New Ford e-Tourneo Custom electric MPV arrives for 2023
Van-based MPV offers up to 230 miles of range, diesel and PHEV models on way, too
There's a new Ford Tourneo Custom arriving in dealers in 2023, and Ford Pro - the company's new commercial vehicle division - has revealed details about the model line-up ahead of its launch.
The people carrier is based on the recently revealed all-new Transit Custom, and will come with the same electric, PHEV and diesel powertrains as the cargo model. The new model comes at an important time for Ford's line up - with the S-MAX and Galaxy MPVs discontinuing in 2023 with no direct replacements, the Tourneo Custom is the perfect fit for families looking for a practical multi-seater with more space than an SUV can provide.
The range is spearheaded by the new e-Tourneo Custom, which uses the same running gear as the e-Transit Custom. There's 125kW DC fast charging and a battery with 74kW of useable capacity, which offers a range of up to 230 miles on a full charge. The battery can be fully recharged in less than eight hours from an 11kW source, while DC charging can take the battery from 15-80 per cent capacity in 41 minutes. Ford boasts that the new model's charge profile 'front-loads' the energy, so a 125kW fast charge can add 23 miles of range in five minutes for quick top ups.
The battery is connected to a 215bhp electric motor that drives the front wheels, and one-pedal driving is on offer. There's a towing capacity of up to two tonnes and generous payload capacities, too, which should put the e-Tourneo Custom ahead of rivals such as the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and Stellantis Group electric vans like the Citroen e-Spacetourer and Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric.
Ford will offer standard and long-wheelbase versions of the new Tourneo Custom, and while diesel and PHEV versions will offer up to nine seats, the e-Toruneo Custom will be an eight-seater at maximum capacity. Six seats are fitted in the rear passenger compartment, and the new Tourneo Custom now comes with floor rails, which makes it easier to change seating layouts. The chairs all slide and fold individually, or can be removed completely, while the middle row can be mounted forwards or backwards. The seats are lighter than the previous model's chairs, too, making it easier to remove them.
Whichever powertrain you choose, the Tourneo Custom promises to deliver a more car-like passenger experience than before. As well as lots of space, there will be Isofix mounts on all three seats in the middle row, while the option of panoramic glass adds to the sense of space. Other clever kit includes power-operated sliding doors, a 14-speaker B&O sound system, three-zone climate control and multiple USB sockets, which can be powered by the e-Tourneo Custom's drive battery.
Trim levels will comprise luxury Titanium X, off road-inspired Active and racy Sport models, while kit such as 19-inch alloy wheels, man-made leather and matrix LED lighting will be offered. All trim levels will be available with electric, PHEV and diesel powertrains.
Ford Tourneo Custom PHEV
As well as all-electric drive, the Tourneo Custom will once again be offered as a plug-in hybrid. Ford offered a PHEV version of the previous Tourneo and Transit Customs, and has used knowledge gained from these models to produce the new version. This time around a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine replaces the old model's 1.0 EcoBoost unit, while an 11.8 kWh battery is fitted. Ford claims a range of 31 miles on electric drive, but the new hybrid set-up should ensure better fuel economy than the previous generation PHEV once the battery is spent.
Ford's range of Ecoblue diesels will also appear. These will come in 134bhp, 148bhp and 168bhp guises, and with a choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearboxes. Four-wheel drive will also be available on selected diesel models, while those without all-wheel drive can be had with a mechanical limited-slip diff. All models benefit from a suite of advanced safety kit, including intelligent adaptive cruise control with lane centring, park assist, reverse brake assist and 360-degree cameras, all of which make their debut on this generation Tourneo Custom.
Ford Pro will also offer plenty of connectivity options, courtesy of a standard-fit 5G modem. Owners will be able to remotely lock and unlock their vehicles, check fuel levels and other systems, as well as book servicing and maintenance via a smartphone app.
Now take a look at our favourite mid-size panel vans....