Ford has unveiled the second generation Edge crossover in the US in both LHD and RHD versions. While the first generation model was launched in 2006 for the US market only, the second generation model will be on sale in over 100 countries as part of the company’s ‘One Ford’ strategy and will tap into the SUV boom. Ford states that the 2015 Edge has been completely redesigned from scratch and is based on the global mid-size platform which also underpins the Fusion (Mondeo) sedan. A complete departure from the outgoing Edge SUV, the second generation model takes heavy inspiration from the Ford Edge concept, lending a sporty exterior to the SUV.
The 2015 Ford Edge sports a bold front fascia. The hexagonal grille coupled with wraparound large headlight clusters add to the visual appeal on the SUV. The bumper has been heavily revised and now sports daytime running LEDs that blend well into the design of the SUV. Keeping up with the muscular stance of the Edge, the side profile sports bold character lines. The shoulder line coupled with the lower belt line adds a lot of drama to the sides of the SUV, while the rear profile is easily the most aggressive feature on the SUV. The unconventionally arranged LED tail light cluster along with chrome finished exhaust tips and a black diffuser complete the athletic look on the SUV.
On the inside, the 2015 Edge isn’t too radically different from the outgoing model but gets a whole lot of updates and changes that refreshes the cabin for an all new look. The Edge now comes with a plethora of tech wizardry on board that improve passenger safety and comfort. The SUV is loaded with driver assist technologies like adaptive steering system, enhanced active park assist; adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support; 180-degree front camera with washer, glove box-mounted airbag system, blind spot information, inflatable rear safety belts and a hands-free lift gate.
The 2015 Ford Edge gets a reworked chassis that uses high-strength steel and makes the second generation model 26 percent stiffer than the outgoing version, while torsional rigidity has improved by 16 percent. The suspension has been redesigned and gets a new integral-link independent rear setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar that improves the ride quality and absorbs noise. The adaptive steering system also helps in efficient manoeuvring and also aids in fuel efficiency.
The 2015 Ford Edge will be available in four trims namely SE, SEL, Sport, and Titanium and will be powered by three engines globally. The Edge will use a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine that is expected to produce around 245 HP and 355 Nm of torque, which will be standard across all markets. There is also a 2.7-litre V6 EcoBoost engine that is estimated to make over 300 HP of power, while a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine will also be offered and could form the mid version. All engines will be mated to a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters, sending power to the front or all four wheels.
The 2015 Ford Edge promises to be major departure than the outgoing model and will cater an all new global audience. While the US launch is slated in early 2015, Ford will introduce the SUV in South America, Europe and the Asia Pacific later in the year. The Edge will be competing against the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and the Volkswagen Touareg in the segment. While Ford doesn’t have offerings in the luxury SUV space, the automaker could make its possible entry in India with the Edge in the future (not before 2017 though).
