The new Ford Capri only retains the name of that legendary "scoundrel" coupe: now it is an electric SUV with sporty features

Technical sheet Ford Capri Premium Extended Range RWD 286 HP

Engine: Electric 210 kWRange: 598 kmMaximum power: 286 hpTorque: 545 NmGearbox: Aut. 1 speedTraction: RearAcceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.4 secondsMaximum speed: 180 km/hCombined consumption: 14.6 kWh/100 km (WLTP)CO2 emissions: 0 g/km (WLTP)DGT label: ZEROLength/width/height: 463/187/162 cmBoot: 567-1505 litersWeight: 2,114 kgWarranty: 3 years kmPrice: 48,089 eurosford.es

The "lack of personality" of many electric vehicles is often pointed out; completely new models appear on the market, and some criticize them for lacking a past and a certain tradition to sustain and support their future trajectory. In short, they often emphasize the need for some kind of "hook" or emotional argument to "connect" with the public and their potential new customers.

To counter this phenomenon, many manufacturers have opted to "resurrect" historic models, evolving and adapting their features to changing times. This kind of commercial revival is achieved—with varying degrees of success and skill, depending on the case—by successfully evoking features or elements reminiscent of the model it's inspired by, or by remaining more or less faithful to the original design. There are highly successful reinterpretations (such as the new Renault 5 ) but also other, less successful homages, whether stylistically or conceptually.

Ford already did something similar with the Mustang Mach-e , its first electric SUV, which it decided to back with aesthetic features of the Detroit firm's quintessential icon—with permission from the Ford Model T. The legion of fans of the legendary sixties muscle car didn't look kindly on giving a name as legendary as Mustang to a vehicle that had little (or nothing) to do with the revered American classic. Ford's next electric SUV adopted, at least, the name of a previous off-roader: the Explorer.

The new Ford Capri shares many elements and components with the Explorer, except for its exterior appearance.

And in the case of the new Capri, recently revived by the Blue Oval brand, Ford has once again stirred some controversy, as an electric SUV has once again been named after another of the brand's beloved sports cars: the Capri. In defense of its creators, it's a coupe-style electric SUV with a fastback body that does resemble the original combustion-powered Capri , which was in production from 1969 to 1986.

Its shapes clearly evoke and appeal to a greater sportiness compared to the traditional SUV concept of the Explorer, with which it shares many elements and components except for its exterior appearance. The new Capri presents considerable dimensions: 4.63 meters long, 1.87 meters wide, and 1.63 meters high. It is 16.6 centimeters longer than an Explorer, and almost the same width and height. The truth is that seeing it in person is much different than any other photograph, revealing a much more resounding and imposing presence.

The coupe configuration adds to its larger visual footprint by providing a significantly larger trunk: 567 liters, expandable to 1,505 liters, compared to the Explorer's 470 liters (1,460 liters with the seats folded down). These volumes make its cargo compartment one of the most capacious in its segment and, along with its long range, position it as an optimal candidate among the best-equipped electric SUVs for road trips.

Inside, the similarities with its "sibling" in the range, the Explorer, are also evident. The dashboard design is almost identical except for elements such as the square-shaped steering wheel and other minor details, while the undisputed center of attention in the cabin is its enormous 14.6" multimedia screen. It is positioned vertically and has the unique feature of being able to move to vary its angle. This allows for a hidden and secure storage space (My Private Locker), access to which is blocked when the car is locked.

The top-of-the-range model, with all-wheel drive, has a total power of 340 hp and reaches a range of 592 km.

The test unit was the 286 hp Extended Range RWD version, which boasts a certified range of 598 km or up to 627 km in the city. The range includes an entry-level version with standard range and a 170 hp rear-wheel drive version with a range of 393 km. The top-of-the-range model, with all-wheel drive thanks to its two electric motors and a total output of 340 hp, achieves a range of 592 km. Each of the three engine versions is offered in either the base or Premium trim levels, the latter being the more well-equipped version tested.

Despite the official figures, we set off with a 99% charge and an estimated range of 456 km. After a short time on the road, and following efficient and sedate driving, the range increased to 552 km without dropping below 99%. After covering 100 km, with constant acceleration and a high and sustained pace, the accumulated energy dropped to 49% and the range to 221 km. The final part of the journey took place on winding mountain roads, which were quite demanding in order to test its dynamic qualities. The final result after completing 170 km was a 44% energy reserve, 191 km remaining, and an average consumption of 23.8 kWh/100 km.

High-dynamic-intensity electric SUV

The Capri, weighing almost 2,200 kg (4,000 lbs) in running order, is not a light vehicle, and its inertia is obviously noticeable, even under extreme braking. Obviously, its handling can't be expected to be like that of a smaller, taller passenger car; however, its sporty handling and dynamic capabilities are a pleasant surprise.

It perfectly handles sudden accelerations, even though all the power is directed toward the rear wheels. It also tolerates rapid weight shifts well; cornering is very stable and balanced; its steering precision is more than optimal; and the driving sensations when "on the attack" are very positive: agility, safety, speed, consistency, control, and confidence at all times. In short, a convincing performance with satisfactory reactions, both in moments of high stress for its components and when driving calmly, slowly, and quietly.

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There's no doubt that the innate skill of Ford technicians when it comes to fine-tuning the chassis and suspension of their vehicles (which achieved excellence in passenger cars with the ST and RS acronyms) remains evident and is also evident in the brand's new generation of electric SUVs, even though these vehicles have very different architecture and purpose. Once again, as almost always, the official price of €48,000 is, at the very least, a "disincentive" to making the leap to electric as the sole solution for home mobility.