by The Ford Bronco family will soon be expanded with a new model, and the Chinese market will be the first to see it. A camouflaged SUV with Bronco logos has appeared on the roads of China, giving an idea of the future high-end model from Ford. This car is clearly different from the American version of the Bronco Sport and will become part of the local model lineup in China.
This mysterious SUV was featured in Ford’s latest product plan for China, presented last month. Although the official statement was quite cryptic, spy photos from Autohome have revealed some interesting details about a potential third model in the expanding Bronco family.
Design and Recognizable Elements
The new SUV has a boxy, robust design, reminiscent of numerous SUVs from China. The front headlights are executed in the style of the Bronco Sport, but without the characteristic round LED elements. From the side, round wheel arches, protruding door handles, and a vertical windshield with black pillars are noticeable, emphasizing the car’s bold appearance.
The rear end with a full-size spare tire and vertical taillights resembles the Land Rover Defender, but with modern details. The interior is recognizable as Bronco-style thanks to the logo on the leather steering wheel. Although part of the interior is hidden, a high-mounted center console with storage spaces and a separate multimedia system screen are visible.
Dimensions and Construction
Photo: Autohome
The exact dimensions of the model are not yet known, but it looks larger than the American version of the Bronco Sport (4387 mm). This could be Ford’s response to the demand from Chinese buyers for larger cars. For comparison, the five-door Bronco is 4800-4825 mm long.
Signs of a unibody construction are visible under the car, which fundamentally distinguishes it from the regular frame-based Bronco. It remains unclear whether the same architecture is used as in the Bronco Sport, Escape/Kuga, and Focus, or if Ford has developed something new for the Chinese version.
Details such as a closed-off radiator grille, aerodynamic wheel covers, and dual hatches on the rear fenders indicate the presence of a hybrid powertrain – this would be the first time for a model with the Bronco logo. It could be a plug-in hybrid or a vehicle with a range extender, as both options require a fuel filler port and a charging port.
The new Bronco is expected to be produced in China jointly with Changan or Jiangling Motors. Detailed specifications and images are expected to appear in China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) before the official start of sales.
