Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross EV arrives in Europe
Mitsubishi has launched its second-generation all-electric Eclipse Cross as a re-skinned version of the Renault Scenic.
Visually, the Eclipse Cross has the same SUV profile as the award-winning Renault, but differentiates itself from its French sibling courtesy of Mitusbishi’s new “Smart Armor” design language, which features a “Dynamic Shield” grille, plus a set of six-tiered daytime running lights.
Around the back, the Eclipse Cross keeps the Scenic’s rear lights, but Mitsubishi separates them with a gloss black panel, which adds to the car’s overall robust appearance.
Inside, the electric Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has the same dashboard and layout as the Scenic, meaning both cars share the same Google-based 12.3-inch infotainment system, which is Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-ready. Apart from the Mitsubishi badge on the steering wheel, the biggest difference between the two is the Mitsubishi’s diamond-formed quilted seats.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross EV rides on the same AmpR platform as the Scenic, borrowing its powertrain from the Renault. With the 87kWh battery option, the electric Mitsubishi will return 372 miles on a single charge, and can be re-charged at a maximum rate of 150kW.
In terms of power, the rear-wheel drive, single-motor Mitsubishi produces 215bhp with 221lb ft of torque. Next year, Mitsubishi has said it will release a medium-range Eclipse Cross EV, which is touted to be powered by the base-trim Scenic’s 60kWh battery and 168bhp motor.
Unsurprisingly, the Eclipse Cross will be built in the same dedicated Renault EV factory as the Scenic in Douai, making it the first Mitsubishi to be built in France. Pricing has yet to be announced, but it has been confirmed that while the all-electric Eclipse Cross will be sold in Europe, it won’t be making it to the UK any time soon.
The Eclipse Cross EV is the latest in a line of re-badged Renaults to be launched by Mitsubishi under its Alliance agreement with Renault and Nissan: As such, the entry-level Colt is a Renault Clio, the ASX a Renault Captur, and the new Grandis a Renault Symbioz.
