Ford has introduced its new electric SUV, a car that repositions one of its big names and offers a smaller and cheaper alternative to its Mustang Mach-E. The new electric Ford Explorer will be a 4.46-meter car that is far from the more than five meters that its plug-in hybrid version measures.
The new electric B-SUV from the North Americans will have to play in a segment that is yet to explode but which is considered one of the great battlefields for the coming years. Among the premium segment, the rivals will be the Mercedes EQA, Lexus UX (between 53,000 and 54,000 euros, both) and Volvo XC40 Recharge (almost 48,000 euros). Playing at a very similar price, we find the Kia e-Niro (at about 43,000 euros) and the Mazda MX-30 (from 36,580 euros), cheaper but with a very fair autonomy.
A for the electric B-SUV for less than 45,000 euros
The key for Ford is to play in a field that has yet to be explored and that, in addition, allows the brand itself to offer an alternative halfway between the Ford Puma and the Ford Kugaambitioning a habitability that will be very close to that found in the largest SUV.
Although we still lack important details to know, we do know that the new electric Ford Explorer will play at 45,000 euros (VAT included), so it will be possible to obtain it from around 38,000 euros if the customer takes the maximum discount from the MOVES III Plan.
His mechanical abilities, hardly any details have been given. It will be offered with a rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive version and its battery will be able to go from 10 to 80% of available autonomy in 25 minutes. However, the size of it, the number of kilometers that can be covered or the mechanical set that will be offered with the new electric SUV have not yet been confirmed.
If its futuristic line stands out on the outside, inside the car adopts interesting solutions that do not leave it behind. Although the instrument panel will be limited to a five-inch screen (with a layout similar to that of Volkswagen), the center is a huge 15-inch tablet, which also moves.
This screen can be adjust in height and, when it is positioned in its lower part, it hides a new access to leave valuable belongings. Two USB ports are also included in this space. To the screen (whose system is wirelessly compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) are added physical controls for climate control and two wireless charging spaces for mobile phones.
As for other comfort details, the car includes a standard steering wheel and heated front seats, which in the case of the driver also adds a massage. In addition, you can program the heating thanks to its heat pump, as well as precondition the battery before charging to get the most out of it. It will also have a hands-free opening electric gate and keyless access to the interior of the vehicle.
Already on the move, driving aids add for the first time the option of adaptive cruise control with lane keeping and lane change assist, which allows you to move to the next space with a simple squeeze of the indicator control. A notice is also included for drivers so that, in the event of a cyclist or motorist approaching, they do not open the door.
Finally, the peripheral vision system will help the driver to avoid small bumps when parking in spaces that are too small with the automatic stop. Automatic parking is also included, both online and on battery. All this will be achieved by testing its 12 ultrasonic sensors, five cameras and three radars.
As for interior sizes, the center console between driver and passenger hides a 17-liter space that, depending on the brand, can fit three 1.5-liter water bottles or a 15-inch laptop. As for its trunk, it will have 450 liters of space that is expanded to 1,200 liters with the seats folded down.
At the moment, we are waiting to have more news about Ford’s new electric SUV for which, yes, the company has confirmed that it is opening the order list. Deliveries are not expected until 2024, although the start of production will begin later this year at Ford’s Cologne factory.
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Photo | Ford
