Maximilian Stocker
The launch of the new all-electric Explorer (not to be confused with the US Explorer) was more than a year ago. The announcement that a compact electric SUV would be built for the masses was even further back in the past. But now the time has finally come and the vehicle will be available at the first dealers in summer 2024. In total, the company plans to sell more than 600,000 units. For this reason, the Ford plant in Cologne has also been renovated and remodeled.
The design of the 4.46 meter long Explorer has been known for some time. The closed front with the L-shaped lights is particularly striking. A dark panel connects the headlights. The U-shaped underbody protection not only serves a visual purpose, but also directs the air flow past the front wheels. All side roof pillars are also darkened, making the roof appear to “float” above the vehicle. The Explorer has wide horizontal grooves on the C-pillar, which give it a sporty and robust appearance. Large 19 to 21 inch wheels are also fitted. The rear is characterized by the narrow rear window and the blackened lights, which, like the front, are connected by a dark panel. There are a total of six paint finishes to choose from.
The interior is modern. The large 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and the speaker panel on the dashboard contribute to this. A smaller display for the digital instruments can be found behind the steering wheel. The menu on the giant screen can be individually configured and adapted to personal preferences. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also on board. A storage compartment with USB-C ports is hidden behind the screen, which can be tilted by 30 degrees. You can charge your smartphone wirelessly using the inductive charging cradle in the center console. There is also a 17-liter storage space there, which offers space for a laptop and a 1.0-liter bottle. Speaking of storage space: In addition to the smaller compartment under the hood, the Explorer can hold up to 1,400 liters.
600 kilometers range
To make the new electric SUV suitable for mass production, Ford is offering the vehicle with three power and battery sizes. There is a choice of 170 hp, 286 hp and 340 hp units. The two weaker engines come with rear-wheel drive, the more powerful version with all-wheel drive. The battery sizes available are 55, 79 or 82 kWh units, which are designed for ranges between 384 and 600 kilometers. The charging time from 10 to 80 percent is specified as 26 minutes. The maximum “refueling” is 11 kW AC or up to 185 kW DC.
Five driving modes (“Normal”, “Eco”, “Sport”, “Individual” and “Traction”) are available for an individual driving experience. Ford also equips its electric SUV with numerous assistance programs and driving aids such as the 360-degree all-round camera, the emergency braking assistant including lane keeping, the exit warning and the traffic sign recognition. The optional matrix LED light also offers a so-called bad weather light when the windshield wipers are activated, which creates a wider and shorter beam of light. A high beam assistant is also installed.
The new Explorer will be launched in summer 2024. Ford is temporarily setting the base price at 49,500 euros. The smaller 55 kWh battery will then come onto the market at the end of the year, pushing the price down to 42,500 euros.
© Motorsport Magazine