The Ford S-Max is one of the numerous non-LCV-based minivans that were discontinued after crossovers and SUVs stole the limelight. Despite its family-focused character, German tuner JMS upgraded a pre-facelifted example with a new set of wheels and lowered suspension, highlighting the sporty side of the factory-spec ST-Line trim.
The tuner reminds us that the Ford S-Max was one of the most driver-friendly offerings in the segment, which is why it was chosen for such an upgrade. A new set of Dragoon 20-inch wheels from Barracuda Racing do a great job in filling up the minivan’s wheel arches, with their high-gloss silver finish contrasting the black bodywork. The rims are shod in low-profile Hankook tires measuring 245/35 ZR20.
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For a more aggressive stance and improved handling capabilities, the S-Max traded the stock suspension for H&R lowering springs bringing it closer to the ground. The tuner didn’t change anything else on the exterior, as the S-Max already came fitted with a bodykit courtesy of the ST-Line trim. This includes the bumper and side-skirt add-ons, the discreet diffuser, and the dual exhaust pipes.
We don’t know what hides under the hood of this particular example but the most powerful version of the Ford S-Max came fitted with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine from the Focus ST hot hatch. The mill produced 238 hp (177 kW / 241 PS) and 345 Nm (254 lb-ft) of torque, allowing the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint to be completed in 8.4 seconds.
The S-Max and the slightly larger Galaxy sibling share their underpinnings with the discontinued Mondeo sedan and the Edge SUV. The last generation of the minivans was launched in 2015 and received a mild facelift in 2019 with hybrid versions joining the range in 2021. Amidst rapidly declining sales, Ford decided to discontinue both the S-Max and the Galaxy without planned successors, ending production once in for all in April 2023. Still, those in search of Ford-badged non-SUV family haulers can buy the LCV-based Tourneo Courier or Tourneo Custom which offer plenty of space and practicality for the buck.
