Car Design News was invited for an early look at Ford’s new mid-size crossover at its studio in Germany
Ford is taking a familiar nameplate electric as part of a wider design “reset” that began around five years ago. The new Explorer, a fully electric mid-size crossover, will sit between the Puma and Mustang Mach-E in its new-look portfolio and in some ways is the spiritual successor to the Focus, which is being phased out.
This new model is very much in keeping with contemporary trends, but a typical battery-powered crossover this is not. Lifting the covers off in the studio, it is immediately apparent that the team wanted more conventional SUV proportions, with a proud, up-right front grille, high shoulder line and squared-off rear-end. A subtle roof spoiler gives a ‘fastback’ flavour to the silhouette, as do the contrasting lower body finishes on the side skirts and diffusers, along with the black door pillars. The surfacing is clean but (thanks to some excellent studio lighting) the shoulder line and gently flared arches really stand out – it is a muscly looking thing.
Careful attention was…
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