Photos courtesy of Ford
A first-ever ST performance model headlines the updates to the refreshed Ford Edge that will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week. This launch logically follows directly from that of its luxury sibling, the Lincoln Nautilus (formerly MKX), which made its debut at the Los Angeles auto show last November.
Like the Nautilus, the 2019 Edge will feature an updated grille, front fascia, and hood. Its standard 2.0L EcoBoost engine gets a five-horsepower bump in output, and Ford says it will be more fuel-efficient than the previous iteration (though to what degree hasn’t yet been specified). It’s now paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission with auto stop-start technology.
The new Edge also receives a new rotary-dial shifter, replacing the lever found in 2018 models and giving better access to the forward media bin, which now houses a wireless charging pad. FordPass Connect is standard on all models and adds Wi-Fi hotspot capability that can host up to 10 devices. With the FordPass app, drivers can start, lock, unlock, and locate their Edge using a smartphone.
Ford is also introducing some new and segment-exclusive safety features on the 2019 Edge as optional equipment, including: post-collision braking, which slows the vehicle down after an initial impact and potentially reduces further damage or injury in an accident; evasive steering assist, which aids the driver in steering around stopped or slower vehicles to avoid a collision; and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane centering.
Additional safety features are being incorporated as standard equipment, including forward collision warning with braking support, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot information with cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and hill-start assist.
All-new Edge ST
Following on the performance SUV trend, Ford is launching a Ford Performance-tuned Edge ST model for the first time in 2019.
Under the hood, a specially tuned 2.7L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 puts out 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, figures that Ford says make it the most powerful V6 engine in its class. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters – including a new sport mode with more aggressive throttle response and shifting patterns, sharper engine braking, and a beefier exhaust note – and standard all-wheel drive with selectable traction control. A performance brake package and ST-tuned sport suspension will also be available.
Unique styling cues include a wide mesh grille for optimal cooling, deep side skirts, a dual exhaust, plus exclusive 21-inch wheels, steering wheel, seat backs, and scuff plates.
Both the 2019 Edge and Edge ST will be built at the Oakville Assembly Plant and are due to arrive in showrooms this summer.
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