When it comes to crossovers and SUVs, Ford has some of the widest variety of models out there. If you take a look at its global lineup, there’s a high-riding model for just about everybody. That brings us neatly to Ford of China’s most recent launch.
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Over there, Ford of China launched what’s called the Edge L, and you can think of it as a stretched-out Territory, at least in terms of its styling. Just how big is it, you ask? Per its specifications, the Edge L measures 5,000mm long, 1,961mm wide, 1,773mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,950mm. For comparison, the Everest is 4,914mm long, 1,923mm wide, 1,842mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,900mm. So, while the Edge L isn’t quite as tall as the Everest, it’s still a fairly sizable crossover.
And while there are styling similarities with the next-generation Territory, the Edge L is actually unrelated to that model. The Edge L rides on the Ford C2 platform that also underpins the Escape, Bronco Sport, and the Maverick compact pickup. On the other hand, the Territory is a product of the Ford-JMC partnership.
As for the interior, the Edge L features a massive 27-inch touchscreen that stretches from the center of the dashboard all the way to the passenger side. And if that’s not enough, the driver is greeted by a 12.3-inch digital cluster. Buttons are kept to a minimum, as most controls are through the screens. Meanwhile, a floating center console frees up space for a compartment between the front seats.
The Edge L is available in two seating configurations. Lower-spec models have room for eight passengers, while more luxurious versions seat seven. That’s because the middle row for the higher-spec models get individual power-operated captain chairs, along with separate center storage bins and dual wireless chargers.
Powertrain options include a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and a turbo-hybrid that also uses the same mill. The non-hybrid version packs 249hp and 378Nm of torque, while the hybrid doles out 271hp and 405Nm of torque. On top of that, Ford claims a fuel consumption of 16.4 kilometers per liter under mixed driving conditions. Ford even says the Edge L has a range of 1,188 kilometers between fill-ups.
While the odds of this model coming here are slim, the Edge L is an interesting offering nonetheless. It’s no truck-based SUV, but it’s more like a Ford Explorer-lite for the Asian market.
