Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) will launch the fully electric ASX VR-e in Australia in Q4 2026. The new model marks Mitsubishi’s return to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) after more than a decade, when the company launched the i-MiEV hatch in 2010, which Mitsubishi describes as Australia’s first mass-produced electric vehicle, but withdrew it from sale in 2014.
The brand has not confirmed this EV’s pricing or detailed specifications yet, but has confirmed it will be offered in four variants and is based on the Foxtron Bria, sold in Taiwan currently.
Mitsubishi currently sells no other pure EV in Australia, but the brand has remained a major player in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. Mitsubishi is also going to launch the highly anticipated Mitsubishi Pajero by late 2026, which returns after a five-year production break.
No connection to the petrol-powered ASX
The VR-e has no mechanical connection to the petrol-powered ASX currently sold in Australian showrooms, despite carrying the familiar name.
The petrol ASX uses a Renault-built platform from Europe, while the new ASX VR-e is built from the ground up and comes from Taiwan, where Foxtron Vehicle Technologies builds it.
Foxtron, Foxconn’s automotive arm, developed the vehicle on a platform styled by Pininfarina and Mitsubishi, and has partnered with Mitsubishi to bring the EV to Australia.
Australian release date and variants
The company has not provided Australian pricing or detailed powertrain specifications in the announcement but has confirmed it will offer the ASX VR-e in four grades: LS, ASPIRE, EXCEED, and GSR.
The ASX VR-e is scheduled to arrive in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2026, with pricing and detailed specifications expected to be announced closer to launch.
Also read: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross goes electric in Europe, Australian launch possible
Why Mitsubishi revived the VR name
The ASX name stands for Active Sports Crossover and has a long history on Australian roads. The VR-e badge draws inspiration from the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4, a high-performance sports sedan powered by a 4G63T 2L turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and four-wheel drive.
The electric ASX uses the name as a link to that performance heritage. Mitsubishi says the VR-e delivers sporty performance and responsive handling after extensive local testing and tuning by its global and regional engineering teams.
Mitsubishi ASX VR-e EV is based on the electric Foxtron Bria crossover SUV sold in Taiwan
Mitsubishi’s first BEV since the i-MiEV
MMAL CEO Shunichi Kihara said, “ASX VR-e marks a significant milestone in our refreshed Mitsubishi range as the first BEV since the i-MiEV – Australia’s first mass-produced electric vehicle.”
“The new Mitsubishi ASX VR-e continues this path of innovation with an immersive infotainment system, bold design and excellent electric driving performance. It joins an evolving multi-powertrain vehicle lineup designed and tuned with Australian lifestyles in mind as part of our Momentum 2030 plan – which will see the electrification of new models in the years to come.”
Mitsubishi brings its new EV to Australia as electric vehicle sales continue to grow. In July 2026, electrified vehicles, including hybrids and EVs, represented 48.4% of new-car sales.
The ASX VR-e therefore enters the market as Mitsubishi works to rebuild its position in a rapidly changing new-car market.
Mitsubishi plans to launch a reimagined Pajero flagship off-roader by late 2026, and while the new Pajero will initially use a diesel powertrain, the company has not yet confirmed whether the new-generation Pajero will gain an electrified powertrain.
The EV announcement also comes as Mitsubishi’s Australian sales continue to decline. During the first seven months of 2026, Mitsubishi’s sales fell 27.4% year-on-year, and sales declined across its model range during that period.
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