Despite being based on Volkwagen’s MEB platform, the Explorer is not an ID.4 to which it is closest in size. The first fruit of the collaboration between the two companies is the new model, production will start sometime in the fall (as well as pre-orders), and the first copies can reach customers in the spring of next year. There are currently no specifics regarding the size of the batteries and the drivetrain, but we are not too far off if we guess based on the common platform that the solutions known from the ID.4 will return, which suggests 58 and 77 kWh batteries, as well as 200 -300 horsepower. Accordingly, the range can be between 300-400 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle.
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The new Explorer is a product specifically intended for Europe, so far American sales are not on the agenda. It will be produced in Cologne, it is a European-sized family SUV, based on the published expected pricing, they might be able to keep its price below HUF 20 million in the case of versions equipped with a smaller battery and with only rear-wheel drive. Ford is spending one billion dollars to transform the Cologne plant, according to the ambitious plans, they want to produce 1.2 million electric cars here annually.
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The dimensions of the new Explorer are slightly more modest than those offered by the ID.4, it is 10 centimeters shorter than the Volkswagen, and the luggage compartment is 470 liters, but despite the fact that it has a visible front, it will not be possible to pack it there. At the presentation, however, it was considered important to point out that a storage box was placed between the two front seats, which can also fit a 15-inch notebook.
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The jewel of the interior design is the 14.6-inch center console touch screen, which will run the system known from the Mustang, but the angle of the entire panel can be adjusted so that it can be seen better by the driver. Of course, it is equipped with all known driving support solutions, including the introduction of the lane change assistant, which makes the change after pressing the index, if it does not detect a car in the other lane, and the car also helps you get out safely by opening the door, it sounds when a pedestrian or cyclist comes behind us.
The on-board system has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard, as well as a wireless phone charger. Of course, there is also a phone application for the owners regarding cooling-heating and charging timing, and the factory navigation also plans with the charging stations. According to Ford’s plans, the electric portfolio will be complete by 2030, which means that by then the brand will have an electric drive offer in all size categories.
