Ford presented their next-generation Explorer Plug-In Hybrid. Modernized and sporty it now offers high-tech amenities and innovative systems in order to provide excellent experience and comfort for all the occupants. It is expected to go on sale later this year.
© Ford of Europe GmbH
A sporty, stylish appearance is achieved via sloping roofline and short front overhang.
The all-new Ford Explorer Plug-In Hybrid will be available in two trim levels:
© Ford of Europe GmbH
ST-Line models have their front grille, roof rails tailgate applique and door cladding finished in gloss black.
Platinum models Have their front grille, roof rails tailgate applique and door cladding finished in satin finish.An intricate luxurious addition are the real wood appliques for the instrumental panel.
The standard equipment for all trims includes bold 20-inch alloy wheels.
The new Explorer has an impressive dimensions. Nearly 5 metres long, and 2 metres wide, the new Ford Elxplorer 2020 has a height of almost 2 metres.
© Ford of Europe GmbH
Being a part of the SUV-segment, the next-gen Explorer is presented as a seven-seat sporty vehicle. Families can get the most from road trips with the practical load and seating configurations.
First and second row passengers have plenty of room to feel comfortable enough,as the second row offers Easy Fold Function. The third row of seats are narrow, but they can be easily reorganised with their Power Raise function, or just folded via Easy Fold technology.
Thanks to these functions a nice cargo area is available. The cabin of the new Explorer offers a lot of places to stow personal items – at least12 cupholders for example.
© Ford of Europe GmbH
The luxurious interior shows a variety of extras included in standard trim:
A portrait mounted touchscreen (either 10.1-inch or an 8.0- inch one) allows the navigation map to fill the entire screen for easy viewing, or split the space with audio information. The screens use capacitive glass, providing a quicker, more responsive interaction with the SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, navigation and climate functions.
The touch screens share information with the central 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster, controlling all the functionalities of the Explorer Plug-In Hybrid.
The Terrain Management System uses selectable Drive Modes allows everyone to design easily his personal driving style. The available options are:
Each Drive Mode is displayed on the 12.3-inch instrument cluster via unique graphic visualization.
Refine the driver assistance technologies of Explorer 2020 Plug-in Hybrid owners through a series of features designed to make it easier to drive a large vehicle in urban environments.
© Ford of Europe GmbH
Some of the newest technologies in next-gen Ford’s vehicle are:
Active Park Assist 2 enables fully-automated manoeuvres into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces with a push of a button.
Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert warns the drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them. The system can also apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate the effects of collisions if drivers do not respond to warnings.
Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection technology detects people and cyclists near the road. The system automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision and the driver does not respond to warnings.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane-Centring.
Stop & Go enables the ACC system to bring the vehicle to a complete halt in stop-start traffic, and automatically pull away if the stopping duration is less than 3 seconds. For stopping durations greater than 3 seconds, the driver can push a steering wheel button or gently apply the accelerator pull away.
Lane-Centring technology monitors road markings and can apply gentle but discernible torque to the steering system to help drivers stay centered in their lane whenever the ACC system is activated.
© Ford of Europe GmbH
FordPass Connect embedded modem technology turns the Explorer Plug-In Hybrid into a mobile WiFi hotspot with connectivity for up to 10 devices. That system helps drivers to plan faster, less stressful journeys with Live Traffic updates for the navigation system. It also enables occupants to stream entertainment on the move. The FordPass Connect allows a range of convenient features via the FordPass mobile app, including:
Further technologies to help drivers avoid or mitigate the effects of accidents include Ford’s:
© Ford of Europe GmbH
The new Ford Explorer’s powertrain combines traditional 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 petrol engine, an electric motor and a battery. The result is a total power of 443hp, 840 Nm of torque, and a pure-electric range of 40 km. The innovative engine is coupled with 10-speed automatic transmission, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system and Terrain Management System with selectable Drive Modes- scenarios from urban driving to off-road.
The electric motor enables the Explorer to deliver zero-emission, and drivers can choose when and how to deploy battery power using:
When the battery reaches its lowest state-of-charge, the Explorer automatically reverts to EV Auto mode. Ford Explorer Plug-In Hybrid delivers a 78 g/km CO2 emissions and 3.4 l/100 km fuel efficiency.
The Explorer Plug-In Hybrid’s parallel hybrid architecture successfully combines the power of electric motor and combustion engine. In this way the car offers an enhanced performance on- and off-road, and 2,500 kg towing capability. All-new Ford Explorer 2020 is equipped with sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission.
Author: Danny Stoyanova
Български