THE FORD E-TOURNEO CUSTOM FAMILY LUXURY BUS FOR SHORT JOURNEYS
The MPV has almost vanished from showroom. Consequently, large families are sometimes forced to turn to vans adapted for private use, including the electric Ford e-Tourneo Custom.
In the catalogue of the Ford Tourneo Custom, the version of the Transit Custom vanfor private use, there's an electric motor of 160 kW (218 hp) and 415 Nm. This is the variant we tested on Belgian roads. The interior configuration was for family gatherings with two rear benches facing each other thanks to the second-row swivel seats. With the parents in the front, the children can have fun in equally wide seats on sliding seats. This allows modulation of the boot according to the need for legroom or luggage space, which can be accommodated behind the second bench in a volume of 1200 l. In the habitable part, Ford has provided USB-C sockets at the rear, in the pillars of the sliding rear doors. Under a panoramic roof to drift away while watching the sky or the stars.
Posture
At the wheel of this 5.05m long vehicle, you're clearly in control of a converted van. The seating is upright, high, and the steering wheel requires large movements in tight bends, keeping an eye on the mirror to avoid scraping the sides of the vehicle.
Nevertheless, the roll is measured thanks to the battery under the floor. Ford has also made great efforts to offer a pleasant and comfortable driving experience in the Tourneo Custom by adapting the chassis for transporting people. On the motorway, despite a maximum speed limited to 130 km/h, it's comfortable right up to the limit.
And then, like in a car, beautiful digital screens provide instrumentation and infotainment. Shortcuts are provided for climate controls without having to navigate through menus. There are also some buttons on the console, particularly for accessing driving aids. Adding to this, the buttons on the steering wheel ensure everything is at hand.
Battery Powered
The electric motor of this van is powered by a 64 kWh usable battery. And therein lies a problem. Because with such road manners and 0 to 100 km/h in 9 seconds, you will want to travel far and wide. Yet, the experience will require a charging pause after less than 200km on the motorway! Even less in cold weather. Therefore, for winter sports, it will be difficult.
Moreover, with a maximum rapid charge power of 125 kW – a little less in fact, you will have to wait half an hour to set off again… for a little 150km! At least an hour for a full charge. Even with front and rear air conditioning set for a game of Werewolf during the break, it’s not ideal for holidays.
And still, that's without a roof box! That said, it might be unnecessary. Especially when not all seats are occupied. In two-person cargo mode, the total volume can reach 5000 litres. It's a shame. An 80 kWh battery could have allowed for 2-hour stints on the motorway. And in the city? The range could exceed 300km. The "official" WLTP range is 307km.
The budget
The price of this family vehicle starts at €66,592 in Belgium. For €67,802, you will have the longer version of 5.45m with even more boot space. In France, it's offered at under €65,000 for the standard L1 length and €1300 more for the L2. In Switzerland, the price list starts at 69,530 CHF. After that, you need to dress up the brawny vehicle. And here, you can have some fun. Thus, with the most luxurious Titanium X finish tested here, the price in Belgium rises to €73,247 (including VAT) with the short wheelbase. This is the version that offers, for example, USB-C ports at the rear. All this is without the optional panoramic roof.
(MH with Olivier Duquesne – Source: Ford – Pictures: © Olivier Duquesne)
