Return of the Evo: Mitsubishi’s upcoming EV could pack 299kW

Mitsubishi Australia’s first mass-market EV has been previewed via the global debut of the 2026 Foxtron Bria, pointing to a maximum cruising range of more than 500km, a maximum power output of up to 299kW and a 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds. 

Having debuted on Christmas Day, the Bria was revealed as a compact hatch – 4315mm x 1885mm x 1535mm – with two powertrains, each based around a 57.7kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack. 

The entry-level offering is a rear-drive, single-motor set-up outputting 171kW, capable of 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.8 seconds and covering up to 516km (NEDC) on a full charge. 

Swapping kilometres for kilowatts, the flagship system adds an e-motor to the front axle for a combined 299kW and all-wheel drive to launch from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds, though the cruising range is trimmed to 466km.  

The battery can be recharged at up to 134kW on DC power, something that will yield a 10-80 per cent top-up in less than half an hour. The maximum AC charging power is 7kW. 

Matching the svelte and futuristic body is a tech-heavy interior headlined by a 15.6-inch infotainment system, a slimline 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster, layered design, unusually-shaped multi-function steering wheel and floating centre console. 

The large centre screen predictably houses most key vehicle functions and settings, with the overarching system supporting over-the-air (OTA) updates and wireless smartphone mirroring. 

Boot space is reportedly rated at 320 litres, growing to 1043L with the second row stowed. There’s also a 52L frunk. 

Three variants of the Bria are being offered in Taiwan: Elegant, Emerge and Pioneer, the former two of which feature the single-motor powertrain while the latter exclusively packs the dual-motor system. 

Exactly how many variants will be offered in Australia with a Mitsubishi badge is unknown, but there’s been a development in what the model will be called. 

Last year carsales reported that Mitsubishi Australia had filed a trademark application for the ‘ASX GT-e’ nameplate, however the firm has since doubled down and applied to secure the ‘ASX VR-e’ nomenclature as well. 

We had an inkling ASX GT-e might not be the final name bestowed upon the crucial new model, but ASX VR-e could be the better shout seeing as it leverages one of Mitsubishi Australia’s most popular nameplates while reviving the iconic ‘VR’ designation that once adorned the hot Galants and GTOs. 

Perhaps we’ll see them side-by-side in showrooms, ASX GT-e for the single-motor and ASX VR-e for the dual-motor. 

All will be revealed in the second half of the year when the ASX-sized hatch arrives. 

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