Mitsubishi eX concept to launch by 2020

The Mitsubishi eX electric SUV concept will make production by the end of the decade, officials have revealed.

The production eX is expected to have a range of 250 miles (the concept revealed at last year's Tokyo motor show can already manage that distance) and be priced competitively alongside combustion-engined rivals, including the Nissan Juke.

Speaking to Autocar at the Geneva motor show, Mitsubishi's UK boss Lance Bradley said: "The commitment is to return to full EV when the infastructure is mature. Full electric power is very much part of Mitsubishi's future."

The eX is all-electric and described as a compact SUV, which would position it below the Mitsubishi ASX in the company’s range. The name is said to stand for ‘electric X (cross)-over’, according to the brand.

As well as the electric powertrain, Mitsubishi says that the eX will come with an all-wheel-drive system, active safety, connected car and automated driving systems.

Mitsubishi also says that the eX is representative of the company’s future design direction, both inside and out. It describes the concept as being a mixture of a shooting brake, and a compact SUV. It also comes with a new interpretation of the so-called Dynamic Shield front-end design.

Mitsubishi has previously told Autocar of its plans to expand its SUV line-up, with a range of five models planned by 2020. There will be new models between the ASX and Outlander, and Outlander and Shogun, with the ASX and Outlander growing and shrinking to accommodate the new vehicles. The size of the eX is similar to that of the current ASX, but that model is expected to grow, leaving the eX to occupy its former position.

Read our review on the Mitsubishi ASX crossover