Mitsubishi e-Yi Concept Is The Engelberg Tourer Reloaded For Asian Debut

Following its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show last month, the Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer study will make its Asian debut at the Shanghai Auto Show.

For the occasion, Mitsubishi has decided to change the name of its three-row SUV study into e-Yi Concept. The “e” in the name points to Electric, Explore, Experience and Engage, while the “Yi” is the pronunciation for two Chinese characters — one means strong, robust, durable, and the other beautiful.

Nothing else changes compared to the show car unveiled in Geneva, though the e-Yi’s body appears to sport a darker shade of grey. The concept previews a next-generation SUV – probably the upcoming Outlander PHEV. It also showcases Mitsubishi’s electrification and AWD technologies, as well as its Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).

The e-Yi is a plug-in hybrid driven by Mitsubishi’s Twin Motor system that includes a 2.4-liter gasoline engine acting as a generator, two high-output electric motors (one on each axle for e-AWD capability) and a large capacity drive battery mounted under the floor in the middle of the vehicle.

The automaker says the Twin Motor full-time 4WD system benefits from lessons learned in the Lancer Evolution series and uses Active Yaw Control (AYC) to tailor torque split between the front wheels. The system works in combination with the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle behavior control system. The latter is said to deliver “a dramatic improvement in dynamic performance” by controlling the braking force at each wheel as well as front and rear motor output.

According to Mitsubishi, the e-Yi can travel for up to 70 km (43 miles) in EV mode, according to the WLTP standard, while its total driving range is over 700 km (434 miles).

Besides the e-Yi Concept, the company’s stand at the Shanghai Auto Show will also include the Eclipse Cross and Outlander models made in China, as well as the Eupheme EV and Eupheme PHEV launched in the local market last year.

Note: Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer interior photos pictured