Stepping away from its American roots, the Ford Capri has been reborn in Europe, not as the sporty coupe it once was, but as a sleek electric SUV.
This new Capri shares its underpinnings with the European Ford Explorer EV, built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, which also supports numerous electric vehicles from Audi, Cupra, Škoda, and Volkswagen.
Originally a European fastback coupe designed in the late 1960s, the Capri enjoyed a successful 18-year run with nearly 2 million units sold. Ford hopes to recapture that magic with this modern electric take on a beloved classic.
Similar to their successful revival of the Maverick nameplate in North America, the Capri represents a bold reimagining of a historic Ford icon. While the American Explorer continues as a gas-powered SUV, Europe gets a unique electric version built in Germany and sized as a compact crossover.
Built-in Germany, the Explorer EV faces stiff competition, particularly from Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3 which boast lower starting prices.
While the Explorer EV offers a distinctly American character, its higher cost might be a hurdle. Similarly, the Capri’s unique design comes at a premium compared to the closely related Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5.
Both Ford models boast extended-range configurations and appealing aesthetics, but their success hinges on Ford’s ability to adjust pricing strategies across Europe.
