Mitsubishi’s Outlander Plug-In Hybrid has sold well since going on sale in Europe and Japan two years ago, and there’s reason to believe that it could be a huge hit here as well. However, US buyers will have to wait for a plug-in crossover – the US launch has been delayed once again. Mitsubishi recently told Automotive News that the plug-in version of the Outlander won’t hit American dealerships until the second quarter of 2016.

By that time, it will have company. Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volvo are all planning to produce plug-in versions of their luxury SUVs, to say nothing of the Tesla Model X.

Perhaps with an eye to the competition, Mitsubishi has introduced a couple more upscale trim levels. The GX5h and GX5hs (now available in the UK) offer such goodies as heated leather seats, adaptive cruise control, mood lighting and multiple USB charging ports.

The company expects the combination of luxury perks and low carbon footprint (read: lower taxes) to be a hit with business buyers. “The GX5h and GX5hs plug-in hybrid Outlanders offer such a fantastic package of benefits for both companies and company car drivers – high specification, luxury feel, low running costs, strong environmental credentials,” said Clive Messenger, UK Head of Corporate Sales.   

Source: Mitsubishi, Green Car Reports