Following a lack of new developments in recent years, Ford is relaunching itself in Europe with its first 100% electric model designed for our continent, the new Ford Explorer.
change of style
A name that may mean something to you: Explorer is – or rather was – this large, very American SUV measuring over 5 metres, the latest generation of which has been sold in our region since 2020, with a nice V6 under the hood in a plug-in hybrid version.
Nothing to do with this new Explorer, much more compact at 4.47 metres long, a format much more adapted to the European consumer.
While retaining some of the design cues of its predecessor, the new Explorer asserts its own personality above all else, with a solid front end that favours aerodynamics and a new lighting signature.
From the side, we can see the impressive wheels located at the four ends of the vehicle, with very short overhangs, which has the advantage of maximising space on board.
At the rear, a black stripe displays the model name, connecting the two lights.
A cousin of the Volkswagen ID.4
A design that therefore clearly distinguishes it from the previous Explorer, but also from a competing model whose technical platform it adopts.
In fact, this model is based on a Volkswagen architecture recovering the MEB platform, that is, an ID.4 base with the same engines and batteries. And suffice it to say that it would be difficult to identify this relationship with this important distinction in the exterior design.
Above all, it is a way for the American brand to reduce the development costs of this Explorer, which is assembled at the Ford factory in Cologne, Germany. A decidedly very American cousin.
A “safe screen” inside
Inside, we certainly feel more the sharing of technologies with Volkswagen, even if Ford did it quite well.
We’re sure to recognise some elements, such as these controls for opening the windows, the space to the left of the steering wheel for managing the lights and defogging, or even this meter screen, which simply has a different frame than that of the Volkswagen ID. range.
In the rest of the interior we still have some important differences with the ID.4, whether in the steering wheel or in the dashboard with a Bang & Olufsen sound bar, placed there like a flying saucer.
The main difference is the height of the central touchscreen, which is positioned vertically. It offers a large surface area of 14.6 inches. One of the largest formats currently available on the market and therefore comfortable for everyday use, with compatibility with Carplay and Android Auto.
A small originality, this screen can slide 30 degrees to adjust it according to your preferences, which also allows you to correct the angle to limit annoying sun reflections.
Behind this screen at the bottom, there is a small storage space. A storage compartment that can be completely closed when the screen is tilted to the maximum. It can therefore play the role of a mini safe: the screen is locked when the vehicle is locked. This space will therefore be very difficult to access, even for thieves who have broken the windows to gain access to the passenger compartment. Enough so that you can safely leave your house keys or a bank card there.
More generally, there are numerous storage spaces on board this Explorer, in particular in the centre console, free of gear shifts (forward, reverse, neutral and park), which are located at the level of a comfortable to the right of the steering wheel.
The result is an open-plan space, with room to store two smartphones, one of which is rechargeable by induction, complemented by a double cup holder. Just behind, under the armrest, there is a large 17-litre space for storing a laptop or large bottles of water.
10 centimetres shorter than the ID.4, the Ford Explorer has a wheelbase – the distance between the front and rear wheels – quite similar to that of its technical cousin. Indeed, the American brand has prioritised interior space at the expense of boot volume, which stands at 450 litres, almost 100 less than the Volkswagen model.
Behind the wheel
In terms of driving, this Ford Explorer is just as efficient as the ID.4, with sometimes more dynamic behaviour. However, it remains quite comfortable, despite the suspension settings being firmer than in the Volkswagen.
We are still looking at a fairly versatile SUV, quiet and not lacking in power, especially for our test model which offers 340 horsepower in all-wheel drive.
A model that features a large 79 kWh battery (net capacity, 82 kWh gross capacity), with an announced range of 566 km.
In the “RWD Extended range” version, we have less power, with a single 286-horsepower propulsion motor, but still a large 77 kWh battery. We then exceed 600 km of autonomy.
A third variant, the “standard range”, will be launched in the coming months, combining a smaller 55 kWh battery with a 170-horsepower engine. The range of this version, which is expected to be available before the end of the year, has not yet been announced.
When recharging, this Ford Explorer can absorb 11 kW of alternating current for daily plug-in use. And for fast charging, on long journeys, we then go to 135 kW for the rear-wheel drive versions and 185 kW for the all-wheel drive systems, enough to go from 10 to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
There are also plenty of driving aids as standard, such as adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera and heated seats. It is a shame, however, that the heat pump is only offered as an option, with an extra 1,150 euros for a highly recommended equipment for maintaining autonomy in winter.
A premium package, for 3,600 euros, adds design elements such as 20-inch wheels, and equipment such as Bang & Olufsen sound, hands-free tailgate, ambient lighting and front sports seats.
The head-up display is part of a €1,300 “Driving Assistance” package, which includes lane keeping and a 360° camera.
At what price?
Compared to competitors such as the Renault Scénic or the Peugeot e-3008, this new Ford Explorer will try to differentiate itself, especially with its prices.
There are two formulas that allow you to benefit from the 4,000 euro green bonus, while remaining below the 47,000 euro ceiling without options.
This will be the case for the future entry-level model, with a 55 kWh battery and a 170-horsepower engine, which will start at 43,900 euros. But also and above all for the launch version, “RWD Extended range” (286 horsepower and 77 kWh battery), which will start at 46,900 euros.
It should be noted that Ford, since the launch and this test carried out last June, has added another version “RWD Extended Range” for 1,000 euros less, with a slightly less powerful engine, 204 horsepower, and a battery with a similar capacity, announced at 79 kWh.
Our all-wheel drive test model tops the range with a base price of 53,900 euros.
After the Mustang Mach-E, this new Ford Explorer marks the start of a major electric offensive by the American brand in Europe.
We are eagerly awaiting to find out what the next generation of the 100% electric Ford Puma will bring, or even the announced revival of a certain Ford Capri.
Source: BFM TV
