Mitsubishi has officially announced its return to the Australian battery electric vehicle market, confirming that the all-new ASX VR-e electric SUV will launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. This marks Mitsubishi’s first fully electric model in Australia since the i-MiEV, signaling a renewed commitment to electrification in a rapidly evolving market.
ASX VR-e Launch Details and Model Lineup
The ASX VR-e will be available in four variants: LS, Aspire, Exceed, and GSR. Unlike the petrol-powered ASX familiar to Australian buyers, the VR-e is a completely new vehicle, both in design and engineering. The ‘VR-e’ suffix pays homage to the Galant VR-4 performance sedan, reflecting Mitsubishi’s performance heritage.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO Shunichi Kihara described the launch as a ‘significant milestone’ for the brand, highlighting the ASX VR-e as the first battery electric vehicle since the pioneering i-MiEV.
Development and Design
The ASX VR-e is the result of a partnership between Mitsubishi and Foxtron Vehicle Technologies, with the platform developed by Foxtron and extensively tested for Australian conditions. The vehicle’s design was led by Italian design house Pininfarina, while Mitsubishi contributed unique styling elements to the front and rear fascias, wheels, and interior.
Aerodynamic features include an S-Duct in the nose to channel air over the bonnet and active grille shutters that adjust based on driving conditions to reduce drag.
Performance and Specifications
Mitsubishi has not yet released Australian specifications for battery capacity, range, motor output, charging speed, or pricing. However, the ASX VR-e has been linked to the Foxtron Bria in Taiwan, which offers a 57.7 kWh LFP battery and a single-motor output of 171 kW. The Bria is officially rated for a 516 km (~321 miles) NEDC range in rear-wheel-drive form, though Mitsubishi has not confirmed if these figures will apply to the Australian model.
The original Foxtron Model B, which underpins the ASX VR-e, was designed with aerodynamics in mind, with Foxconn claiming a drag coefficient of 0.26 for the concept.
Competitor Comparison
The ASX VR-e will enter a highly competitive segment in Australia. Key rivals include the MG 4, priced from around A$40,000 (~$28,240), the BYD Dolphin, also starting near A$40,000 (~$28,240), and the BYD Atto 2, which is currently Australia’s most affordable electric SUV at A$31,990 (~$22,585). These models are well-established in the entry-level electric hatchback and compact SUV market, making value, range, and features critical for Mitsubishi’s new entrant.
Historical Context
Mitsubishi was among the first established brands to offer a mass-produced EV in Australia with the i-MiEV, but shifted focus to plug-in hybrids like the Outlander PHEV in the years since. In 2024, Mitsubishi sold 74,547 vehicles in Australia, a decline of 16.4% year-on-year, and by September 2025, the brand had dropped from the top five to sixth place in market share. Outlander sales in 2025 fell 19.9% year-on-year to 20,523 units.
The ASX VR-e is part of Mitsubishi’s Momentum 2030 plan, which aims to expand electrification across its lineup and regain competitiveness in the Australian market.
Why this matters
The arrival of the ASX VR-e marks Mitsubishi’s re-entry into the Australian battery electric market after more than a decade, at a time when consumer demand for EVs is accelerating and competition is intensifying. The move is significant for Mitsubishi as it seeks to reverse recent declines in sales and market share, and to align with broader industry trends toward electrification.
With established competitors already offering strong value and performance, Mitsubishi’s success will depend on how the ASX VR-e is priced and specified for local buyers.
What this means for buyers
Buyers considering a new electric SUV will soon have another option with the ASX VR-e, but key details such as price, range, and features are still to be announced. Those interested in Mitsubishi’s first new EV in years should watch for the full Australian specifications and pricing closer to launch, and compare these with established rivals like the MG 4, BYD Dolphin, and BYD Atto 2 before making a decision.
Key Specs
- Australian Launch: Q4 2026
- Variants: LS, Aspire, Exceed, GSR
- Platform: Foxtron-developed, tuned for Australia
- Design: Pininfarina with Mitsubishi styling
- Aerodynamics: S-Duct nose, active grille shutters
- Historical EV: First Mitsubishi BEV in Australia since i-MiEV
Source
Images sourced from: drive.com.au, thedriven.io, carsauce.com
