The Ford Bronco is finally coming to Australia, however it won’t be the hardcore off-roader many have been waiting for.
As a substitute of the US-built Bronco based on the Australian-developed T6 ladder-frame platform, this market is ready to receive the Chinese-built Bronco Latest Energy – an extended-range electric SUV with an enormous battery, an extended claimed driving range, and what could possibly be very sharp pricing.
CarExpert understands the Bronco Latest Energy is because of arrive in Australia either late this yr or early in 2027, with pricing expected to start out from around $48,000 and stretch to slightly below $60,000.
One other source has told CarExpert the big electrified SUV could start around $55,000.
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That might make it significantly more cost-effective than if Ford was to import the Bronco off-roader from the US, and would place the brand new model directly in the guts of the SUV market Down Under.
The Bronco Latest Energy is inbuilt China by JMC Ford, Ford’s three way partnership with Jiangling Motors. It’s offered in China in each all-electric and extended-range electric forms, though Australia is known to be getting only the latter.
Prolonged-range electric vehicles (EREVs) are just like plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) in that they feature a combustion engine and a number of electric motors. Nevertheless, EREVs are closer to pure-electric vehicles (EVs) in the best way they drive, given their combustion engine acts only as a generator to recharge the battery fairly than send drive to the wheels directly.
Local naming hasn’t been confirmed, however the Australian lineup is predicted to incorporate three grades: Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands.
While Ford Australia has remained tight-lipped in regards to the arrival of Bronco Latest Energy, it would need an answer in place to combat increasingly stringent emissions regulations Down Under.
“The Bronco Latest Energy is an exciting addition to the worldwide Ford line-up, adding a brand new energy drivetrain to one in all the world’s most iconic nameplates. Ford Australia is at all times evaluating options to expand our line-up for purchasers, but now we have no news to share about future products right now,” the corporate said in an announcement.
It uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 43.7kWh battery pack, which is big for an EREV or PHEV.
Depending on the variant, the Bronco Latest Energy is claimed to supply near 200km of electrical driving range, with total driving range understood to be near 1000km.
It’s also claimed to be able to completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds, making it much quicker than most family SUVs around this price point.
Despite wearing the Bronco name, the Latest Energy isn’t a direct alternative for the rugged US-market model. It’s based on a car-style monocoque platform fairly than a rugged ladder-frame chassis, and at 5025mm long and 1960mm wide, it’s 101mm longer and 37mm wider than the Everest.
It also has a 50mm longer wheelbase than the ladder-frame Everest, but despite its greater dimensions it seats only five.
Meaning it won’t be pitched as a rock-crawling rival to the Jeep Wrangler, however it is predicted to supply some light off-road capability, helped by chunkier all-terrain tyres on some versions.
Ground clearance is between 215mm and 220mm, with a wading depth of 600mm. Available off-road equipment in China, depending on the variant, includes locking front and rear differentials, multiple terrain modes, and an off-road crawl mode.
The cabin is a significant departure from the Ford models currently sold in Australia. Chinese-market versions feature a more premium interior presentation, a big 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and equipment not commonly seen at this price point, including a centre-console fridge.
It’s understood the Bronco Latest Energy uses batteries supplied by BYD, one in all the world’s biggest battery manufacturers.
Its arrival here will come at a vital time for Ford Australia. The Blue Oval brand is heavily reliant on the Ranger ute and Everest SUV, each of which will likely be impacted by the federal government’s Latest Vehicle Efficiency Standard.
A lower-emissions SUV with an extended electric driving range would give Ford a model to assist offset those higher-emitting models, while also providing Australian buyers with a more cost-effective entry point into the Bronco family.
Final pricing, specifications, release timing, and even the model’s local name are yet to be confirmed, but when Ford can land the Bronco Latest Energy here priced from near the $50,000 mark and offering almost 200km of electrical range, it could possibly be one in all its most vital latest models in years.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
