Last Year’s D:X Concept Becomes the Newest Contender for the Mitsubishi Motors U.S. Lineup

We’re about halfway through 2024, and Mitsubishi Motors announced its “Momentum 2030” business plan for the second half of the decade. Aimed at the release of more new models in the Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) lineup, primarily the U.S., new electrified models are already on the way. Old concepts like the Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer and Mitsubishi e-Evolution concept have come back into the spotlight, but a lot of media about new vehicles for Mitsubishi Motors is starting to muddy up what the next new model could be. Recently, the D:X Concept that was revealed at the Japan Mobility Show last year became the newest contender.

A futuristic-looking six-seater plug-in hybrid, the D:X Concept is very reminiscent of the Mitsubishi Delica concept that debuted in Tokyo in 2019. Designed to be a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), Mitsubishi Motors is adopting the new automotive segment that’s been getting headway in the industry as of late. Not quite an SUV, and sharing features of a minivan, MPVs are large, robust, and offer features that can add to the consumer’s lifestyle, whether a family van or an adventure vehicle. Called an active mobility vehicle that’s a reliable companion for various adventures, the Mitsubishi D:X Concept offers features for drivers who like to go offer the beaten path.

In the PR last year, Mitsubishi claimed the D:X Concept had “Maximum Space”, “Safety for Humans”, and is a “Maximum Off-Roader for Boundless Adventure.” Mixing the convenient, pleasant and roomy cabin space of a minivan with the road handling of an SUV, and the comfortable driving performance of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), there are no limits the D:X concept could meet. Featuring a vastly spacious cabin and a protective body to keep it safe, the D:X Concept even adds a new voice-interactive AI concierge to the cabin to bring this vehicle farther into the future.

This new information about the D:X concept being added to the U.S. lineup makes for a confusing mess. Several pieces of media have discussed new model concepts for Mitsubishi Motors to expand the U.S. lineup, but nothing is concrete. Before the introduction of the D:X Concept as a contender for the U.S., a new battery-electric vehicle is being designed by Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan, plus a new pickup truck for MMNA. Not too long before that, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance announced a new medium SUV was coming to Mitsubishi Motors from Ampere.

What’s Ampere? In 2022, Ampere was a proposal by Renault to build a new BEV facility to handle production of BEVs and other electrified options. Needing to focus research and development and resources on new internal combustion engine (ICE) concepts as well as new hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), or battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), Renault proposed a separate group with its own facility. It took a year for Mitsubishi Motors to climb onboard and invest in Ampere, but as soon as it did, the news about the new medium SUV surfaced.

According to Momentum 2030, there will be a new model released for the U.S. lineup at least once a year. Whether that starts with 2040 or in 2025 is left to be seen, but it could be any vehicle at this point. Look out for more information on new models from Mitsubishi Motors and the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance when you follow us on University Mitsubishi social media.

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