Prototypes of Ford’s yet-unnamed crossover that will be based on VW Group‘s MEB architecture were caught testing outside the automaker’s facilities in Europe giving us a better idea of what to expect.
Ford described the upcoming electric SUV simply as a “medium-sized crossover” in an official teaser announcement from last year – it will be closely related to the VW ID.4, the Audi Q4 e-tron, the Skoda Enyaq iV, and the upcoming Cupra Tavascan. However, its exterior and interior are expected to be exclusive to the Ford model.
Read: More Than A Dozen MEB-Based Electric Crossovers Coming From VW, Audi, Skoda, Cupra, And Ford
Predictably, the prototypes were fully wrapped in camouflage, hiding most of the details. Still, a closer look from different angles reveals the boxy shape combined with toned-up wheel arches and a few styling cues like the A- and C-pillars reminiscent of the ICE-powered Ford Explorer.
At the front, the electric SUV sports a fully covered grille, sporty lower bumper intakes, and slim LED headlights with a hint of Audi. The rear end looks more aggressive thanks to the full-width LED taillights, the angular tailgate, the rear spoiler, and the diffuser-shaped plastic part on the lower bumper area.
Ford hasn’t revealed much about the technical specifications of its upcoming MEB-based EV other than it will be a five-seater with a driving range of up to 500 km (311 miles). Judging from the VW Group’s related EVs, the crossover could be offered with single (RWD) and dual electric motors (AWD), producing up to 295 hp (220 kW / 299 PS).
Ford is the only automaker outside the VW Group set to use the MEB architecture for its vehicles. Besides the “medium-sized crossover”, the company has also confirmed a “sport crossover” which will ride on the same platform. However, we must note that Ford recently announced it’s developing its own EV-dedicated architecture, which likely means the VW-sourced underpinnings won’t be used for more vehicles. We understand that Ford used its collaboration with VW to bring more EVs to the market with a short development time and minimum R&D costs until its own platform is ready to hit production.
As reported by Autocar, Ford’s new “medium-sized crossover” is expected to debut this March, with production set to commence in mid-2023 at the Ford Cologne Electrification Center in Germany. The “sport crossover” which will be built in the same plant, is expected to follow in 2024.
