MPV Crossover-pollination.
Mitsubishi Motors have just unveiled their XM concept, a mix between a crossover and an MPV – hence the X+Mpv naming amalgam. They will be showcasing the new concept at the upcoming Gaikindo motor show in Indonesia later this month.
Assuming it reaches production, its design is a definite step forward from the typically drab MPVs that we’re used to seeing on the roads and is indeed an evolution of their eX concept that they unveiled at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show.
Mitsubishi wanted to combine the go-anywhere versatility and adventurous spirit roused by the best crossovers with the practicality and passenger capacity of an MPV. It will be able to seat 7 occupants and is able to reconfigured for “a variety of seating arrangements.”
The inside has a distinctly white on black theme with silver metallic accents that will highlight the XM’s horizontal dashboard and elevated centre console. From the outside, however, the car uses a wider-than-usual body that are accentuated by deeply flared fenders and an aggressively-styled profile that blends in some MPV styling cues such as a floating D-pillar design and a softly sloping roofline and near-vertical rear hatch.
The front is striking, putting a bolder spin Mitsubishi’s trademark ‘Dynamic Shield’ corporate face and indeed is the most obvious carry over from the eX crossover concept from last year.
There’s a generous amount of ground clearance, so Mitsubishi is touting its ability to be driven confidently over unpaved roads. It’s no clear whether it will be offered with all-wheel drive, though. Neither is the Japanese automaker revealing any powertrain information as of yet, although with the eX being electric with one motor per axle, the same formula could be utilised here as well.
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