Next Mitsubishi Delica previewed by D:X Concept

The next-generation ‘D:6’ Mitsubishi Delica off-roader van has been previewed by the D:X Concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.

Mitsubishi’s radically styled show car is “designed to hint at the Delica of the future” that could see a local return of the cult MPV that is popular with grey importers but hasn’t been sold officially in Australian since 2009.

In keeping with Delica tradition, the D:X features all-wheel drive and a generous ground clearance.

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Mitsubishi claims the D:X combines “the convenient, pleasant and roomy cabin space of an MPV with the superb road-handling of an SUV … providing the powerful and comfortable driving performance of a PHEV with no limits to the activities it can take on”.

The plug-in hybrid electric AWD system is likely borrowed from the PHEV version of the Outlander midsize SUV. The D:X is similarly equipped with Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) twin-motor AWD with integrated vehicle dynamics.

The company says the system delivers “a safe, secure and comfortable ride in any weather or road conditions”.

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Notable exterior elements for the monobox concept include front doors and sliding rear doors that comprise the entire side of the vehicle – from sill to roofline. A wraparound windscreen blends into a narrow side glass.

The flanks include a large, drop-down step to ease ingress and egress. As with the flush-to-the-roofline doors, don’t expect to see this feature on the future production Delica.

An aero-focused, slimline roof pod, video-camera ‘ears’ that replace conventional side mirrors, and a “glamping inspired” copper exterior paint with semi-gloss texture complete the rugged-futuristic exterior design.

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Inside, the most dramatic feature is undoubtedly the huge ‘invisible bonnet’ screen on the front-passenger side that – borrowing from Land Rover – uses external cameras to show a view of the immediate terrain ahead.

The A-pillars incorporate video views provided by the aforementioned exterior camera ears.

A digital driver display sits in the middle of an octagonal steering wheel, ahead of a distinctive, driver-side-focused wraparound panel with additional displays and controls.

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The concept adopts a six-individual-seat layout with a walkthrough set up front to rear.

The D:X’s second- and third-row ‘panoramic’ seats incorporate full leg-rest and footrest support, and be rotated and adjusted up and down. When the vehicle is parked, the front seats can also be turned around to allow full occupant interaction.

Weather, navigation and other information can be provided by an artificial intelligence ‘concierge’ via voice command.

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A new-generation audio system with headrest speakers is co-developed by Mitsubishi and Yamaha.

Mitsubishi says it targeted an upmarket interior feel with the application of genuine leather for the dash surround and seats, as well as metal trim accents.

Mitsubishi Australia currently has a current-generation 'D:5' Delica at its Adelaide headquarters to help it assess market potential for the next-generation model.

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Below: The current fifth-gen Delica, sold only in Japan

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Below: A local second-gen Delica, known here as the L300 Express 4WD