Today, FoMoCo pulled the covers off the first-ever 2021 Ford S-MAX Hybrid in Europe. Using innovative engineering to incorporate a fuel-efficient, gas-electric powertrain into the sleek and versatile S-MAX body without compromising space, flexibility, or its uniquely sporty driving experience, the new S‑MAX Hybrid reduces CO2 emissions by more than 10 percent (WLTP) when compared with the equivalent EcoBlue diesel powertrain.
The Ford S-MAX Hybrid is powered by a combination of The Blue Oval’s 2.5L Atkinson cycle gas engine, a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, an electric motor, and the latest generation of Ford’s power-split transmission. Electric power is intelligently deployed to support the gas engine’s fuel efficiency or to deliver silent, pure-electric driving for short periods of time. The battery’s charge is automatically replenished by the gas engine and by using regenerative charging technology when coasting or braking.
The S-MAX Hybrid continues to blend sporty exterior styling with the practicality and flexibility of a people mover. Easily configurable seating and loadspace combinations deliver up to 2,200 liters (78 cubic feet) of load capacity behind the first row of seats, while max towing capacity ranges from 1,560 kilograms (3,439 pounds) to 1,750 kilograms (3,858 pounds), depending on the variant.
“S-MAX is the original sports activity vehicle, and now brings even more appeal for a new generation of customers with pure-electric driving capability for the first time,” said Roelant de Waard, general manager, Passenger Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “From a sporty, car-like driving experience to seats that fold flat at the push of a button, innovations that fit perfectly into family life have always been a big part of the S-MAX appeal. That makes the efficient and refined new hybrid powertrain a natural addition to the line-up.”
Ford is also offering for the first time a full hybrid variant of the Galaxy seven-seat people mover. The new Galaxy Hybrid utilizes the same sophisticated gas-electric powertrain as S‑MAX Hybrid for diesel-rivaling fuel efficiency and optimized driving refinement.
The new S-MAX Hybrid continues to offer all the space and flexibility of existing S-MAX models in both five- and seven-seat variants by integrating its 60-cell lithium-ion battery within a crash absorbent, waterproof structure beneath the floor of the rear luggage space.
The 1.1 kWh battery pack uses a liquid cooling system that allows the battery cells to be packaged closely together for greater space efficiency. A specially designed twin-exit exhaust system is routed around the battery to help accommodate its low position for maximum practicality. The configuration enables S-MAX Hybrid to accept loads up to almost one meter (3.28 feet) tall and more than one meter wide between the rear wheel housings. With all seven seats in place, there are 285 liters (10 cubic feet) of luggage space available.
The S-MAX’s regenerative braking technology captures up to 90 percent of the energy normally lost during braking to help charge the battery. Power is sent to an electric motor that can drive the front wheels on its own to pull away silently from a standstill. The motor can also deliver pure-electric driving for short periods, while the battery’s liquid cooling system eliminates the need for a cooling fan, helping further reduce noise levels inside the cabin.
In addition, the electric motor works alongside the petrol engine to deliver from 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions from 146-147 g/km WLTP, making S-MAX Hybrid a compelling alternative to the Ford EcoBlue diesel powertrains family.
The 190 PS (187 horsepower) powertrain delivers 0‑100 kilometers-per-hour acceleration in 9.8 seconds, while a redesigned motor-generator controller seamlessly switches between pure-electric, hybrid, and petrol power.
The full hybrid model’s Ford-developed power-split transmission also features a simulated gear-shift function to further heighten the sporty driving experience. The system automatically adjusts engine rpm as the vehicle’s speed changes for greater driver engagement.
Gear selection is controlled using a rotary gear shift dial that features an additional mode for maximizing engine braking when towing or descending steep slopes, for maximum energy recuperation.
Intuitive features help drivers monitor and improve their fuel and energy efficiency using interfaces for the available 10-inch digital instrument display. Brake Coach encourages gradual braking to help return more energy to the battery, and EV Coach helps drivers understand when they are using electric or hybrid power.
Each S-MAX Hybrid occupant can enjoy connectivity on the move via the standard FordPass Connect modem that provides WiFi for up to 10 devices and allows drivers to plan faster, less stressful journeys with Live Traffic updates for the navigation system.
In addition, FordPass Connect enables remote features including Door Lock Unlock, Vehicle Status, and Vehicle Locator via the FordPass mobile app, as well as Ford’s sophisticated Local Hazard Information. The technology can inform drivers of a hazardous situation on the road ahead, even if the incident is not visible due to a bend in the road or other vehicles.
inside, 18-way adjustable seats are available for Trend and Titanium variants and have the seal of approval from the leading spinal health organization Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (the Campaign for Healthier Backs). The S‑MAX Vignale Hybrid features heated and cooled, 10-way-adjustable, driver and front passenger seats with massage function.
All three second-row seats feature Isofix points for securely fitting child safety seats, and Easy Fold Seats for the second and third rows make it simple to maximize load space by individually folding them flat using a push-button control panel in the rear cargo area. Available hands-free tailgate technology also makes it easy to access that space while carrying grocery bags, packages, or toddlers.
The new Ford Galaxy Hybrid is also now available to order, powered by the same 190 PS petrol-electric powertrain as the S-MAX Hybrid. Offering standard seating for seven passengers, the Galaxy Hybrid is available in Trend, Titanium, and V-Line trims that deliver fuel efficiency from 6.4-6.5 l/100 kilometers, CO2 emissions from 148-149 gallons/km WLTP, and 0‑100 kilometer-per-hour acceleration in 10.0 seconds.
Like the S-MAX Hybrid, the Galaxy Hybrid continues to offer the full practicality of the rest of the Galaxy line-up, including more than one meter of headroom for first- and second-row passengers, 2,339 liters (82.6 cubic feet) of cargo volume behind the first row of seats, and 300 liters (10.6 cubic feet) of cargo volume with all seven seats in place.
“Our new S-MAX Hybrid and Galaxy Hybrid are just two of 17 electrified vehicles Ford is introducing for customers in Europe by the end of this year,” de Waard said. “We’re offering a range of electrified powertrains from mild hybrid to all-electric, meaning every customer can find the right model to suit their lifestyle.”
S-MAX Hybrid and Galaxy Hybrid and their lithium-ion battery packs are assembled at the Ford Valencia Assembly Plant in Valencia, Spain.
We’ll have more on the S-MAX and Galaxy Hybrid soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford S-MAX news and 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comment
Seems to be that Galaxy remains the only one without competition (VW give up Sharan/Alhambra) specially looking at best interior to exterior size ratio and when you need to be below certain wlpt level with reasonable HP number. New Zafira Life might be dangerous and PSA but I have not checked newest offer yet.