The legendary Ford Bronco has officially made its electric debut in China, hitting the market with a starting price of 229,800 yuan, which is about $32,640 USD. This 5-meter off-road SUV, brought to life through the JMC-Ford joint venture, is here to shake up the local new energy vehicle (NEV) crossover scene. It offers both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrains, packing a serious punch with up to 310 kW (416 hp) and an impressive suite of 31 advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) sensors.
Preorders kicked off on November 18, with pricing ranging from $32,640 to $40,160 USD (229,800 to 282,800 yuan), and now, sales are officially underway. This is big news, as Ford aims to carve out a significant slice of the competitive Chinese EV market.
More About the Electric Ford Bronco
Staying true to its rugged roots, the electric Ford Bronco keeps the iconic squared-off design language of the petrol-powered Bronco Sport. You’ll spot the large, distinctive headlights and for those serious off-road adventures, it boasts retractable headlights and a roof-mounted LiDAR unit. In terms of size, this beast measures 5025 mm long, 1960 mm wide, and 1825 mm tall, with a generous wheelbase of 2,950 mm. Ground clearance stands at a capable 220 mm, with approach and departure angles of 30° and 32° respectively. It looks ready to tackle some serious terrain right out of the box.
Inside, the electric Bronco is all about comfort and cutting-edge tech. It comfortably seats five, with the top trim spoiling rear passengers with electrically-powered heated seats, while front occupants enjoy both heating and ventilation. Cargo space is decent with 497 liters in the trunk, and the BEV variant even adds a handy 160-liter front trunk, perfect for stashing charging cables or extra gear.
The cabin is dominated by a crisp 15.6-inch central touchscreen, complemented by a digital instrument cluster and a massive 70-inch augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD) which truly changes the driving experience. For those long hauls or remote adventures, there is a 7.5-liter fridge. Audiophiles will appreciate the 21-speaker sound system, and safety is well covered with 10 airbags and a panoramic sunroof. Powering the infotainment is a snappy Snapdragon 8255 chip, while two Nvidia Orin X chips, boasting 508 TOPS of computing power, handle the impressive 31-sensor ADAS array. This means advanced self-driving features and robust safety systems, making every drive intuitive and secure.
Powertrain & Prices
Let’s talk power. The Ford Bronco BEV model is a dual-motor setup that delivers a combined 332 kW (445 hp). It’s juiced by a 105.4 kWh LFP battery pack giving it a very respectable 650 km CLTC range. For those who prefer a little extra peace of mind on longer journeys, the EREV variant steps in. It features a 1.5-liter internal combustion engine producing 110 kW (148 hp) that works with a 43.7 kWh BYD Blade battery. This setup provides 220 km of pure electric CLTC range, with the electric motors still kicking out 310 kW (416 hp) and a substantial mixed range of 1,220 km. This flexible powertrain approach highlights the diverse needs of Chinese consumers and Ford’s commitment to meeting them.
Here’s a quick rundown of the trims and their prices for the electric Ford Bronco:
- Ford Bronco EREV Beach Edition: 229,800 yuan (~$32,640 USD)
- Ford Bronco EREV Diamond Edition: 249,800 yuan (~$35,475 USD)
- Ford Bronco EREV Long-Beach Edition: 272,800 yuan (~$38,740 USD)
- Ford Bronco BEV Diamond Edition: 259,800 yuan (~$36,900 USD)
- Ford Bronco BEV Long-Beach Edition: 282,800 yuan (~$40,160 USD)
The electric Ford Bronco rolling into China demonstrates a clear strategic move from JMC-Ford to tackle the burgeoning NEV market. It blends iconic rugged design with modern electric powertrains and high-tech features, positioning it as a serious contender against local rivals. With its competitive pricing and versatile options, the Bronco is ready to electrify the Chinese off-road scene, offering a compelling package of performance, tech, and daily usability. This move also shows the ongoing innovation in China EV’s Market as foreign brands adapt to local preferences and technological advancements. Given the strong presence of companies like BYD, particularly their BYD Blade battery technology in the EREV model, it’s clear that collaboration and local insights are key to success. The continuous evolution in autonomous driving systems through partnerships such as those seen with Huawei’s ADAS systems, highlights how rapidly the automotive landscape is changing in China, influencing both local and international players. Volkswagen for instance is also investing heavily in Chinese EV tech for its future models. These dynamics are reshaping the industry, demonstrating a shift towards more advanced and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
