Ford's Latest SUV Is A Huge Electric Bronco That Isn't Available For Purchase In America | Carscoops
Ford has introduced a new Bronco Sport that is specifically tailored for the Chinese market.
This enlarged SUV features a 116-inch wheelbase and is equipped with Lidar Adas technology.
At launch, the lineup includes a 241 hp, 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid and a 271 hp electric vehicle.
Ford has expanded its SUV range by adding a third Bronco model, but it won't be available in US dealerships. This uniquely designed utility vehicle has been crafted for China and, although it resembles the Bronco Sport we are familiar with, it possesses significant differences. Ford has confirmed to Carscoops that this model is exclusively for release in China.
The distinctions include, among other things, the powertrain. While the American Bronco models have yet to be equipped with more electric power than what’s required to start their engines, the Chinese Bronco New Energy offers a full electric vehicle option as well as a range extender setup.
Innovative Powertrains
The fully electric variant boasts a 271 hp (275 Ps / 202 kW) powertrain, while the range extender version, which has the same exterior appearance, incorporates a 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid engine rated at 241 hp (245 Ps / 180 kW). Both versions appear to be front-wheel drive, contrasting with the all-wheel drive system found in all US Broncos.
The range extender model comes with a 43.7 kWh battery, providing a remarkable 137 miles (220 km) of electric-only range, or up to 758 miles (1,220 km) when combining a full battery with a full fuel tank. The fully electric version utilizes a larger 105.4 kWh battery that enables a driving range of up to 404 miles (650 km) on a single charge.
In terms of design, Ford’s latest SUV in China is influenced by the combustion-derived Bronco models sold there, particularly the Bronco Sport. Its flush door handles might even mislead some into thinking it's a refreshed model. However, the measurements reveal a different reality, as the Chinese Bronco is considerably larger.
Size That Makes an Impact
The new SUV has a significant wheelbase of 116.1 inches (2,950 mm), on par with the four-door version of America’s large Bronco, and much larger than the 105.1 inches (2,670 mm) of the current Bronco Sport. In terms of overall length, the 197.8 inches (5,025 mm) of the Chinese model surpasses both the Bronco (189.4 inches / 4,810 mm) and Bronco Sport (173.4 inches / 4,400 mm).
The width of the track is also greater on this Chinese version than on the American Broncos in their standard forms (even the wider Bronco Wildtrak barely edges out the competition). As for weight, the New Energy hybrid weighs in at a hefty 5,535 lbs (2,510 kg), while the electric version tips the scales at 5,800 lbs (2,630 kg). In comparison, the lightest US Sport weighs just 3,500 lbs (1,590 kg), and even the Bronco Raptor is lighter at 4,945 lbs (2,240 kg).
Images released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology showcase a Lidar sensor mounted on the roof, a feature not yet available on any Ford models produced in the US. Reports indicate that the Bronco New Energy, a collaborative venture between Ford and Jiangling Motors, will be priced between ¥300,000 and ¥400,000 ($42,000 - $56,000), placing it more in line with the Bronco than the smaller Bronco Sport.
Do you think this electrified, oversized Bronco would be successful in the US market? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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