The new Ford Tourneo Custom people carrier range is set to arrive in the UK in the middle of next year, including all-electric and plug-in hybrid models that the manufacturer says are “ideal for journeys within city zero-emission zones.”
Sharing its foundations and front end looks with the E-Transit Custom, the electric E-Tourneo Custom is powered by the same 74kWh battery and 160kW electric motor pairing as its panel van sibling, producing 218hp and a promised electric range of 230 miles on a single charge.
By comparison, the expensive Mercedes-Benz EQV can muster 213 miles on a full battery, while the Citroën e-Spacetourer can travel a maximum of 136 miles without charging. Volkswagen’s all-electric ID. Buzz MPV does have nearly 30 miles more battery range than the E-Tourneo Custom, but is only available with seven seats maximum.
This eight-seater Ford is compatible with 125kW rapid charging, which allows the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in an estimated 41 minutes. A one-pedal driving mode is also available as standard, which the manufacturer says increases the car’s energy efficiency.
The people carrier sits on 19-inch alloy wheels. Matrix LED headlights and synthetic leather seats are available on range-topping ‘Titanium X’ models.
If you are not quite ready to make the all-electric switch, the Tourneo Custom range also includes 136hp, 150hp and 170hp diesel engine options (manual and automatic gearbox setups available), as well as a plug-in-hybrid model that is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, providing 31 miles of electric-only range.
The electric E-Tourneo Custom can tow up to 2,000kg on the road, but customers who opt for a diesel version will be able to pull trailers with weights up to 2,500kg. Buyers can opt for a retractable towbar for an additional fee, which can be hidden from view when not in use.
From 2024, the people carrier will be available with a ‘Digital Key’ system, which is inspired by hotel keycards. This card can be used to access the MPV in place of a traditional key fob, which Ford says “can benefit businesses who have multiple drivers using their vehicle.”
The height of the people carrier comes in at under two metres, for easier garage and multi-storey car park access. While electric versions are limited to a maximum of eight seats, diesel and plug-in hybrid models can be specced with a nine-seat configuration. This extra ninth seat can be added to the first row of seats just beyond the dashboard.
All models come with electronically-powered sliding doors (activated using a kicking motion) and integrated side steps. The second row of seats can swivel round to face the third row in a ‘conference’ layout, and the passenger airbag in the front has been moved from the dashboard to the roof to free up space for an extra storage cubby suitable for “A4 folder-sized items.”
Elsewhere on the dashboard, a 13-inch infotainment console compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay is fitted alongside a tilting steering wheel which first featured on the E-Transit van, which folds flat for use as a small table.
The people carrier also comes with vehicle-to-load power sockets that allow you to charge and power electrical devices like laptops, power tools and kettles. Safety assistance features include adaptive cruise control with lane centring, semi-autonomous parking assistance and a 360-degree parking camera.
Using the FordPass smartphone app, the driver can manage the people carrier’s charging (electric models only), remotely lock doors, and monitor the vehicle’s ‘health’ and security. All models also come with expedited parts delivery and digital support through the brand’s complimentary FordPro service.
That sums up what we know about the Ford E-Tourneo Custom so far – more details, such as UK pricing, will be announced in the coming months. Ford expects to deliver the first of these people carrier models to the UK in Summer 2023.
