Ford unveiled a new SUV in China: the Edge L. Does this name mean something to you? The Ford Edge was a large family SUV that sat above the Kuga in the Ford lineup. Ford’s best-selling model in the United States since its first generation in 2006, the American group has had it let him try his luck in Europe in 2015, simultaneously with the deployment of its second version. But its complex location, over Kugano real added value (was only available in 5 locations), failed to live up to expectations. Ford stopped filming in 2019 by gradually and then completely withdrawing it from the main European markets. To replace it indirectly with, much larger, Explore. Since then, we haven’t heard from him as he continues his career in the US and China.

A (major) facelift is needed

In the Middle Kingdom, he used a a special version with an extended wheelbase and 7 seats : Edge Plus. After several facelifts, Ford introduced a completely new generation: the Edge L. “L” to emphasize its extended length for the Chinese market! Compared to the current generation Edge, the leap forward is huge. As Territory, Equator or Evos, its design is resolutely modern and incorporates the brand’s new stylistic codes. Its soft and slightly fitting lines give way more hatched lines and a more geometric silhouette. Headlights are expanding in front thin LED line in the center of the lattice. This is even more pronounced at the rear, where the center strip and taillights seem to form a single unit. It has a choice of interior on board in six or seven places. In the center of the dashboard is a visible screenwhich starts from the driver to the end of the passenger seat (12.3 + 27 inches!)

Replace the Explorer?

Once again, the Chinese novelty is not electric! This Ford Edge L has options two engines. Four-cylinder 2.0-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 252 horsepower. But also an option self-charging hybrid which develops in combination 275 horsepower. Its claimed consumption in the hybrid is 6.3 l/100 km, despite its 1.8 tonnes! Offered as standard in All-wheel drive 4WD. So, for us or not for us? Like some Chinese new products, they are mostly reserved for the domestic market. But, as for example in the case of Evos (electric crossover coupe), some are brought to market with us. Especially since Explorer is not at all adapted to European expectations, the choice to offer a more compact (and modern!) model would be wise on Ford’s part. A boon for a brand that also matters to offer more SUVs, 4X4s and pickups in Europe in the coming years. Failure to do so could greatly affect his style the next brother of Kugwhich will be restyled this year.