At the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show Mitsubishi is bringing the eX Concept, a study of an electric compact SUV that previews the brand’s future design direction.

The design of the eX Concept adopts dense, solid forms that give it a strong presence and rugged appearance, looking as if it has been carved from a single block.

The car’s silhouette combines the lines of a compact SUV with those of a sporty shooting brake.

The front end is a new interpretation of the Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield design concept, that here takes a slightly more functional direction.

In addition to the visual expression of the “shield” shape “to protect people and the car alike”, its daytime running lamps and the turning signal in the top make them more visible to pedestrians while the headlights are located under the ends of the bumper to prevent blinding oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.

Another element that serves to enhance a feeling of reassurance is the use of rubber coating on the underside and the sides of the fascia where contact is possible.

Interior Design

Inside the 5-seat cabin, the driver and passenger seats use different colors to give each side a different ambience, while the use of a framed structure covered with soft-touch material for the dashboard and other major elements of the front compartment not only creates a sense of being light in weight visually – the car’s structure actually reduces its weight.

One of the main features of the interior is the augmented reality (AR) windshield which in combination with the Intelligent Display system allows the drivers to access various information without having to make major movements of their line of sight.

The kind of information that can be displayed includes: Route guidance from the car navigation system; Vehicle-to-vehicle distance alerts; Lane departure warnings; and information on fixed or movable traffic signs acquired by the camera-based road sign recognition system.

In addition, the AR windshield is fitted with the Caution Tracking which employs driver assistance technology using vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-road and vehicle-to-pedestrian communications to display guidance and warnings on information outside the driver’s field of view, such as vehicles or pedestrians approaching intersections but hidden from the driver. Urging the driver to make split-second decisions and vehicle operations, the AR windshield supports safer driving.

Located in the upper part of the instrument housing, the Intelligent Display provides a portal to a whole range of driving information. Linked to the navigation app on a smartphone, it can display route guidance. Search information through a smartphone or PC is shared with AI via the Cloud and the car will display the driver’s requested internet search information via the Cloud. The AI function of the Intelligent Display will make recommendations based on understanding of the driver’s interests and hobbies.

The center console also houses two portable batteries which can be used outside of the car to support the active lifestyles.

Side View Monitors are located on either side of the main instrument housing. Replacing traditional door mirrors, they use high-definition cameras fitted to the car body to display the rearward field of view and so reduce the amount of eye movement the driver has to make.

Replacing a rear view mirror, a rear view monitor mounted in the overhead console uses a high-definition camera fitted to the rear of the car to display the view behind the car. It provides a wider and clearer image of the view behind the car than a conventional rearview mirror.

Technical Features

The next-generation EV system employs a high-capacity and high-performance battery together with compact high-output electric motors. Thanks to the lightweight construction, it can provide a cruising range of 400 km.

The battery is located beneath the body, which has lowered the center of gravity and together with its Twin Motor 4WD and S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control systems helps it provide handling control which faithfully reflects driver inputs as well as outstanding vehicle stability.

The eX Concept also features an automated driving technology which combines connected car technology and active safety systems.

When it detects danger it quickly and precisely utilizes its safety features and is also equipped with functions which detect malfunctions or abnormalities early and advises the driver to take the vehicle in for repair or servicing.

Mitsubishi eX Concept – Technical Specifications

L x W x H (mm) 4240 x 1780 x 1575

Seats 5

Cruising range (JC08; km) 400

Max output F/R (kW) 70 / 70

Total capacity of battery (kWh) 45

Drive battery Lithium-ion cells

Drivetrain Twin Motor 4WD

(Source: Mitsubishi)