It is a symbol of Ford’s revival, especially in Europe. Her name ? The Ford Explorer, a name already well-known in the American manufacturer’s range, as it is also a large hybrid SUV sold here, but more aimed at the American market.

Like the “traditional” Explorer, the electric Explorer embodies the spirit of adventure, targeting a broad customer base, with the expected starting price is less than 45,000 euros.

Ford Explorer: Inside Volkswagen

The design of this new model is inspired by the lines of the big Explorer, but in a more futuristic way. The broad, flat front end includes inverted ‘L’-shaped headlights that point straight to the center of the grille, dominated by the ‘Explorer’ lettering. Gray and black plastic moldings give the SUV a solid look.

Aesthetically, at least the front end, we can’t help but see a slight connection with the Audi Q4 e-tron. In addition, the Ford Explorer is based on the well-known platform of the Volkswagen group, since it is MEB that equips the Volkswagen ID.4 and other Audi Q4 e-tron.

Six colors are available for this Ford Explorer: Arctic Blue (launch color), Vibrant Blue My Mind, Frozen White, Magnetic Grey, Agate Black and Lucid Red.

Ford Explorer: practicality as a keyword

On board the Explorer is based on a number of novelties that have never been seen before in the entire range. In addition to the 5-inch screen on the instrument panel, the Ford Sync Move infotainment system has a 15-inch screen that can be rotated 30 degrees.

The screen itself is part of the My Private Locker storage compartment: in practice, in its lowest position, the screen covers the compartment, allowing you to store several items out of sight.

Beneath the center armrest is the MegaConsole, a 17-litre space that can hold 1.5-litre bottles or a 15-inch laptop, and in the center tunnel the cup holders can be rearranged to create even more space.

The volume of the trunk is voiced on 450 liters and can be increased to 1400 liters by lowering the second row of seats.

Ford Explorer: what kind of battery?

Ford has not yet announced battery capacity and expected range. According to the first rumors, we expect close 500 km with one charge. When it comes to charging, Ford is currently limited to what the Explorer can go From 10 to 80% in about 25 minutes.

Engine power is also unknown. Ford specifies that there will be two different versions: power with one engine and all-wheel drive with two electric units.

Driving aids are very diverse, including 12 ultrasonic sensors, five cameras and three radars to monitor everything that is happening around the car in 360°. Explorer is the first model of the brand in Europe, which is equipped with Lane Centering and Assisted Lane Change systems, which not only keep the car on course, but also allow it to change lanes automatically.

This is followed by the now-ubiquitous adaptive cruise control and blind-spot assist, as well as the Clear Exit Assist system, which alerts passengers to the presence of an oncoming vehicle or person when opening the door. There is also automatic emergency braking and the automatic parking function Active Park Assist 2.0.

As you can see, we don’t have all the information about this model yet, but we will definitely know more in a few months, since the car should arrive on our roads by the end of the year. The new electric Ford Explorer will be produced in Europe, at a plant in Cologne, Germany.