Test drive Ford Capri: the legend reinvented as a 100% electric SUV coupé

After almost four decades away, the iconic Ford Capri returns to European roads, a model that arrives with a very large heritage, the Capri of the 70s. The legendary Capri hit the roads in 1969 and remained until 1986. Now it arrives as a SUV, fully electrified and with a proposal that blends nostalgia, a rebellious spirit, but also a very sophisticated, sporty and spacious character.

The new Ford Capri is built at the Cologne plant, where a 2 billion investment has been made and where the Explorer is also manufactured. It keeps the rebellious spirit of its predecessor, but with a renewed image that meets the demands of today’s market, although not everyone will agree. This model has been conceived and designed in Europe for drivers across the continent, with modern, aerodynamic lines that respect its visual legacy.

Reinvented design with nods to the past

The new Ford Capri electric has balanced dimensions that allow it to perform well on any type of terrain. With an approximate length of 4.63 metres, a width of 1.87 metres and a height of 1.62 metres, it offers ample interior space for all occupants and very well-balanced dynamics thanks to its wheelbase of 2.77 metres. Its boot offers 572 litres, almost 100 litres more than the Explorer’s boot and, if we fold down the rear seats, capacity rises to 1,510 litres.

The design is a total reinvention, but it also keeps some nods to its 70s predecessor. One of these details, the most striking of all, is found in the rounded front headlights, which reference the original Capri. On the side, the rear quarter window keeps its rounded shape, which also helps give it that SUV silhouette, with a much more pronounced drop towards the rear.

At the front, the Capri lettering is printed on the bodywork, while at the rear it sits in the middle of the tailgate, in a black-toned strip between the lights, where a small nod to the round lights of the original Capri can also be seen.

Spacious and sophisticated interior

The interior has been completely digitised, with a 14.6-inch touchscreen that can be tilted thirty degrees up and down to avoid reflections, and directly beneath it sits a small storage compartment the brand has named “My Private Locker”, along with two type-C sockets. The screen integrates the SYNC Move 2 infotainment system, which works very well and offers full connectivity. It also features a premium sound system and a soundbar integrated in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen – 10 speakers for the Premium version and 7 for the Capri version.

The seats are very comfortable. In the most basic version we find a mix of fabric material with vegan leather, while the Premium version has fully vegan leather seats, in one piece. Heating is standard on both front seats and massage is fitted only to the driver’s seat. In the front armrest there is a 17-litre compartment, which fits 1.5-litre bottles perfectly, a handbag or a laptop, for example.

Three different powertrain options

The new Ford Capri electric comes with three battery configurations – all three use an NMC lithium-ion battery – and powertrains tailored to different driving styles. The standard version with rear-wheel drive (RWD) has a 52 kWh battery, offering 170 CV and a range of 384 km on the WLTP cycle.

The RWD version with extended-range battery increases capacity to 77 kWh, with 286 CV of power and a range of 627 km in the standard version and 598 km in the Premium version. The more performance-oriented version, with all-wheel drive (AWD), features a 79 kWh battery, reaching 340 CV and offering a range of 592 km in its standard configuration and 560 km in the Premium.

In terms of performance, the Capri AWD accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, while the extended-range RWD version does it in 6.4 seconds and the standard one in 8.7 seconds. Electric consumption ranges from 13.3 kWh/100 km in the most efficient version up to 15.8 kWh/100 km in the most powerful variant, with a top speed of 180 km/h in the higher models and 160 km/h in the base version.

Charging capacity is 185 kW for the AWD version, allowing a charge from 10 to 80% in just 26 minutes. In the RWD version, charging capacity is 135 kW, which takes it from 10 to 80% in 28 minutes, equivalent to 200 km in 10 minutes. This consumption figure surprised us pleasantly since, sharing the same platform as the Explorer, for example, this model can consume up to 20% less than its sibling thanks to several adjustments made to the suspension, steering and various other parameters.

Premium safety and equipment

The new Ford Capri incorporates more than 15 advanced technologies for driver assistance. Among them, the Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, the 360-degree camera and the Lane Change Assist stand out. In addition, the Capri Premium version features Dynamic Matrix LED headlights and a 10-speaker B&O sound system.

There are also several options that can be added to our model. The “Driver Package” offers a Head-Up Display, automatic parking, a 360º camera, hands-free electric tailgate (Capri), lane centring and assisted lane change for €1,200 (€600 less if starting from the Premium version). The heat pump is another optional extra which, in this case, we highly recommend, as it helps preserve as much of the stated range as possible, although it would add €1,300. Finally, for those with back problems seeking maximum comfort, there are AGR-certified seats for €600.

Six colours are available. “Vivid Yellow” and “Frozen White” come as standard, so they will not increase the price. There are also four other colour options available: “Matt Black”, “Magnetic Grey”, “Red Lucid” and “My Mind Blue”.

Prices and purchase incentives

The new Ford Capri electric is offered in several versions with prices that vary according to powertrain and equipment. The entry version, with 170 CV and the standard-range battery, starts from €47,200. The variant with 286 CV and greater range sits at €54,250, while the most powerful version, with all-wheel drive and 340 CV, reaches €61,250. In addition, the versions with higher trims push prices up to €64,250.

At these prices we can benefit from brand discounts, which offer up to €7,000 off and, thanks to having the CERO Label, you can also benefit from the MOVES Plan discounts of up to €7,000 (whatever remains).

Image gallery Ford Capri