Mitsubishi Debuts Next-Gen Eclipse Cross EV For The European Market

The Mitsubishi Eclipse nameplate has had an odd history. The original arrived in 1990 as a high-tech compact sports coupe, with high-end trims getting a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. By the time the fourth generation arrived in 2006, the car had evolved into a much softer machine, only offering front-wheel drive and a 263-hp V6 as its most potent powerplant. After retiring the moniker for a few years, Mitsubishi revived it for the Eclipse Cross compact SUV.

Now, a new Eclipse Cross EV is launching in Europe, and it looks nothing like any previous version. Moreover, it has a new powertrain unlike any previous version. Yes, the once-great Eclipse is now an EV.

The new Eclipse Cross EV will start rolling out across some European markets before the end of 2025, and the assembly will take place at Renault’s ElectriCity Plant in Douai, France. If that has you scratching your head, we don’t blame you. Essentially, the new Eclipse is a Renault Scenic E-Tech with some Mitsu-specific components.

The official announcement from Mitsubishi makes no mention of the latest model being available outside of Europe. A spokesperson for Mitsubishi in the US confirmed the new electric Eclipse Cross will not be offered in North America.

A New Eclipse Dawns

In terms of styling, the new Eclipse Cross EV looks nothing like the current version. Mitsubishi calls the design language Smart Armor. The massive, bracket-shaped metallic elements are gone on the nose. Instead, the latest one features a more chiseled nose, with slender, trapezoidal headlights and stacked LED running light strips positioned beneath them. There isn’t a traditional grille, but the designers include some embossed hexagonal pieces that approximate the appearance of mesh. The lower fascia has a wide opening, with heavily sculpted trim surrounding it.

In profile, it’s possible to see the new Eclipse Cross EV’s more muscular proportions. The upright grille and hatchback make the vehicle appear planted to the road. Subtle elements, such as the metallic trim on the C-pillar trim and roof rails, add a more upscale feel to the exterior. Flush-mounted door handles keep the sides looking sleek. The asymmetrical 20-inch wheel design also makes the model more interesting to look at due to the unusual styling.

The tail features lamps that echo the layout of the running lights at the front. The hatchback has a complex design, with a raised section in the middle that adds a visual flourish to the styling.

Inside, there are two big screens. The driver looks at a digital instrument cluster, and there’s a 12.3-inch portrait-layout infotainment display dominating the center console. The system supports Google Built-In, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. A row of physical buttons is along the bottom of this monitor. The finishes include diamond-quilted leather upholstery with contrasting stitching, and there’s a panoramic roof with electrochromic dimming for separate sections at the front and back. Ambient lighting on the dashboard and door panels lets owners select from 48 accent colors.

Powering The Eclipse EV

The new Eclipse Cross EV rides on the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-EV platform, which is specifically for electric models. It also underpins the latest Nissan Leaf and Alpine A390. This crossover has an electric motor producing 215 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The 87-kilowatt-hour battery pack provides an estimated 373-mile (600-kilometer) range in Europe’s WLTP test cycle. Four levels of regenerative braking are selectable by pulling the paddles behind the steering wheel, including a one-pedal driving function. The system supports DC fast charging at up to 150 kilowatts.

In 2026, Mitsubishi will launch a version with a lower range. No powertrain specifics are available about it at this time.

The Eclipse Cross EV is also available with an impressive suite of 20 advanced driver assistance systems, depending on the model. The SUV has ultrasonic sensors, cameras, and forward radar for detecting the world around it. The features include:

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go

Around View Monitor

Emergency Lane Assist

Lane Centering Assist

Parking Assist

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

No pricing details or trim level specifics are available for the Eclipse Cross EV yet. And while this model isn’t coming to the US, it’s unclear if any of the tech will appear in future US-market Eclipse Cross models.