Suzuki Across has a plug-in hybrid suv developed on the basis of a high-performance electric all-wheel-drive powertrain. Comfortable both on the road and off-road, the vehicle can run in full electric mode in urban use
The Suzuki “Across,” in its latest evolution, represents one of the most technically ambitious models in the Japanese manufacturer’s lineup, positioning itself in the mid-size SUV segment powered by high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrains. In this specific case, the solution is based on a technical architecture that combines an internal combustion engine with two electric motors, working together to create an intelligent all-wheel-drive system called “E-Four.” With a length of about 4,500 millimeters, a width of 1,855 millimeters, and a height of 1,685 millimeters, the new “Across” aligns dimensionally with its direct competitors, designed to offer onboard comfort and dynamic stability while maintaining compact overall dimensions for everyday use and ease of parking. The trunk volume, about 446 liters expandable to over 1,600 liters by folding the rear seats, ensures solid load capacity, making it easy to carry even large luggage or equipment.
From a structural standpoint, the model is based on a classic five-door layout with a unibody chassis supported by MacPherson front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension. The suspension is tuned to ensure good comfort without compromising stability and driving safety, also supported by electric power steering and ventilated disc brakes on both axles, necessary to stop a total mass exceeding 2,500 kilograms, to which the battery pack significantly contributes.
The powertrain consists of a four-cylinder internal combustion engine with a displacement of 2.5 liters (2,487 cubic centimeters), featuring a bore of 87.5 millimeters and a stroke of 103.4 millimeters. It uses both direct and indirect fuel injection and operates with a compression ratio of 14:1. The engine is designed to run on an Atkinson cycle to optimize thermal efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. This approach also explains the long-stroke design and high compression ratio, combined with optimized combustion chamber turbulence achieved through fluid dynamics simulations aimed at maximizing efficiency and minimizing consumption during partial load phases. In this configuration, the engine delivers a maximum output of 105 kilowatts (about 143 horsepower) at 4,800 rpm, with 227 Nm of torque at 3,200 rpm.
The electric side features two motors: one on the front axle delivering 150 kilowatts (about 204 horsepower) and 271 Nm of torque, and one on the rear axle delivering 40 kilowatts (about 54 horsepower) and 123 Nm of torque. The axles are managed by a Power Control Unit and a DC/DC converter which, thanks to silicon carbide semiconductor transistors, reduce switching losses and improve overall system efficiency, allowing operation at higher frequencies with lower thermal dissipation compared to traditional transistors.
The combination of the three power units produces a total system output of about 225 kilowatts (306 horsepower), enabling strong performance for an SUV in this category, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about six seconds and a declared top speed of 180 km/h. The system also integrates the previously mentioned intelligent “E-Four” all-wheel-drive management, where the front and rear electric motors operate synchronously but independently, distributing torque in real time between the axles based on traction conditions and driver demand. This allows the “Across” to ensure dynamic performance and stability even off-road and on very challenging terrain.
The transmission is an “E-CVT” type, a continuously variable automatic system that helps coordinate torque delivery between the electric and combustion engines, keeping the latter in optimal operating conditions to maximize efficiency and performance. Another notable element is the lithium-ion battery pack, operating at a nominal voltage of 355 volts with a capacity slightly above 18 kilowatt-hours. The battery is positioned under the floor to lower the center of gravity and improve vehicle dynamics without compromising cabin space.
The battery capacity allows for an all-electric driving range of 75 kilometers in the combined cycle and nearly 100 kilometers in urban conditions, enabling fuel consumption in the combined cycle to be reduced to just over one liter of gasoline per 100 kilometers, with carbon dioxide emissions of about 22 grams per kilometer.
Finally, the vehicle offers a wide range of safety and driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras to facilitate maneuvering. Also included are smartphone-oriented infotainment systems compatible with “Apple CarPlay” and “Android Auto,” solutions that integrate with the vehicle’s overall control system, enhancing both active and passive safety and supporting driving in heavy traffic and low-visibility conditions.
Title: Suzuki Across m.y.2026: plug-in with a sporty soul
Translation with ChatGPT
