Ford's Upcoming Crossover EV Is, Apparently, All the Things You Need to Be

Ford’s all-electric performance crossover, bound for a 2020 debut, is a model without a definite name that remains shrouded in mystery. It isn’t known whether this supposedly “Mustang inspired” crossover (Ford’s claim) is at all different than the 300-mile crossover EV promised by Ford as part of its electrified vehicle push. They could be one and the same. Or, one is a go-fast variant of the other.

Right now, all we know is that Ford garnered plenty of backlash for calling the thing the Mach 1 at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, where the automaker released a video depicting an ominous storm swirling over the Motor City and a lightning strike melding an Explorer and Mustang into something new and unseen (Ford’s “Team Edison” offices in Corktown served as the birthplace of the new model).

For what it’s worth, there’s now a new description of the vehicle that’s sure to get your brain working.

According to Mike Martinez of Automotive News, Ford’s president of global markets, Jim Farley, offered up a vision of the 2020 crossover during a recent sit-down with J.P. Morgan in Los Angeles.

Speaking about the vehicle, Farley said we should “imagine a vehicle with the profile of a Porsche Cayenne and the swagger of a four door Mustang,” Martinez tweeted.

Given that the Cayenne is a pretty traditional-looking utility vehicle, Farley’s comment suggests there won’t be a swept-back, coupe-like vehicle serving as the answer to every well-monied green buyer’s prayers. It also suggests the 300-mile crossover, rumored to carry the “Model E” name, and the would-be Mach 1 are the same vehicle. Don’t bet your whole paycheck on seeing either name on the liftgate, either. Ford remains — at least publicly — non-committal on both monikers.

In March, CEO Jim Hackett implied the upcoming crossover wouldn’t occupy the same space as lesser-ranged EV crossovers like the Hyundai Kona Electric and its Kia counterpart. Tesla Model X-beating range carries a hefty price tag, and there’s more money at the top end of the market, anyway. The automaker wants its EV sales fueled as much by performance cred as environmental sympathy.

It’s looking like the Model E, Mach 1, or whatever Ford eventually calls this thing, will go head to head with the likes of the Jaguar I-Pace, though likely at a somewhat lower price point.

[Image: Ford/ YouTube]