The Ford Explorer, which is based on the Volkswagen Group’s ‘MEB’ platform, has debuted as a Europe-only electric SUV. Not to be confused with the much larger petrol-powered North American Explorer, which was sold in Australia in the 1990s and early 2000s, the new electric Explorer will be built in Germany and essentially replace the Fiesta and Focus upon its on-sale date later in 2023.
“Explorer is a trailblazer for a new breed of exciting Ford electric vehicles. Steeped in our American roots but built in Cologne for our customers in Europe, it is road trip-ready for the big adventures and fully loaded with everything our customers will need for their daily drives,” said Martin Sander, general manager, Ford Model e, Europe.
The Ford Explorer is one of two confirmed Volkswagen Group-based electric vehicles to launch soon – the other is rumoured to be a coupe version called Explorer Sport – and it sits in between the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 that also use the platform. Measuring 4,460mm long, the Explorer is shorter than both the ID.4 (4,584mm) and the Ford Escape (4,620mm). According to Ford, there’s a 470-litre boot (1,400L with the seats folded) with a 17L space in the centre console that can fit a 15-inch laptop.
Ford is yet to reveal full drivetrain specifications but the Explorer will reportedly be offered with three drivetrains: either 125kW or 210kW outputs with rear-wheel drive, or a 250kW twin-motor all-wheel drive option at the top of the range. Battery sizes in either 52kWh or 77kWh will reportedly be available, depending on model. According to Ford, the greatest WLTP range will be 509km and the likely maximum charging rate, as per the other cars using the MEB platform, will be 170kW.
The Explorer is the first in a new Ford product era, which will rely more on its American heritage for future products and that can be seen in its styling. Stylistically, the Ford Explorer differs from its organic Volkswagen Group cousins with a squarer overall look, with similar front and rear lighting to the North American Explorer.
Inside the Ford Explorer is also completely different to its ID.3 and ID.4 cousins, with a huge 15-inch portrait touchscreen with Ford’s latest SYNC infotainment system that can be lifted or lowered by 30 degrees for easier viewing. There’s also a digital driver’s display, with a mix of physical and haptic touch buttons that are said to vibrate when being used for greater feedback.
The Ford Explorer will go on sale in Europe later this year, with an Australian debut yet to be confirmed. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.
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