Ford’s Chinese division has introduced a seven-seater variant of the new second-generation Edge crossover.Designed specifically for the Chinese market, the family-friendly Edge is nearly identical to its five-seater counterpart from the tip of the front bumper to the B-pillar. Beyond that, it features a noticeably stretched wheelbase that allows designers to squeeze in a third row of seats.
One of the images hints that the China-spec Edge boasts a model-specific rear end, but the Blue Oval is keeping additional details under wraps until closer to the crossover’s market debut.
The seven-seater Edge is fitted with a 2.7-liter Ecoboost V6 engine that makes over 300 horsepower thanks in part to a direct fuel-injection system. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is available at an extra cost.
“Creating and producing the three-row Edge for China shows how carefully we are listening to our customers here. Our research indicates that premium SUV customers in China are looking for more space and comfort. By building on the global Ford Edge, we have been able to deliver that with this vehicle,” explained John Lawler, the president of Ford’s Chinese arm.
The seven-seater Edge is scheduled to go on sale across China in the next couple of months. Ford has not revealed whether or not the three-row crossover will eventually join the five-seater model in the Middle East, but we think it will.