Ford's Edge model has already been a big success in the US, but with this concept version, it's going global. The second generation Edge, which this car closely previews, will come to Europe as part of Ford's One Ford set up, where all models are global cars.
The Edge Concept certainly looks the part, keeping many of the design cues of the current US-market model, but making everything seem bigger and brasher. We rather like it.
"The original Ford Edge offered customers in North America a fresh, compelling choice for an accommodating, efficient and safe utility vehicle," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. "The next-generation Ford Edge previewed here will build on these cornerstones to create a global vehicle with technology to make life easier, and design and craftsmanship to appeal to customers around the globe."
Driver-assist technologies and semi-automated features on the Ford Edge Concept hint at a future offering even more intelligent vehicles from Ford. These sensor-based technologies form the building blocks for the future of automated driving, which Ford (and a good few others) claims will help make driving safer and more efficient.
Fully Assisted Parking Aid is a prototype technology that builds on Ford's Active Park Assist feature to let customers park their vehicles at the touch of a button, or even by remote control. The system can find a perpendicular parking space using ultrasonic sensors and allows customers to wait until the vehicle has pulled out of a tight parking spot before entering.
Ford also has begun a research project designed to refine advanced Obstacle Avoidance systems. The research and development vehicle can issue warnings if it detects slow-moving objects or stationary obstacles in the same lane ahead and - if the driver fails to steer or brake following warnings - the system automatically steers and brakes the vehicle to avoid a collision.
That big grille also has Active Grille Shutters. The shutters automatically open and close to maintain ideal engine operating temperature and maximise aerodynamic efficiency. Unique air curtains on the lower part of the fascia guide air from the front of the vehicle, out through the front wheel wells and down the side of the vehicle.
"The Ford Edge Concept is the latest example of a utility vehicle that delivers the attributes global customers value most - design; fuel efficiency, driving dynamics, and customer-focused technology to help the driver feel more confident," Hinrichs said.
Anything else?
The Edge will go on sale in Europe in 2017, at around the same time as a much more iconic Ford nameplate finally makes an official journey eastwards across the Atlantic. That's right folks, we're getting the Mustang at last (and in right-hand drive too!) and Ford will be giving us our first sight of the all-new muscle car in just two weeks' time.