Ford's China-Exclusive Bronco EREV: A Promising Glimpse into Electrified Adventure

Daily Car

19/12/2025

Ford has launched an electrified version of its iconic Bronco, but exclusively for the Chinese market. The Bronco New Energy, available as a full EV or an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) with a gasoline generator, aims to capture the growing demand for nature-oriented vehicles in China. Initial reviews suggest Ford is finally taking the Chinese market seriously with this new offering.

Key Takeaways

The China-only Bronco New Energy is available in both full EV and EREV variants.
Pricing starts at approximately $32,500 for the base EREV model in China.
The vehicle is a product of Ford's joint venture with Jiangling Motors (JMC).
Early reviews highlight innovative features like a camper-style elevating roof.
Performance and refinement in EREV mode received mixed feedback compared to competitors.

A New Direction for Ford in China

The Bronco New Energy is positioned to compete with popular models from BYD, Nio, and Jetour, targeting Chinese consumers increasingly interested in outdoor activities. This electrified crossover is a departure from Ford's global EV strategy, which has seen some cancellations in other markets. The EREV variant, featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with a 43.7 kWh battery, is particularly noteworthy as this powertrain is gaining traction in China.

Design and Features

While styled to resemble the U.S. Bronco and Bronco Sport, the Bronco New Energy shares little mechanically with its American counterparts, relying heavily on JMC's engineering. A standout feature, praised by early reviewers, is its innovative camper-style elevating roof, which adds significant appeal for weekend getaways and camping enthusiasts. The vehicle is equipped with electric motors driving both axles, offering a combined power output of 415 horsepower in the EREV model.

Performance and Refinement

Initial driving impressions from Chinese media, such as the YouTube channel Telescope, indicate a generally positive reception for the Bronco New Energy's ergonomics and features. However, the EREV model's performance in off-road conditions was somewhat hampered by a low battery state of charge during testing, forcing the gasoline engine to constantly work to maintain power. This resulted in the engine's output limiting the vehicle's overall performance. On regular roads, while the EV mode is smooth, the EREV mode exhibited more noticeable noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) compared to leading competitors like Li Auto's range-extended SUVs.

Future Prospects

Despite some areas for improvement in refinement, the Bronco New Energy is seen as a potentially strong contender in China's competitive market. It represents Ford's effort to develop bespoke solutions for China rather than simply exporting global models that may not resonate. While unlikely to be released in the U.S. due to development by a Chinese joint venture and potential regulatory hurdles, this electrified Bronco signals a promising new strategy for Ford in adapting to evolving market demands.

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