Loads of critics weren’t completely happy about Ford’s choice to make use of Volkswagen Group {hardware} for the brand new Explorer EV and Capri EV (or how the latter appears, though I actually discover it quirky sufficient to be fascinating.) However that transfer helped Ford get an electrical foothold in Europe the place it says it nonetheless has long-term plans. And this is the opposite shock: the Explorer EV is definitely fairly good.
A brand new video evaluation from our pals at Out of Spec reveals how this Explorer—which is a totally completely different animal than the U.S.-spec Explorer that is each bigger and gas-powered—carves out an id that is far more distinctive than simply being some re-badged Volkswagen ID.4. It could use that automotive’s MEB platform nevertheless it’s truly constructed at Ford’s plant in Cologne, Germany.
What does this get you? Host William explains that his tester has a 79 kWh (usable) battery with a good peak charging fee of 185 kW, dual-motor all-wheel-drive and a WLTP vary of 329 miles. However Ford did attempt to make the automotive completely different from the ID.4 to keep away from such direct competitors—it is each shorter and wider than that automotive, greater than an ID.3 but comparatively compact general. Not what you assume once you think about an “Explorer,” however that is what makes it fascinating.
“Personally I feel the automotive appears completely gorgeous,” William says, complimenting his tester’s shade of blue as effectively. Inside, it is fairly particular too: his tester has diamond-stitched leather-based seats and different upscale touches.
Inside, the Explorer EV will get a special model of VW’s button-less capacitive contact switches, which we have used with blended outcomes over right here. It additionally suffers from the irritating two buttons for window switches. However most apparently, the Explorer EV has a movable contact display that may be positioned extra upright or laid extra flat. And it integrates Ford’s personal software program and consumer expertise, too, together with entry to its Blue Oval charging community. VW’s newest ID.4 (within the higher trims, anyway) not too long ago received a pleasant software program improve however Ford’s system appears to be at the least pretty much as good, if not higher.
Ford Explorer EV Contact Display screen
So how does it drive? Fairly effectively, and just like the ID.4, actually—the primary time William attracts that direct comparability right here. It is AWD right here however rear-wheel-biased so moderately enjoyable in most circumstances. The suspension is tuned to be extra Ford-like, William says, though he could not fairly nail down what which means. On the plus aspect: “It is undoubtedly received some energy,” he says, “Wonderful braking.”
Would the Explorer EV do effectively sufficient in America? William thinks so, though I feel that it is so shut in dimension to the Mustang Mach-E—plus all of the boring incentive and tariff stuff round the place it is made—might make it a more durable promote over right here in some methods. Then once more, there’s at all times a market right here for an honest midsize EV crossover, and many individuals may like an electrical Ford that appears and feels a bit extra “mainstream” than the performance-focused Mustang.
A greater query is perhaps this: is the Explorer EV quietly the very best electrical Volkswagen but? In my expertise, the ID.7 sedan is hard to beat, however with Ford’s personal software program and a few distinctive touches, this automotive does show that platform-sharing could make plenty of sense if it is achieved proper.
Contact the creator: patrick.george@insideevs.com
