Ford has previewed a longer, seven-seat version of its Edge crossover, tailored specifically for the Chinese market. Making its world premiere at the Guangzhou Auto Show, the new three-row Ford Edge offers full seven-seat capability for customers in China.
This new version of the Ford Edge will be manufactured locally by Changan Ford starting in 2015 and sold through the joint venture’s dealerships. Compared with the global version of the Edge unveiled in June in Detroit, the Edge for China adds a third row of seating and other features “tailored specifically to the needs of customers in China.”
While Ford doesn’t mention dimensions, the seven-seat Edge is longer than the five-seat version, which is obvious when comparing the two vehicles’ third lateral window, considerably longer on the China-spec model.
Furthermore, the tailgate of the seven-seat version is more upright. However, the wheelbase doesn’t seem to be longer, with Ford adopting the more cost-effective solution of lengthening the rear overhang to obtain more space for the third-row seats.
“Creating and producing the three-row Edge for China shows how carefully we are listening to our customers here. Our research indicates that premium SUV customers in China are looking for more space and comfort. By building on the global Ford Edge, we have been able to deliver that with this vehicle,” said Ford Motor China President John Lawler.
In China, the Ford Edge will be offered exclusively with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 petrol engine estimated to produce more than 300 hp. Ford didn’t say whether the seven-seat Edge will be offered on other markets outside China, but promised it will share further details of the new model closer to its 2015 launch.
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