Ford unveils new three-row SUV with a familiar name, hybrid engine

The Ford Edge, sold here for short as the Endura, is said to have been discontinued in North America but a new generation is being built in China.

The LENGTH BENEFITS replaces a stretched, China-only Edge model with a third row of seats called the Edge Plus.

It joins other Chinese exclusives like the Equator, Equator Sport and Territory SUVs, high-riding SUVs. Evos fastback, and familiar Everest Moutain and Explorers. Ford has two joint ventures there, one with JMC and one with Changan.

As with models like Evos and new Mondeo, it is expected to remain exclusive to China. And while it carries the ‘L’ suffix, Ford doesn’t appear to be working on a shorter version.

It measures 5000mm long, 1961mm wide and 1773mm tall on a 2950mm wheelbase, or 122mm longer, 36mm wider, 3mm taller and on a 100mm longer wheelbase than the Edge Plus.

For reference, it is 60 mm longer and 38 mm wider than the new Everest.

Powering the Edge L is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 202 kW of power and 405 Nm of torque, or a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 185 kW and 185 kW and 185 lb-ft of torque. 378 Nm.

All-wheel drive is standard, while Ford claims fuel economy as low as 6.31L/100km.

The Edge L features a 2-2-3 seat layout, with a reclining, electrically adjustable middle-row captain’s seat with built-in footrests and a wireless charging pad.

As with other recent Ford China products such as the upgraded Evos and Explorer, there is an enlarged front display assembly.

In addition to the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, there is also a 27-inch high-resolution 4K central screen running the SYNC+2.0 operating system.

Ford claims the Edge L also features up to 20 advanced driver assistance systems.

In terms of design, the Edge L appears lower and more wagon-like than the current Edge Plus, although it looks significantly different from any other Edge.

The belt line goes down at the doors, only to rise again at column C and then extend again towards column D. The ‘L’ logo is on column C.

The sloping front end also gives it a familiar resemblance to cars like China’s Equator, while the chunky LED taillights help it match other modern Fords.

Edge L could be officially revealed at the Shanghai auto show in April.

Don’t expect it to come to Australia, while it may not even be offered in the North American market as Ford is getting ready to retool its Edge’s Oakville, Ontario plant in Canada to produce electric vehicles.