What would a modern and technologically advanced SUV look like if it was designed primarily for the Chinese market? Something much like the new Ford Evos, the American brand would probably argue.
Taking the form of a larger, coupe-inspired SUV of the kind that’s all the rage these days, the Ford Evos is the first Ford created under the company’s ‘China 2.0’ plan. It was developed by a largely China-based team, using a design philosophy that centres around that country’s preferred aesthetics. Although it might appear to be a China-only model, there are rumours that the Evos – or something similar to it – could replace the Mondeo and Fusion D-segment cars in other markets around the world. Ford has yet to confirm this though.
The technology certainly sounds impressive. Inside the new Ford Evos you’ll find a 1,1 metre-wide horizontal screen, housing an infotainment system that’s powered by the manufacturer’s Sync+ 2,0 operating system. The ultra-wide screen allows front passengers to use various functions, either to help navigate or to enjoy entertainment content on long journeys.
Making use of artificial intelligence, the operating system also features Ford’s first Virtual Personal Assistant, which was designed to provide an “emotional and personalised” human-machine interface experience. Like the Mustang Mach-E, the Evos can receive over-the-air software updates, and owners can purchase customised content through on-demand subscription services.
The Evos is available with Ford’s BlueCruise technology, which is a Level two semi-autonomous driving system that allows for hands-free driving on certain pre-qualified sections of divided highway.
There’s no word yet on what powers the new Evos, but given that Ford hasn’t labelled it as an electric car, it’s safe to assume that it makes use of internal combustion engines, likely with some form of electrical assistance.
“The all-new Ford Evos not only represents a step forward in creating high-end products around customer experience to address the diverse needs of Chinese customers, but is also a pioneering vehicle demonstrating our next-generation intelligent features that herald the future development direction of Ford vehicles in China,” said Ford China CEO Anning Chen.
But only time will tell whether this advanced new SUV is destined for other world markets.
