It's been a long wait but the Ford Explorer is finally available in Ireland. It is the Blue Oval brand's second ever fully-electric vehicle after the Mach-E.
The Explorer shares the same MEB platform as the Volkswagen ID.4, of which Ford has paid a licence to use. This means that Ford's new built-in-Europe SUV also has the same 77kWh usable battery and 286hp electric motor as its German counterpart, giving it a WLTP range of over 600 kilometres.
Priced in Ireland from €42,120 (after grants ), the new Ford Explorer is an attractive car in the flesh, combining German engineering with American style and a high level of standard specification. In addition to approximately 450-litres of combined storage including the 17-litre ‘MegaConsole’ and the secure ‘My Private Locker’ in the cabin, every Explorer features SYNC Move connected infotainment with an adjustable 14.6-inch centre touchscreen that can be raised and lowered through an arc of more than 30-degrees
Also standard are a heated steering wheel and front seats, massaging driver’s seat and wireless phone charging. The interior design includes sports seats with integrated headrests, and a well designed soundbar to enjoy audio played through wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connected devices.
A ‘Premium’ specification adds a 10-speaker B&O sound system and ambient interior lighting, as well as upgrading the Explorer’s signature headlamps from LED with auto high beam to Dynamic Matrix LED with Glare-Free Highbeam.
Optional extras are limited to a panorama roof with more than one square metre of glass surface, and a Driver Assist Pack. Its highlights include a hands-free tailgate, a head-up display, 360-degree camera and new Assisted Lane Change technology.
These features are in addition to more than 15 standard driver assist technologies with highlights including Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go as well as Clear Exit Warning that is designed to help prevent “dooring” accidents with cyclists.
The new Explorer is introduced with a choice of single motor rear-wheel drive (RWD ) or dual motor all-wheel drive (AWD ) powertrains. Both use an extended-range, lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt (NMC ) battery. Charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes around half an hour using a DC fast charger. Its max AC charging speed is 11kW. A single motor RWD powertrain with a standard-range NMC battery will be available too at a later date.
Naturally, the Ford Explorer and the VW ID.4 are very similar to drive and are equally matched on price, so for discerning EV shoppers it may just boil down to looks or brand loyalty.
