New Ford S-MAX Hybrid helps active families go electric
The new Ford S-MAX Hybrid – the only sports activity vehicle to offer seven seats and the refinement, efficiency and convenience of a full hybrid powertrain – is now available to order for customers across Europe, Ford announced recently.
Using innovative engineering to incorporate a fuel-efficient, petrol-electric powertrain into the sleek and versatile S-MAX body without compromising space, flexibility or the uniquely sporty driving experience, the new S-MAX Hybrid reduces CO2 emissions by more than 10% (WLTP) when compared with the equivalent EcoBlue diesel powertrain.
A combination of 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine, 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, electric motor and the latest generation of Ford’s power-split transmission enables an effortless driving and ownership experience that can help active families to reduce their CO2 emissions while enjoy more relaxing journeys. Electric power is intelligently deployed to support petrol engine fuel efficiency or deliver silent, pure-electric driving for short periods depending on the scenario.
Battery charge is automatically replenished by the petrol engine and by using regenerative charging technology when coasting or braking. With no need for owners to plug into an external power source, S-MAX Hybrid is designed to seamlessly fit into family life – always ready to deliver an electrified driving experience regardless of unpredictable schedules.
The stylish S-MAX Hybrid continues to blend sporty exterior styling with the practicality and flexibility of a people-mover. Easily configurable seating and load space combinations deliver up to 2,020 litres of load capacity behind the first row of seats.
“S-MAX is the original sports activity vehicle, and now the S-MAX Hybrid is the first and only vehicle in its class to offer pure-electric driving capability,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe.
“From a sporty, car-like driving experience to seats that fold flat at the push of a button, innovations that fit perfectly into family life have always been a big part of the S-MAX appeal. That makes the efficient and refined new hybrid powertrain a natural addition to the line-up.”
Ford is also offering for the first time a full hybrid variant of the Galaxy seven-seat people mover. The new Galaxy Hybrid utilises the same sophisticated petrol-electric powertrain as S-MAX Hybrid for diesel-rivalling fuel efficiency and optimised driving refinement.
ELECTRIC POWER WITHOUT THE CABLES
The new S-MAX Hybrid can continue to offer all the space and flexibility of existing S-MAX models by integrating its 60-cell lithium-ion battery within a crash absorbent, waterproof structure beneath the floor of the rear luggage space.
Electric power helps deliver the most refined S-MAX driving experience yet. Regenerative braking technology captures up to 90% of the energy normally lost during braking to help charge the battery.
Power is sent to an electric motor that can drive the front wheels on its own to pull away silently from a standstill. The motor can also deliver pure-electric driving for short periods, for ultimate refinement and zero-emission driving particularly in urban environments. The battery’s liquid cooling system eliminates the need for a cooling fan, helping further reduce noise levels inside the cabin.
The 190 PS powertrain delivers 0-100 km/h acceleration in 9.8 seconds. Smooth, linear acceleration complements S-MAX’s inherently sporty character and is supported by a redesigned motor-generator controller that seamlessly switches between pure-electric, hybrid and petrol power.
The full hybrid model’s Ford-developed power-split transmission also features a simulated gearshift function to further heighten the sporty driving experience. The system automatically adjusts engine rpm as the vehicle’s speed changes for greater driver engagement.
TECHNOLOGY TO TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF DRIVING
Intuitive features help drivers monitor and improve their fuel and energy efficiency using interfaces for the available 10-inch digital instrument display. Brake Coach encourages gradual braking to help return more energy to the battery, and EV Coach helps drivers understand when they are using electric or hybrid power.
Each S-MAX Hybrid occupant can enjoy connectivity on the move via the standard FordPass Connect modem that provides WiFi for up to 10 devices, and allows drivers to plan faster, less stressful journeys with Live Traffic updates for the navigation system.
In addition, FordPass Connect enables remote features including Door Lock Unlock, Vehicle Status and Vehicle Locator via the FordPass mobile app, as well as Ford’s sophisticated Local Hazard Information. The technology can inform drivers of a hazardous situation on the road ahead, even if the incident is not visible due to a bend in the road or other vehicles.
Making long journeys more comfortable for driver and front passenger, 4-way adjustable seats available for Titanium variants have the seal of approval from the leading spinal health organisation Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (the Campaign for Healthier Backs). The S-MAX Vignale Hybrid features heated and cooled, 10-way-adjustable, driver and front passenger seats with massage function.
All three second-row seats feature Isofix points for securely fitting child safety seats, and Easy Fold Seats for the second and third rows make it simple to maximise load space by individually folding them flat using a push-button control panel in the boot space.