Mitsubishi airs new all-electric China-only SUV

MITSUBISHI has unveiled the Airtek – all-new electric SUV – at the Guangzhou Auto Show. Mitsubishi says the ASX-sized model was developed on the concept of an e-cruising SUV where the “e” is said to represent electric, expanding, and expressive.

The Airtek revives a nameplate last seen on Japanese-spec Outlanders in the early 2000s.

“We named (the model) Airtek so that many customers can enjoy adventurous, active driving with this pure EV, which (has) a maximum driving range of about 520km while emitting zero CO2,” Mitsubishi Motors Corporation president and CEO Takao Kato said.

Powered by a 70kWh battery, the Airtek is said to achieve its stated driving range on the Chinese Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), and not the more stringent Worldwide Harmonised Light-Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) standards, the latter of which factor in longer driving cycles, more test phases, and other real-world factors. 

The Airtek’s battery pack is positioned beneath the floor of the vehicle for the purposes of lowering the centre of gravity and achieving an “ideal weight distribution”, Mitsubishi says.

The Airtek’s powertrain sees the 135kW motor, inverter, and reduction drive integrated into a single, lightweight unit. According to Mitsubishi, the unit offers “high output and torque” for a “powerful yet smooth ride”, but the Japanese firm didn’t state performance figures.

“We hope the all-new Airtek will help expand the horizons of customers in China, where environmental initiatives are accelerating with new energy vehicles,” Mr Kato added.

Size-wise, the Airtek slots in between the Eclipse Cross and Outlander; it measures 4630mm in length, 1920mm in width, and 1728mm in height and rides on a 2830mm wheelbase.

The Airtek’s styling reflects that of other SUVs in Mitsubishi’s line-up. The Dynamic Shield frontal design and hexagon-motif tailgate also appear on the ASX, Eclipse Cross and Outlander.

Inside, the Airtek is designed to feel “open and spacious”, Mitsubishi says; the horizontally themed dashboard and “high-class feel” incorporates soft-touch surfaces throughout. 

As is the case with many EV-specific models, the Airtek’s longer wheelbase (relative to the overall length of the vehicle) results in a roomier interior than that of a similarly sized internal-combustion powered model, providing “room for the family to ride in comfort”.

Infotainment, HVAC, navigation and other controls are accessed via a central 12.3-inch “floating” touchscreen. The Airtek also offers Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities.

The Mitsubishi Airtek EV will go on sale in China early next year.