Ford Explorer
The new Ford Explorer is a versatile family SUV combining performance, comfort and technology, and the American favourite has now notably been redesigned for the European market.
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The most European of Explorers
Originally built for the wide open spaces of America, the Explorer has been redesigned for the European market, with this robust model, built in Cologne, Germany, very much in keeping with the times, complete with minimalist design, imposing grille and 4.47-metre length. Slightly smaller than previous generations, its aesthetically appealing look is characterised by a glazed rear side pillar.
Ford has teamed up with Volkswagen to bring the car to the European market, using the German manufacturer’s MEB platform (on which the ID.4 is built), as well as its permanent magnet synchronous motor and batteries.
As for what you’ll find under the bonnet, the Explorer is available with three rear-wheel drive levels, these being a 170hp engine (with a 52kWh battery), a 204hp engine (with a 79kWh battery) and a 286hp engine (with a 77kWh battery), with Ford claiming a range of between 572 and 602km WLTP, depending on the trim level. It’s worth noting that it’s also possible to opt for a four-wheel drive version, with two engines delivering a total power of 340hp and a 79kWh battery. The range is actually somewhat less generous, lying somewhere between 532 and 566km, depending on trim level and wheel size.
What is generous, however, is the Explorer’s spacious interior, which includes a 480-litre boot. The eagle-eyed will recognise many of the features of the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer. In terms of finish, the materials used are pretty decent, and the 14.6-inch screen is hard to miss. Easy to use and adjustable, it fits neatly into the secure storage space just beneath it, although the multimedia browsing itself does take a little getting used to. The very practical and very well thought out dashboard positioned just behind the steering wheel is understated, the only downside being the overly sensitive buttons on the wheel.
In terms of handling, the steering is surprisingly precise and the suspension pretty firm, which improves the vehicle’s grip on bends and reduces rolling. The seat is well designed and the car offers a fairly high level of comfort on the whole. That said, the lack of contrast between the three different driving modes was a little disappointing. In terms of consumption, Ford promises 13.9 to 14.7kWh/100km. Prices start at €43,464.
Technical specifications
Power (kW/Nm) 286 / 545
Consumption (kWh/100 km) 13.9-14.7
CO2 emissions (g/km) 0
Charge (kW AC/kW DC) 11 / 135
Range (km) 602-572
Acceleration (secs 0-100km/h) 6.4
Base price (€)47,332
The ACL’s opinion
– The secure storage beneath the screen
– The space
– The range
– Awkward multimedia navigation
– Little difference between the different driving modes
– Slightly overpriced
By Jérémy Zabatta