Ford has revealed a handsome, electric version of the Explorer with a much cleaner design than that of the Mustang Mach-E. Whereas both vehicles are thankfully absent of the sharp-crease frenzy that plagues the design of other brands, this electric Explorer eschews the Mach-E's endless exploratory surface changes with longer unbroken gestures that actually allow you to read the entire vehicle as a form.
Thankfully, Ford is continuing the now-popular trend of releasing the design renders along with the press photos, so we can see the design team's original intent:
The interior renderings feature an anime-like style--line drawings that have been filled in—that I've not often seen from the automotive sector:
I think the translation from render to sheet metal came out remarkably well:
Sure, it gets a little busy around the C-pillar (an area that I think most manufacturers would do well enough to leave alone--everyone tries to provide visual distractions from the beefy pillar required for rollover safety) and the rear end could use a little unifying, but we've all seen worse.
Interestingly, that gigantic touchscreen actually slide-rotates upwards to provide access to the storage compartment beneath it:
This version of the Explorer was engineered in Germany, where it will be built; it was designed specifically for the European market. Surprisingly, SUVs are selling increasingly well in Europe; Statista reports that 1 in 10 German motorists drive an SUV, and in Norway, Belgium and Switzerland the number is closer to 1 in 5.
Detailed specs from Ford are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
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Comments
I believe it's quite common to produce renders after the design is set, to give exactly this impression; That the manufactures have managed to keep it very close to the conceptual idea. Just look through the press packs when cars are launched..
I know that everyone's wind tunnel will say the same thing so car designs tend to be similar but the resemblance to the Range Rover Evoque is uncanny.