For 2015 Ford takes their premium mid-size crossover and doubles down on dramatic styling and even more technological features than ever before. Going on sale early in 2015, the all-new Edge has several firsts for the company as it takes the model global.
Built on the same platform as the new Fusion, the 2015 Ford Edge is built in Canada and will be exported to over 100 markets around the world including Europe, South America, Asia as well as North America.
Styling is evolutionary of the current model but becomes more emotional and bold, with a grill and headlamps reminiscent of the latest Ford Taurus design. Lines and creases are more pronounced and the body more aerodynamic than before.
Coming in both front and all-wheel drive, the Edge has MacPherson struts up front and a new integral-link independent rear suspension with coil springs. Combined with an all new body structure some 26 percent stiffer, the new Edge should offer handling to satisfy buyers around the world.
The more aggressive Edge Sport will get 10% stiffer springs, 15 % stiffer anti-roll bars and heavy duty dampers. It comes with larger 20” wheels which afford sharper handling and grippier rubber as well.
Speaking of handling, the 2015 Edge will be the first to feature Ford’s new adaptive steering, which uses a steering wheel mounted gear motor to either add or subtract from your steering inputs. The steering ratio continually changes with vehicle speed Ford says, optimizing steering response in all situations.
We’ll have to drive it ourselves to get a read on whether this is a good or a bad thing. Adaptive steering will be standard on Edge Sport and available on the new top end Titanium series. Hopefully the system offers a switch to turn it off.
Two new engines come with the 2015 Edge including the first standard equipment EcoBoost. The lineup starts with an new twin-scroll 2.0 liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 245 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine while the same size as the current 2.0 EcoBoost is virtually an all-new power-plant for 2015.
All new is a 2.7 liter EcoBoost twin turbo V6 which will be standard in the Edge Sport. Also making its debut in the F-150 for 2015 this new engine will be the top option for the Edge with over 300 horsepower.
The normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 will be carried over and likely offered in mid-level models only. All engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission with standard steering wheel paddle-shifters. Nice.
Ford says careful attention to quality and fit was given in designing the new Edge’s interior so that things line up better than ever before. The dashboard and center console have been designed to look like one thin, streamlined piece.
There is a central 8” LCD touch screen with available Fords now obligatory SYNC with MyFord Touch. There’s a covered media bin on top of the center stack and a handy pass-through storage area beneath the climate controls.
Edge will continue to offer one of the largest sunroofs in the business which lights up an interior which is larger inside in almost all directions. This is afforded by a one inch longer wheelbase and and slightly larger proportions all around the body.
Available driver assistance systems are vast including adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, and lane keeping minders. Innovative is a new 180 degree front view camera which works in concert with the standard rear camera system.
Edge also gets the handy hands-free radar activated rear lift gate that has been popular on the Cmax and Escape. Move a leg below center of the rear bumper and the lift-gate unlock and raises.
Like the 2015 Mustang, Edge gets Fords new glove box knee airbag as well as inflatable rear safety belts to go along with its myriad of supplemental safety systems.
The all new 2015 Ford Edge will go on sale in the first quarter of 2015 with pricing and specifications for its four trim levels to be announced closer to launch.
