TEASED: Ford's Upcoming Electric SUV Will Be A Stunner

Dec. 19, 2022 9:40 AM ET by Jarryd Neves Teaser / 14 Comments

It will be based on Volkswagen's MEB platform and debut in 2023.

Ford has previewed a new electric SUV that will be based on Volkswagen's MEB platform and debut in 2023.

Not much is known about the newcomer, which is expected to arrive in March next year, but we anticipate it will share a lot of its underpinnings with the Volkswagen ID.4. In a teaser shared by Ford model e Europe's Martin Sander, we can see a small section of the front fascia. It's plain to see the EV will boast a bolder design, with larger headlights and a bolder bumper peeking out from below the sheet.

It's unclear whether Ford will utilize the ID.4's electric motor setup, but it's possible. If this is the case, expect outputs to range between 201 and 295 horsepower. Perhaps a sportier derivative based on the European ID.4 GTX will arrive at a later date.

Great to see so many of our media friends today in our @Ford in Europe Design Center. Can't wait for 2023 to arrive, when we will pull the cover of our first electric passenger vehicle coming from #Cologne. #EVs #ElectricVehicle #NewYear2023 pic.twitter.com/3wH3ixEWCW
— Martin Sander (@MSander22) December 15, 2022

Another teaser gives us a greater look at the overall profile. It's notably more muscular than the rounded ID.4 and boasts boomerang-style DRLs in the front headlights. This contributes to the overall sporting look. We expect the new EV will rely on the Mustang Mach-E for styling inspiration.

The newcomer will be positioned between the pricier Mach-E and the cheaper electric Puma crossover. Speaking of which, Ford has plans to introduce the latter in 2024 and it will be expected to fill the aging EcoSport's shoes.

Production of Ford's medium-sized electric crossover is expected to commence at the company's Cologne plant in Germany. Previously the home of the now-defunct Fiesta, the facility will also accommodate a sleeker variant of the Ford SUV; essentially the automaker's equivalent to the VW ID.5.

Interestingly, Ford also has plans to introduce a coupe-style variant of the Mustang Mach-E.

"Adventurous Spirit is a philosophy 12 decades in the making. A manifestation of a new Ford; one that’s more Ford than ever before." - Peter Zillig @zillmeister, #Ford director of Marketing in Europe.

Discover more about Adventurous Spirit. ??https://t.co/lqnxfBE9kN pic.twitter.com/xl7AqEUBTO
— Ford News Europe (@FordNewsEurope) December 15, 2022

We first got a glimpse of the medium-size crossover earlier this year, when the Blue Oval teased seven new electric models. At the time, Ford said the latest EV to join its lineup will have a range of around 310 miles, but that's probably been achieved on European WLTP estimates.

Whether the United States receives this mystery EV is another question, as American tastes tend to err on the larger side. To that end, rumors suggest an all-electric Bronco will arrive at the end of the decade, while the battery-powered Explorer may make its debut as soon as next year.

Ford refers to the newcomer as a medium-sized crossover, but it will likely be classed differently according to American standards. It will be positioned under the Mustang Mach-E which is considered a compact crossover here in the States.

Those fearful that the VW underpinnings may ruin the Blue Oval feel don't have to worry. Speaking to the UK's Auto Express, Ford's Stuart Rowley said, "let me assure you, these products will absolutely look and drive like Fords."