While the Ford Mondeo has faded from showrooms in Europe and North America, it’s being reborn in China with a tech-forward attitude that could teach some EVs a thing or two. The iconic sedan isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving, and the latest version from the Changan Ford joint venture is proof that internal combustion cars are adapting to a market obsessed with digital flash. Set to launch on December 4 after a debut at the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show, this isn’t your dad’s Mondeo.
A Sharper Suit for a Familiar Name
Ford didn’t just slap a new screen in and call it a day. The updated Mondeo gets a sleeker, more aggressive look. It sits lower and wider, with a restyled front grille that still feels distinctly Ford. The roofline now flows into a slick fastback profile, giving it a much sportier stance. Touches like blacked,out roof and window frames, hidden door handles across all trims, and Ford’s signature three,bar graphic in the taillights complete the modern makeover. It looks taut, athletic, and ready to shed its old reputation as a predictable family hauler.
A Cabin Dominated by a Stunning Wall of Tech
The real story is inside. The dashboard is dominated by a massive 1.1,meter,wide screen that combines a digital instrument cluster and a 27,inch 4K central display into a single, sweeping panel. This is the kind of hardware you’d expect to see in a high,end EV, not a mainstream sedan.
Powering this impressive display is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8155 chip, the same silicon found in many of China’s most popular electric vehicles. This ensures the latest SYNC+ infotainment system runs smoothly. The system integrates Gaode (Amap) navigation and supports wireless Apple CarPlay, so connectivity is seamless. Ford also included STR quick,start technology to cut down on system wake,up times, a small but significant quality,of,life improvement. The interior feels less like a car and more like a mobile command center, complete with a floating center console and an upgraded 540,degree panoramic camera system.
Power and Practicality
Under the hood, the new Mondeo gets a welcome power boost. It’s equipped with a 2.0,liter EcoBoost engine mated to an eight,speed automatic transmission, but output is now cranked up to a healthy 261 horsepower and 408 Nm of torque. That’s a noticeable jump from previous versions, promising robust acceleration that should make it feel surprisingly lively on the road.
While some earlier variants offered a 1.5T hybrid option, the December 4 launch focuses squarely on this upgraded 2.0T powertrain. It seems Changan Ford is positioning the Mondeo as a performance,oriented choice in the midsize combustion sedan segment.
Despite the focus on tech and performance, the Mondeo hasn’t forgotten its practical roots. It remains a comfortable five,seater with generous rear legroom and a huge panoramic sunroof that measures nearly a square meter. Cabin storage has also been improved, now offering 47.5 liters of space for everyday items. It’s a compelling package that proves legacy automakers can still deliver excitement by embracing the tech,first mentality of the Chinese market. For those outside of China, a version of this car is even sold in the Middle East as the Ford Taurus.
