Ford is relaunching in Europe with a mid-size SUV, which shares all its electric parts with Volkswagen’s ID.4. A family connection that is not immediately obvious with a very distinctive exterior design and some well-considered adaptations inside.
Lacking new products in recent years, Ford is relaunching in Europe with its first 100% electric model designed for our continent, the new Ford Explorer.
Change of style
A name that may ring a bell: the Explorer is – or rather it was – this large, very American SUV of more than 5 meters, the latest generation of which has been marketed in our countries since 2020, with a nice V6 in a plug-in hybrid version under the hood.
Nothing to do therefore with this new Explorer, much more compact at 4.47 meters long, a format much more suited to European consumers.
While it retains some of the design codes of its predecessor, this new Explorer above all asserts its own personality, with a full front end to improve aerodynamics and a new lighting signature.
From the side, we will note the imposing wheels that we find at the four ends of the vehicle, with very short overhangs which has the merit of maximizing the space on board.
At the rear, a black strip displays the model name by connecting the two lights.
A cousin of the Volkswagen ID.4
A design which therefore distinguishes it from the previous Explorer, but also from a competing model from which it in fact takes the technical platform.
This model is based on a Volkswagen architecture by recovering the MEB platform, i.e. an ID.4 base with the same engines and batteries. And it is fair to say that it would be difficult to identify this family link with this important distinction on the exterior design.
A way especially for the American brand to reduce development costs for this Explorer, which is assembled in the Ford factory in Cologne, Germany. A decidedly very Germanic American cousin.
A “safe screen” inside
Inside, we probably feel more the sharing of technologies with Volkswagen even if Ford has played the game rather well.
We can certainly recognise some elements, such as the controls for opening the windows, the space to the left of the steering wheel for managing the lights and demisting, or even the instrument screen, which simply has a different frame than on the Volkswagen ID range.
On the rest of the cabin, there are still some important differences with the ID.4, at the level of the steering wheel or on the dashboard with a Bang & Olufsen sound bar, placed there like a flying saucer.
The main difference is the central touch screen, in a vertical position. It offers a large surface area of 14.6 inches. A format among the largest currently offered on the market and therefore comfortable for daily use, with Carplay and Android Auto compatibility.
A little original feature, this screen can slide 30 degrees to adjust it according to your preference, which can also allow you to correct the angle in order to limit annoying sun reflection.
Behind this screen in the lower part, there is a small storage space. A storage compartment that can be completely closed when the screen is tilted to the maximum. It can thus act as a mini safe: the screen is blocked when the vehicle is locked. It will therefore be very difficult to access this space, even for thieves who have broken the windows to access the passenger compartment. Enough to be able to leave your house keys or a bank card there in complete safety.
More generally, there are plenty of storage spaces on board this Explorer, particularly in the central console, freed from gear changes (forward, reverse, neutral and parking) which are found at the level of a switch to the right of the steering wheel.
The result is a clear space, with storage space for two smartphones, one of which can be recharged by induction, complemented by a double cup holder. Just behind, under the armrest, a large 17-litre space where you can store a laptop or large bottles of water.
Shorter by 10 centimeters than the ID.4, the Ford Explorer has a wheelbase, the distance between the front and rear wheels, quite close to its technical cousin. The American brand has indeed favored interior space to the detriment of trunk volume, which is displayed at 450 liters, almost 100 less than the Volkswagen model.
At the wheel
In terms of driving, this Ford Explorer is as efficient as the ID.4, with sometimes more dynamic behavior. It remains quite comfortable, however, despite firmer suspension settings than Volkswagen.
We are left with a fairly versatile, quiet SUV that does not lack power, especially for our test model offering 340 horsepower in all-wheel drive.
A model that has the large 79 kWh battery (net capacity, 82 kWh gross capacity), with 566 km of announced autonomy.
The “RWD Extended range” version has less power, with a single 286 horsepower propulsion engine, but still a large 77 kWh battery. The range then exceeds 600 km.
A third variant, the “Standard range”, is due to be launched in the coming months, it will combine a more modest battery, 55 kWh, with a 170 horsepower engine. The autonomy has not yet been announced for this version expected before the end of the year.
On the recharge, this Ford Explorer can take 11 kW of alternating current to plug in on a daily basis. And for fast charging, on long journeys, we then go to 135 kW for the propulsion versions and 185 kW for the all-wheel drive versions, enough to go from 10 to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
There are also many standard driving aids, such as adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera and heated seats. It’s a shame, however, that the heat pump is only offered as an option, with an additional 1,150 euros for equipment that is highly recommended for preserving autonomy in winter.
A premium pack, at 3,600 euros, adds design elements, such as 20-inch wheels, and equipment such as Bang & Olufsen sound, hands-free tailgate, ambient lighting and sports front seats.
The head-up display is part of a “Driving Assistance” pack at 1,300 euros, with lane keeping and a 360° camera.
At what price?
Faced with competitors such as the Renault Scénic or the Peugeot e-3008, this new Ford Explorer will therefore seek to stand out, particularly in terms of its prices.
There are two options available to benefit from the ecological bonus of 4,000 euros, while remaining below the ceiling of 47,000 euros excluding options.
This will be the case for the future entry-level model, with the 55 kWh battery and the 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), from 46,900 euros.
It should be noted that Ford has, since the launch and this test carried out last June, added another version “RWD Extended Range” at 1,000 euros less, with a slightly less powerful engine, 204 horsepower, and a battery of a similar capacity, announced at 79 kWh.
Our all-wheel drive test model goes above the ceiling, with a base price of 53,900 euros.
After the Mustang Mach-E, this new Ford Explorer marks the start of a major offensive by the American brand on electric vehicles in Europe.
We are therefore eagerly awaiting the next generation of the Ford Puma, 100% electric, or the announced rebirth of a certain Ford Capri.
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