As part of a joint venture with SAIC Motor, Volkswagen is preparing to launch the Talagon in China. Inspired by the Volkswagen SMV concept, the Talagon is VW's largest SUV ever. Now, Ford has lifted the wraps off the Equator, another large luxury three-row SUV developed by the Jiangling-Ford joint venture. Like the Talagon, the Equator will be sold exclusively in China, where it will take on the Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Commander.

Measuring 193 inches long, 76 inches wide, and 69.1 inches tall, with a 112.8-inch-long wheelbase, the Equator is larger than the Edge but smaller than the Explorer. For reference, the Ford Explorer measures 198.8 inches long, 78.9 inches wide, and 69.9 inches tall, with a 119.1-inch wheelbase.

Visually, the Equator stands out from Ford's current SUV lineup, adopting distinctive split headlights with L-shaped LED daytime running lights and a prominent grille with black and chrome elements. Skid plates at the front give the Equator a rugged appearance but this luxury SUV isn't designed to get dirty. Split LED taillights connected by a rear light bar adorn the rear along with a faux silver diffuser and dual exhaust tips.

Inside, the Equator's luxurious interior is lavished with wood trim and features electrically adjustable six seats, including captain seats in the second row.

Dominating the dashboard is a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, mimicking the layout of the Mercedes MBUX system in current models like the new S-Class and C-Class. Other luxuries include automatic air conditioning and a panoramic sunroof.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 221 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. As standard, power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, but an all-wheel drive variant is also available. In China, sales for the Ford Equator kick off this month, but the Blue Oval automaker has no plans to sell it outside the People's Republic.