Ford is switching to fully electric and revamping its model range. This will bring the Ford Explorer in a new version – as an electric crossover to be manufactured in Europe.
In Cologne, Germany, Ford unveils a completely new car that is meant to show the way forward for the brand.
According to the manufacturer, the future is completely electric. This will be achieved by investing $50 billion globally by 2026.
A grand vision.
The goal is to have produced over two million fully electric cars, with 600,000 produced by the end of 2023.
During the presentation, it is also emphasized that the American spirit will be brought to Europe.
Completely new cars on the way
By 2024, the aim is to have eight cars in the model range on the passenger car side, divided into four categories: wild performance, urban escape, active adventure, and ultimate outdoor.
Despite a changed range, Ford wants to have names with a history. That’s why the slightly confusing name Mustang Mach-E is used for the brand’s electric SUV.
Now, another electric SUV with an old name, the new Ford Explorer, is being presented.
Ford describes the new Explorer as an adventure car for people who live an active lifestyle. Common marketing talk, in other words, but the design is relatively unique.
The body shapes are soft and the lines clean. The design evokes thoughts of a concept car, although many details are recognizable from previous generations of the Explorer.
The car appears larger than it actually is, thanks to the black section at the C-pillar, the wide trim on the tailgate, and the large lights and trim at the front.
From giant to compact
Despite the new Explorer looking large, it only measures 4.46 meters in length. It has a long hood, but the nose is relatively vertical and the rear overhang is also short.
Unfortunately, there is no smart storage under the long hood, only space for a tire repair kit.
Interior with smart storage
The interior has sleek lines and a 15-inch screen. Since the new Ford Explorer is based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, some details are recognizable from the German manufacturer’s cars.
However, Ford has developed a host of smart solutions to maximize space in the cabin. For example, the center console is extremely deep and functions as a modular system. Here, three 1.5-liter bottles plus a one-liter bottle or a 15-inch laptop can fit.
Those who want additional storage can pull back the screen and place items behind it. It is a space that is completely hidden and locked when the car is locked.
New infotainment system for better or for worse
Ford has also worked on a new infotainment system that will utilize the entire screen.
The display is divided into three parts, with the controls for the climate system permanently located at the bottom. Smart considering the wrist can rest in front of the screen for stability, but dumb because the gaze must travel far down and thus far from the road.
In addition, there is no physical volume knob like the one in the Mustang Mach-E, but the volume control in touch below the screen is at least backlit.
Explorer beats Volkswagen’s electric cars
As previously mentioned, the new Explorer is based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, but despite that, Ford is clear that the model is unique. This is evident not least in the available drivetrains.
The entry-level version will be rear-wheel drive with 170 horsepower. If you step up one level, instead you get 286 horsepower sent to the rear wheels.
The top version produces 340 horsepower and sends power to all four wheels. That’s 41 more horsepower than the ID.4 GTX offers.
More Fords on the way
Ford has not released any official information on when the new Explorer will go into production or what its range will be.
However, the brand has announced that another all-electric vehicle will be manufactured in parallel with the new Explorer at the new electric vehicle factory in Cologne.
