The new 2015 Ford Edge adopts the same C/D platform as the maker's Fusion sedan.
Ford hopes to maintain its Edge when it launches an all-new version of its midsize crossover later this year, the 2015 Ford Edge marking the nameplate’s debut in the European market.
The new crossover-utility vehicle, originally introduced for the 2007 model-year, the Edge quickly gained traction in the booming U.S. CUV market, and it has been a major factor in Ford’s rapid growth in China. Now, the maker hopes to repeat that success in Europe as it launches an all-new version of the Edge that it boasts is more refined, more powerful and more fuel efficient.
The new Edge also serves as the latest example of retiring CEO Alan Mulally’s One Ford strategy, the 2015 crossover migrating to a new platform that it shares with a variety of other key Ford products including the midsize Fusion sedan, the 4-door European Mondeo and S-Max people-mover, as well as the latest version of the Lincoln MKZ.
The new model has been improved in “every way,” boasted Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s President of the Americas, during a preview of the new crossover at the maker’s Product Development Center in Dearborn, Michigan.
A closer look at the new Edge "face."
The basic shape of the new model – with its short hood, wide stance and angular rear glass – will be familiar to fans and owners of the new Edge. That said, Ford has made a number of visual changes, starting with the “face” of the 2015 model. It now adopts the hexagonal shape seen on other recent Ford models, such as the Fusion, while maintaining the chrome crossbars found on the prior Edge.
The headlights, meanwhile, now gain LED accent lights that have become industry shorthand for more premium products. The rear lights now are LED, as well. There’s more chrome and satin-finish, too, noted Ford’s global design chief Moray Callum, suggesting the overall look is “more athletic, more sculpted.”
A significant amount of effort went into the 2015 crossover’s aerodynamics, said Callum, down to such subtle details as fins on the mirrors and other components to better direct wind flow. Some versions of the new Edge also will get air curtains, a system that helps direct wind around the front wheels to reduce aerodynamic drag.
(Gamers will go up against racing pros when Ford launches new Focus ST this weekend. Click Hereto find out more.)
The new Edge tailgate will automatically open when it senses the driver's foot waggling under the bumper.
The 2015 Ford Edge grows slightly in almost every dimension but width – where it shrinks 0.1 inches to 75.9 in. It gains 3.9 inches, at 188.1 inches in length, with the wheelbase stretching an inch, to 112.2 inches. It also grows 1.6-inches in height, to 68.6 in. Passenger volume expands to a segment-leading 113.9 inches, while cargo capacity jumps to 39.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and a maximum 113.9 cubic feet – increases of 7.0 and 5.5 cf, respectively.
Inside, the new 2015 Edge also has been moved a bit up-market, at least in terms of design. There are new premium materials, including chrome and satin accents, as well as soft-touch finishes and more storage nooks and crannies.
That includes one atop the instrument panel, said interior design chief Hak Soo Ha, who noted that the new crossover benefits from Ford’s effort to satisfy buyers around the world. Europeans wanted more storage, he explained, while Chinese buyers demanded “a lot more comfort and features in the back seat.”
The 2015 Edge is bigger in nearly every dimension, both inside and out.
The original Edge was the first Ford model to get the MyFordTouch infotainment interface, a feature that generated a mix of positive and negative owner feedback. One key change for 2015 is the addition of more “hard” buttons and knobs, such as those to control volume and seat heaters. Meanwhile, Ha revealed that when the next-generation MyFordTouch interface is released, 2015 Ford Edge buyers will either be able to update the technology themselves or go to a dealer for a quick software upgrade.
As with the outgoing model, Ford maintains a three-engine powertrain line-up in the U.S., but the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four goes away, as does the old 3.7-liter V-6. The 3.5-liter V-6 is carried over as an option but the big news is the availability, for 2015, of two EcoBoost engines, a TwinScroll turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 that becomes the new base engine, and the 2.7-liter turbo engine that will power the 2015 Ford Edge Sport.
The maker plans to release horsepower and fuel economy numbers closer to launch but did note that with a new, optional package, even the base car can tow up to 3,500 pounds – and the 2.0-liter EcoBoost will be available with all-wheel-drive now in base trim.
Ford global design chief Moray Callum, product boss Raj Nair and President Joe Hinrichs with the 2015 Edge.
In Europe, where the Edge will go on sale late next year, two diesels will be available. Ford officials, meanwhile, would not discuss plans for a hybrid version, though one is rumored under development.
The 2015 Ford Edge will feature an expanded range of technologies, including a number of new safety features such as Adaptive Steering which will adjust both its effort and ratio to driving conditions, such as vehicle speed. There’s a new Collision Mitigation system that can begin to brake the vehicle if it spots a potential collision. There are new, inflatable seatbelts in the back row, and a new Knee Airbag system that pops out of the glovebox to keep the front passenger from “submarining” in the event of a crash.
(Ford debuts unique new knee airbag system. Click Here to learn more about it.)
The 2015 Edge gets more storage, more refined materials, and real buttons for key functions.
Ford is betting big on the 2015 Edge, which is the dominant vehicle in the segment in the U.S. In China, meanwhile, it has grown from 1% of its segment to 5.5% in barely a year after launch. “If we could make more, we could sell more in China,” said global marketing chief Jim Farley.
(Toyota, Ford, GM top new safety “watch list.” Click Here to find out why.)
Now, Ford is anticipating it can ride the growing demand for crossover-utility vehicles in Europe, according to Farley.
CUV buyers have traditionally stretched more than those in most passenger car segments in order to buy a vehicle like the Edge – typically spending 40% of disposable income on the Ford CUV, 10 points more than for the Fusion sedan, Farley noted.
That’s the sort of profitable position Ford clearly hopes to maintain as it brings the 2015 Edge to market.
(Despite concerns, Ford says launch of aluminum F-150 “going well.” Click Here for the latest.)