The brutal Ford Explorer hybrid is coming to Europe

Ford will launch, at the end of 2019, a plug-in hybrid version of the Explorer SUV. This sixth generation will arrive in Europe even though it has been on sale in the USA since the beginning of the year.

Since 1991, the United States has had the Ford Explorer as one of its reference SUVs. Measuring more than five metres in length and capable of carrying up to seven passengers in total comfort. Ford brings this automotive beast into the sustainable SUV trend that we are experiencing on the old continent.

Ford Explorer, now hybrid and plug-in for Europe

As we have highlighted, its propulsion is hybrid. It therefore features a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine producing 350 CV and an electric motor producing 100 CV, for a combined total of 450 CV, a brutal torque of 840 Nm and a range of 40 km of urban electric driving thanks to its lithium-ion battery with 13.1 kWh of capacity. To add to its appeal, this brutal vehicle is capable of towing up to 2,500 kg.

The Ford Explorer Plug-In Hybrid relies on an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that analyses, every 10 milliseconds, the information supplied by the sensors fitted to the Ford Explorer, evaluating the situation and the driving context to establish whether the engine’s power output is ideal or whether additional traction is needed.

The plug-in hybrid Ford Explorer manages the transfer of the powertrain’s potential to the wheels through a new single-speed transmission. Its electromechanical torque clutch manages the torque sent and received by the front and rear wheels in just 100 milliseconds, allowing an almost immediate response and adaptation.

As is customary, it also lets you select between several driving modes: Normal, Sport, Track, Slippery, Towing/Hauling, Eco, and Snow and Deep Sand.

It also incorporates driver assistance systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane Centring.

Regarding the electrical system, it features driving modes that manage the use of the battery charge, namely: EV Auto, EV Now, EV Late and EV Charge. EV Auto predominates, activated by default when the battery is close to its minimum level.

The equipment of the plug-in hybrid Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer hybrid comes in two trim levels, ST-Line and Platinum. In both cases, it comes as standard with 20-inch wheels with a black machined finish for the ST-Line models and a dark machined, matt finish for the Platinum models.

The ST-Line trim features black detailing on the bodywork, as well as carbon-fibre elements in the interior, floor mats, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel and red interior stitching.

Secondly, the Platinum trim is distinguished from the ST-Line by a one-piece grille with a satin finish, and a satin finish that appears on the tailgate, roof bars and door trims. The interior also includes wood-effect pieces that add a touch of retro classicism, standing out on the instrument panel.

Finally, the dashboard features two touchscreens, one behind the steering wheel measuring 10.1 inches and another of 12.3 inches on the dashboard. From this one can control the infotainment system and other assistants or applications available for this Ford Explorer PHEV.