long-awaited replacement for the Mitsubishi Pajero has inched closer following the reveal of the futuristic Elevance concept at the recent Tokyo motor show.

The Elevance reimagines the large SUV as an advanced plug-in hybrid rugged off-roader.

Continuing the recent design trend of a boxy, rugged look, the new Elevance is evidence that the next Mitsubishi Pajero will be powered by an all-new plug-in hybrid system.

Meanwhile, a new AI-powered co-driver offers destination suggestions, route guidance and drive-mode recommendations based on the terrain and conditions.

Takeaways from the forward-looking concept are its trapezoidal wheel arches and the honeycomb-pattern grille that are both expected to carry over to production.

But the glass doors, thin A-pillars and full glass roof are unlikely to live on.

The slim LED headlamps and rear taillights and the ultra-thin daytime running lights should make it to the production vehicle.

Inside the lounge-like cabin are three screens that stretch the entire width of the car and sit on a softly-padded shelf with no visible buttons.

Ahead of the driver is an octagonal multi-function steering wheel that feature a small screen in its centre and has a pair of large levers behind it.

Where a traditional gear lever would sprout is a circular drive mode selector that is thought to control the powertrain.

Elsewhere, the future Pajero has three rows of seating that house up to six, with the front seats capable of swivelling up to 180 degrees.

Driving the Elevance is a plug-in hybrid that combines a small petrol combustion engine with four electric motors that are expected to offer a pure-electric range of more than 100km, courtesy of a large battery pack.

While the front axle incorporates two in-hub motors, at the rear the Mitsubishi comes with a dual-motor Active Yaw Control (AYC) for agility-boosting torque vectoring.

Slashing its carbon footprint, the small combustion engine has been designed to run on carbon-neutral fuel.

With each e-motor driving a single wheel, the new concept can maximise traction on and off-road enhancing the SUV’s capability.

Mitsubishi has been careful to not confirm Elevance for production but it’s thought design elements and the advanced powertrain will go on to inspire the Pajero which was killed off in 2021 globally after four generations and 39 years on sale.