The new Ford S-MAX Hybrid sports activity vehicle has gone on sale, offering seven-seat practicality with the refinement, efficiency and convenience of a full electric/petrol hybrid powertrain.

Priced within £625 of the equivalent diesel version for the sporty ST-Line version, the new
S-MAX Hybrid incorporates its powertrain into the sleek and versatile S-MAX body without compromising space, flexibility or being fun to drive and becomes the UK’s most affordable hybrid with seven seats.

The new S‑MAX Hybrid reduces CO₂ emissions by more than 10 per cent (WLTP) when compared with the equivalent EcoBlue diesel powertrain.¹

A combination of 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine, 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, electric motor and the latest generation of Ford’s power-split transmission enables an effortless driving and ownership experience that can help active families to reduce their CO₂ emissions while enjoying more relaxing journeys.

Electric power is intelligently deployed to support petrol engine fuel efficiency or deliver silent, pure-electric driving for short periods depending on the scenario.

Battery charge is automatically replenished by the petrol engine and by using regenerative charging technology when coasting or braking. With no need for owners to plug into an external power source, S-MAX Hybrid is designed to seamlessly fit into family life – always ready to deliver an electric power regardless of unpredictable schedules.

The stylish S-MAX Hybrid continues to blend sporty exterior styling with the practicality and flexibility of a people mover. Easily configurable seating and load space combinations deliver up to 2,020 litres of load capacity behind the first row of seats², and towing capacity is up to 1,560kg.³

“S-MAX is the original sports activity vehicle, and now brings even more appeal for a new generation of customers with pure-electric driving capability for the first time,” said Roelant de Waard, Ford’s European Passenger Vehicle general manager.

“From a sporty, car-like driving experience to seats that fold flat at the push of a button, innovations that fit perfectly into family life have always been a big part of the S-MAX appeal. That makes the efficient and refined new hybrid powertrain a natural addition to the line-up.”

Ford is also offering for the first time a full hybrid variant of the Galaxy seven-seat people mover. The new Galaxy Hybrid utilises the same sophisticated petrol-electric powertrain as S‑MAX Hybrid for diesel-rivalling fuel efficiency and optimised driving refinement. 

Electric power without the cables
The new Hybrid can continue to offer the Ford S-MAX’s acclaimed space and flexibility by integrating its 60-cell lithium-ion battery within a crash absorbent, waterproof structure beneath the floor of the rear luggage space.

The 1.1 kWh battery pack uses a liquid cooling system that allows the battery cells to be packaged closely together for greater space efficiency. A specially designed twin-exit exhaust system is routed around the battery to help accommodate its low position for maximum practicality. The configuration enables S-MAX Hybrid to accept loads up to almost one metre tall and more than one metre wide between the rear wheel houses. Even with all seven seats in place there is 285 litres of luggage space.²

Electric power helps deliver the most refined S-MAX driving experience yet. Regenerative braking technology captures up to 90 per cent of the energy normally lost during braking to help charge the battery. Power is sent to an electric motor that can drive the front wheels on its own to pull away silently from a standstill. The motor can also deliver pure-electric driving for short periods, for ultimate refinement and zero-emission driving particularly in urban environments. The battery’s liquid cooling system eliminates the need for a cooling fan, helping further reduce noise levels inside the cabin.

In addition, the electric motor works alongside the petrol engine to deliver from 43.5mpg fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions from 147g/km WLTP,⁴ making S-MAX Hybrid a compelling alternative to Ford’s EcoBlue diesel powertrains.

Gear selection is controlled using a stylish and ergonomic rotary gear shift dial that features an additional mode for maximising engine braking when towing or descending steep slopes, for more comfortable driving and maximum energy recuperation.

Technology to take the stress out of driving
Intuitive features help drivers monitor and improve their fuel and energy efficiency using interfaces for the available 10-inch digital instrument display. Brake Coach encourages gradual braking to help return more energy to the battery, and EV Coach helps drivers understand when they are using electric or hybrid power.

Each S-MAX Hybrid occupant can enjoy connectivity on the move via the standard FordPass Connect modem that provides WiFi for up to 10 devices,⁵ and allows drivers to plan faster, less stressful journeys with Live Traffic updates for the navigation system.⁶

In addition, FordPass Connect enables remote features including Door Lock Unlock, Vehicle Status and Vehicle Locator via the FordPass mobile app, ⁷ as well as Ford’s sophisticated Local Hazard Information. The technology can inform drivers of a hazardous situation on the road ahead, even if the incident is not visible due to a bend in the road or other vehicles. ⁸

Galaxy Hybrid offers first class travel
The new Ford Galaxy Hybrid is also now available to order, powered by the same 190PS petrol-electric powertrain as the S-MAX Hybrid.

Like the S-MAX Hybrid, the spacious Galaxy Hybrid continues to offer the full practicality of the rest of the Galaxy line-up, including more than one metre of head room for first- and second-row passengers and all three second-row seats having Isofix points for securely fitting child safety seats, plus 2,339 litres of cargo volume behind the first row of seats and 300 litres cargo volume with all seven seats in place. ² 

S-MAX Hybrid and Galaxy Hybrid and their lithium-ion battery packs are assembled at the company’s manufacturing facility in Valencia, Spain.