So far confined to large American spaces, the 5-meter long SUV Explorer is preparing, for the first time, to put its big wheels on European soil. Without a real competitor, this XXL size SUV has three major advantages: it can accommodate up to 7 people in three rows of seats, tow boats, vans or large trailers up to 2,500 kg and drive electric. This last characteristic thus conditioned the obtaining of its visa for Europe. Thanks to its rechargeable hybrid powertrain based in particular on a 13.6 kWh battery, Ford ensures that the Explorer will be able to travel 42 km without wasting a single drop of petrol and without triggering its 3-liter V6 turbo EcoBoost. The battery recharges in less than 5 hours 50 minutes on a household outlet.
Thanks to the miracle of the fairy electricity, the Explorer claims according to the WLTP protocol a consumption of 3.1 l / 100 km, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 71 g / km. If he cannot claim any bonus, the Explorer PHEV benefits from the free registration card in many departments and for companies, a partial exemption for 12 quarters from the tax on company cars (TVS).
Ford
Ford does not yet detail the technology but the cumulative power has nothing to envy to a Mustang since the Explorer PHEV claims 450 hp. The impressive torque of 825 Nm is that of the queens of diesel or a thoroughbred. The V6 is mated to the 10-speed automatic transmission that equips the Mustang. Very sophisticated, the large Ford SUV prides itself on adapting to all types of terrain thanks to its seven driving modes: Normal, Sport, Trail, Slippery, Towing, Snow / Sand and Steep Slope.
Ford
No doubt, the Explorer was originally developed for American customers. If you doubt it, know that it multiplies the storage spaces and aligns no less than 12 cup holders. It also has five sockets, two USB ports and three-zone air conditioning. Champion of flexibility, the Explorer offers a multitude of configurations. It is thus possible to retract the seats in rows 2 and 3 electrically to reach a loading volume of 2,274 liters. In the 7-seater version, the trunk capacity is reduced to 123 liters.
High-end vehicle sold from 77,000 euros, the Explorer PHEV multiplies equipment and refinements: the front seats are heated, massaging and air-conditioned, those of row 2 can be heated, the B&O hi-fi of 980 watts aligns 14 speakers. The driver assistance systems concern fully automated parking maneuvers, the blind spot and vehicle appearance monitoring system when leaving a place in reverse gear, collision prevention with automatic braking emergency, including pedestrian detection, even at night, and cyclists but also adaptive cruise control with stop & go, reading road signs and keeping in the center of the lane.
The Explorer has a 10.1 inch touch screen. Ford