Ford has announced two new electrified models – the new S-Max Hybrid and Galaxy Hybrid.
Set to be introduced at the start of 2021, the S-Max and Galaxy Hybrid models will be the first hybrid models within the seven-seat MPV sector and aim to offer an alternative to the traditional petrol and diesel engine options available currently.
The new models will be traditional hybrids, rather than plug-in options, and will feature a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine paired to an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery and a generator. No official efficiency and emissions data have been given yet, though it’s expected to be cheaper to run than the current EcoBlue diesel models, with Ford hoping that the models will emit less than 140g/km of CO2.
See Available Ford hybrid dealsThe models’ share the same powertrain as the new Kuga Hybrid, rather than the Mondeo Hybrid’s 2.0-litre engine, and produce 197bhp and 210Nm of torque. Ford is also promising that they’ll be useful for caravanners, with a 1,500kg towing capacity targeted.
Another interesting trait promised from the S-Max Hybrid and Galaxy Hybrid is that practicality and spaciousness will remain unchanged, with the former offering up to 2,200 litres of boot space and the larger Galaxy increasing this to 2,339 litres. The S-Max is available with five or seven seats, with the Galaxy coming as standard as a seven-seater.
All the new models will be produced at Ford’s Valencia manufacturing plant, which already produces Mondeo Hybrid variants. The firm has announced a further €42m (£35.8m) investment into the plant, too, which is largely going into a new battery assembly area that will begin production in September. Further money is also going into upgrading assembly lines, as well as supporting production of the Kuga Hybrid.