The 2025 Japan Mobility Show has opened the floodgates to all sorts of concept cars, including a stick-wheeled Lexus LS Minion. Domestic automaker Mitsubishi is also participating in the Tokyo event, showcasing a concept it calls: “Elevation”. It’s already sparking speculation about whether it previews a future SUV, possibly the return of the Pajero (Montero in some markets). For what it’s worth, the front fascia is similar to a prototype unveiled in July.
But the boxy styling and rear-view doors aren’t the most exciting part. The Dossubashi grabbed our attention with the tall, complex powertrain. The concept packs a complex plug-in hybrid setup that combines four electric motors with a gasoline engine. It features two-wheel motors at the front and Mitsubishi’s familiar dual-motor Active Yaw Control (AYC) at the rear. An unspecified combustion engine is defined as a “high efficiency” engine capable of running on carbon neutral fuel.
Mitsubishi remains tight-lipped about the battery, saying only that it’s a “big pack.” For reference, the ZR9X uses a hefty 70kWh battery, while the rechargeable Volvo XC70 packs a 39.6kWh. It’s not clear where elevation fits between the two, though it’s unlikely. Either way, the battery is powerful enough to power a matching trailer, which includes a kitchen and shower.
Interestingly, Dossubashi does not mention that the combustion engine acts as a generator to recharge the battery. It turns out that the Altitude is not a range-extending EV, but a traditional plug-in hybrid with gas engines mechanically driving the wheels. Whatever the case, we’re told the ICE delivers “clean, energetic electric motor drive performance.”
Photo by: Mitsubishi
Beyond its complex PHEV setup, the Altitude appears to be a large vehicle, further supporting the theory that it’s Pajero-sized. Still, we’re getting ahead of ourselves, as Dossubashi has a reputation for unveiling bold concepts that never make it to production. Hopefully, this breaks the trend.
Inside, the Elevation offers three rows of seating but only accommodates six passengers in a 2+2+2 layout, with the front seats having swivel seats. It embraces the current screen-heavy design trend with a triple display setup across the dashboard. There’s also a screen embedded in the octagonal steering wheel, while climate control is handled by a slim horizontal touch bar.
Thankfully, not everything has been digitized. A rotary dial between the front seats lets the driver switch between driving modes. Elsewhere, the trapezoidal steering wheel display is flanked by physical keys and two vertical toggles behind it.
Whether Dostosubshi plans to follow up with a production model or not, hopefully at least some of the Elves’ ideas will draw in the SUV crowd that might actually buy one.
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Source: Friends
