Ford Explorer to launch in Europe as midsize electric SUV
Exclusive to European markets, the new Explorer uses the same MEB platform as the Volkswagen ID.4
Ford has revealed its new midsize electric SUV, the Explorer, which has been developed exclusively for Europe.
It shares its name with an internal combustion engined model in the US, but that's largely where their similarities end.
Due to a partnership between Ford and Volkswagen, the all new crossover is built on the same MEB platform as the Volkswagen ID.4, and will be positioned between the Ford Kuga and the electric Mustang Mach-E when it goes on sale, later this year.
Ford has yet to release pricing, though given where it’s positioned in Ford’s range, expect it to cost between £38,000 to £40,000.
Externally, the car features a 'shield' design that replaces the conventional grille, and rides on a choice of wheel sizes, ranging from 19-21 inches.
The interior meanwhile is said to use premium materials throughout. It includes sculpted sporty seats and a "supersized" 14.6-inch touchscreen, which can slide up and down to conceal a private storage area for valuable items.
Included as a standard feature on top of the dashboard is a soundbar, plus an optional 10-colour ambient lighting system that responds to different driving modes.
In addition, the car features a five-inch digital instrument cluster to display speed, range and navigation.
Official performance details and specifications for the Explorer have not yet been disclosed; however, the vehicle is expected to come in two powertrain options. The base model will be rear-wheel drive using a single motor, rumoured to provide up to 218 miles of range. However, a larger battery of around 80-83kWh is likely to be available as an upgrade, meaning 335 miles of range on the 'extended range' version. Then there is an expected dual-motor all-wheel drive version, which will be the most pricey option in the Explorer lineup.
Despite the different configurations, Ford says all Explorers can be charged from 10-80 percent in around 25 minutes, and that Explorer owners in the UK will have access to 21,000 charge points on the company's Blue Oval charging network, when deliveries start towards the end of 2023.