Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross practical test: Enduring electric car with superior comfort

Mitsubishi has once again asked its cooperation partner Renault for support, and has received it. Technically identical and with only minor visual changes, the Eclipse Cross is the all-electric twin of the Scénic E-Tech. The extended warranty period offered by the German importer, the Emil-Frey Group, speaks in favor of the offshoot with the three diamonds at the front. Five years instead of the usual two years offered by Renault. The front end of the Japanese version is also more striking than that of the French original, which is more restrained but also less expressive.

However, today's Eclipse Cross has nothing in common with the earlier Eclipse, a sports coupé originating from America, which the importer at the time had shipped across the Atlantic under pressure from EU import restrictions for cars manufactured in Japan. There are also no genes to be found from its direct predecessor with the same name, which was already in the SUV segment in the 2020s.

Instead, the new Eclipse Cross has a few surprises up its sleeve, such as the recessed door handles, which pop out of the recesses in the door panel as soon as someone approaches the vehicle with the key. A moment of shock awaits anyone who has only superficially studied the operating instructions. Even if the electronic key remains in the interior and the doors are closed, the door handles disappear back into their recesses after a few seconds. To pull them out again, a small panel needs to be opened to make the handle ready for use again. However, this is not a real disadvantage.

A major advantage, on the other hand, is the well-designed, dark-colored interior. If you press a small button on the left-hand side of the dashboard, inconspicuously marked with a circle, after the silent start of the drive system, the two most annoying of all assistants go into a deep sleep. The lane departure warning system and the speed limit warning thus provide restful peace and quiet, at least until the next start. Operation is easy, many functions can be controlled via direct buttons, for others the way is paved through the menus of the touchscreen, which is slightly tilted towards the driver. A suitable seating position is quickly found, the charmingly upholstered armchairs can be electrically adjusted to the right positions and offer good long-distance comfort, especially as the driver's seat is equipped with a massage function.

And that's a good thing, because with its 87 kWh battery, the Eclipse has a decent range until the next recharge. Up to 615 kilometers are theoretically possible and even if in practice it is more likely to be 480 to 520 kilometers, this is sufficient in most cases. Especially as the Mitsubishi doesn't waste any time at the fast-charging station. It charges with up to 150 kW and can charge from 20 to 80 percent of the battery capacity in around 35 minutes. Alternatively, there is AC charging with 11 kW, although this takes several hours. Two charging cables of around six meters in length, Mode 2 with 10 Ah and Mode 3 for 32 Ah, are on board as standard.

On the road, the compact Mitsubishi is all about comfort and can hardly be rattled by any bumps in the road. And yet, thanks to an output of 160 kW (218 hp), it keeps its promise of sporty genes. The electric SUV, which weighs almost two tons unladen, sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. The top speed is limited to 170 km/h, which even the driver in a hurry will quickly get used to. Thanks to powerful and gradually adjustable recuperation levels, driving is possible with just one pedal; if you take your foot off the accelerator at the right time before a red light, you can bring the front-wheel-drive Mitsubishi to a standstill with pinpoint accuracy without braking. This conveys a great deal of agility, even if the steering is perhaps a little too light.

The amount of space is excellent, there is no shortage up front anyway, and passengers in the rear sit on a well-padded, three-section bench and cannot complain about too little head or legroom. Large luggage can also be accommodated, with at least 545 liters of space in the trunk, while folding down the rear seat increases the transport volume to up to 1670 liters. The double load compartment floor makes it easier to hoist suitcases and bags on board. The manufacturer also allows the electric SUV a towing capacity, albeit a small one. The Eclipse Cross can tow 1100 kilograms, which is hardly enough for a caravan, but light transport trailers or boat trailers can be towed.

In the top-of-the-range Diamant Top Luxury trim, there are actually no options apart from the expensive metallic paint finish. 20-inch alloy wheels, Google Internet services, the keyless go system, driver face recognition, an automatic parking system and many other exclusive features are on board. One of the highlights is the electrochromic glass roof, which spans almost the entire interior. If the voltage applied changes at the touch of a button, it either becomes transparent or remains opaque. This turns out to be really effective sun protection. The premium sound system from Harmann Kardon also delights with crystal-clear audio enjoyment via nine loudspeakers. It really doesn't get any better than this, which ultimately puts the proud price of 55,140 euros into perspective. (aum)

Data Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Diamond Top Luxury

Length x width x height (m): 4.49 x 1.91 x 1.57
Wheelbase (m): 2.78
Drive: electric, FWD, reduction gearbox
System output: 160 kW / 218 hp
Torque: 300 Nm
Top speed: 170 km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 7.9 sec.
WLTP average consumption: 17.1 kWh
Test consumption: 18.3 kWh
Battery capacity: 87 kWh
Charging power: AC 7.4 / 22 kW, DC 150 kW
Unladen weight / payload: min. 1950 kg / max. 385 kg
Trunk volume: 545 - 1670 liters
Max. Towing capacity: 1100 kg
Base price: 47,990 euros (Diamant plus)
Test car price: 55,140 euros