Suffolk &amp; Cambs

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="953" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/ford-explorer-in-ipswich.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42393" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/ford-explorer-in-ipswich.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/ford-explorer-in-ipswich-800x508.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/ford-explorer-in-ipswich-1000x635.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/ford-explorer-in-ipswich-400x254.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



The All-Electric Ford Explorer launched in the UK earlier in 2024 and we were so keen to see it we went to check out the prototype at John Grose Ipswich before it was even allowed to set wheel on a UK road (<a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/home/cars/muddy-stilettos-review-all-electric-ford-explorer/">read our in-depth review of the car&#8217;s features here</a>). Happily now you can actually get your hands on one of these beauties and drive her (silently) away from the Ipswich showroom. But first, let&#8217;s find out if she&#8217;s as good as she looks and if there&#8217;s plenty of substance to go with the style. 



Keen to see if this electric car could deliver the promise of her adventurous name, we took her for an explore over a whole weekend – testing the car on dual carriageways, tiny country roads, bumpy car parks, and obstacle-filled town streets as well as in all weathers, from glaring September sunshine to pouring rain. Safe to say we pushed the battery range to the max too, heading from East Suffolk to South Cambridgeshire and back again without charging. 



Fancy coming for an explore? Here&#8217;s what we thought&#8230;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-day-1">DAY 1</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2487" height="2560" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/front-view-of-ford-explorer-scaled.jpg" alt="front view of the electric ford explorer" class="wp-image-42403" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/front-view-of-ford-explorer-scaled.jpg 2487w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/front-view-of-ford-explorer-777x800.jpg 777w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/front-view-of-ford-explorer-971x1000.jpg 971w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/front-view-of-ford-explorer-389x400.jpg 389w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/front-view-of-ford-explorer-1492x1536.jpg 1492w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/front-view-of-ford-explorer-1989x2048.jpg 1989w" sizes="(max-width: 2487px) 100vw, 2487px" /></figure>



I parked up my gas guzzler diesel car next to array of gorgeous electric vehicles in the John Grose Ipswich car park feeling rather guilty, but also a bit wary about whether an all-electric vehicle could really keep up with my manic on-the-road family lifestyle. After a very slick handover in the John Grose showroom, where you&#8217;ll find lovely, efficient and welcoming staff who are trained to deal with both petrol heads and complete car novices alike, I was shown my beautiful new wheels. 



It&#8217;s a brilliantly intuitive car so after a few quick instructions I was able to drive it away confidently, although I was initially surprised at how responsive it was compared to any car I&#8217;ve driven before. A light touch on the accelerator and I was off, completely silently! Over the course of the weekend this became one of my favourite features – allowing me to quickly move off from roundabouts and when at T-junctions. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1121" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/all-electric-Ford-Explorer.jpg" alt="electric Ford Explorer with Orwell Bridge in background" class="wp-image-42392" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/all-electric-Ford-Explorer.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/all-electric-Ford-Explorer-800x598.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/all-electric-Ford-Explorer-1000x747.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/all-electric-Ford-Explorer-400x299.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



In the spirit of exploring I wanted to head somewhere I&#8217;d never been before so popped to The Suffolk Food Hall in Wherstead right next to the Orwell Bridge and river. The Ford Explorer looked very chic parked up by the boats and definitely received some admiring looks. The car&#8217;s excellent suspension made light work of the bumpy off road lay-by and car park and it felt sturdy and excellent quality. 



My journey took me down the A14 from Ipswich to Cambridge, a fairly, long and rather boring stretch of dual carriageway. Using the adaptive cruise control made the drive a joy though as the clever car basically drove itself. You can easily set the distance you want to remain from other vehicles as well as the speed using controls on the steering wheel and once I&#8217;d learnt to completely trust that the car would slow down I relaxed and just concentrated on the steering. 



On that note, another excellent safety feature on the All-Electric Ford Explorer is the lane control – the car lets you know when you&#8217;re drifting and pulls you back into the middle of the lines. It wouldn&#8217;t actually let me change lanes without indicating first. Some drivers might find this slightly bossy, but I liked being pulled up on my lazy driving habits. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/rear-view-of-ford.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42404" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/rear-view-of-ford.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/rear-view-of-ford-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/rear-view-of-ford-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/rear-view-of-ford-400x300.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Reversing into my drive after a very pleasant first fully electric driving experience, I noticed the car emitted an alert, which is an important feature on a vehicle that moves around so silently. It sounded like spa music and was oddly soothing! The rear camera and parking sensors all worked perfectly too, helping me navigate the narrow opening with ease. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-day-2">DAY 2</h2>



Time to test whether the Explorer could cope with family life. Sunday saw the full family bundle into the car for a very rainy rugby match. My husband popped the car seats in and did so in a record two minutes without any of his usual cursing. Top marks for the easy Isofix fastenings then! The boot has a brilliant capacity for families too at 450 litres and we slung everything from rugby boots and kit bags to a dog in there and still had space for more. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1607" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/car-seats-in-Ford-Explorer.jpg" alt="car seats in the back of the Ford Explorer" class="wp-image-42398" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/car-seats-in-Ford-Explorer.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/car-seats-in-Ford-Explorer-747x800.jpg 747w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/car-seats-in-Ford-Explorer-933x1000.jpg 933w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/car-seats-in-Ford-Explorer-373x400.jpg 373w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/car-seats-in-Ford-Explorer-1434x1536.jpg 1434w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



My seven-year-old son is the size of a 10-year-old and my 6ft 4 husband finds a lot of cars a squeeze, but amazingly they managed to sit comfortably along the same side of the Ford Explorer without anyone complaining about no legroom or that they&#8217;d banged their head on the way in. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="856" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/screen-in-Ford-Explorer-856x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42394" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/screen-in-Ford-Explorer-856x1000.jpg 856w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/screen-in-Ford-Explorer-685x800.jpg 685w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/screen-in-Ford-Explorer-342x400.jpg 342w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/screen-in-Ford-Explorer-1315x1536.jpg 1315w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/screen-in-Ford-Explorer-1754x2048.jpg 1754w" sizes="(max-width: 856px) 100vw, 856px" /></figure>



The huge iPad style screen on the dashboard was admired by both the kids and my husband and everyone agreed the smooth ride and lack of engine noise were real positives. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1499" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/rubgy-with-the-ford-explorer.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42397" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/rubgy-with-the-ford-explorer.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/rubgy-with-the-ford-explorer-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/rubgy-with-the-ford-explorer-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/rubgy-with-the-ford-explorer-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/rubgy-with-the-ford-explorer-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/rubgy-with-the-ford-explorer-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The perfect height boot for a post-rugby shoe change!</figcaption></figure>



Move over Jeremy Clarkson, because the next part of the exploring could easily have featured on Top Gear. I kid you not, the rugby club car park has pot holes the size of moon craters and I was rather anxious about taking my new blue beauty anywhere near them. They were no match for the Explorer though, which handled them really well for a small SUV. 



The final part of the adventure was a pootle around town, avoiding the pelotons of erratic bikes that fly around Cambridge and a fun drive along some narrow and windy country lanes, where the Explorer showed off its superior handling. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/charging-the-ford-explorer.jpg" alt="charging the ford explorer " class="wp-image-42400" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/charging-the-ford-explorer.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/charging-the-ford-explorer-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/charging-the-ford-explorer-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/charging-the-ford-explorer-400x300.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Then it was back to John Grose Ipswich and I have to admit, halfway down the A14 in the pouring rain, I started to get some battery anxiety. As someone whose phone is always at 50% or more, when the Ford Explorer got down to around 30% I was a little edgy. However, I needn&#8217;t have worried. A whole weekend and a huge amount of miles under my belt, the car glided back into the forecourt on 20% giving me the nudge that it&#8217;s nearly time to charge as I parked. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourite-features">FAVOURITE FEATURES</h2>



<ul>
<li>The look &#8211; curvy, cool and high quality, I was proud to drive the All-New Electric Explorer. </li>



<li>The speed of response and the smoothness of the drive. This car is seriously nifty out the blocks making it perfect for busy cities when you have to jump at every chance to get ahead. </li>



<li>The Bang &amp; Olufsen 7 speaker sound system. The sound quality when listening to the radio or my own music was top notch and without engine noise it was crystal clear. </li>



<li>The squircle steering wheel. Not a square, not a circle, but somewhere in between making it super comfortable to grip. Oh and it&#8217;s heated in winter!</li>



<li>The 14.6″ adjustable touchscreen that easily links to your phone and provides full-screen mapping.</li>



<li>The keyless entry and start – an amazing feature that means no rummaging around in your handbag anymore. </li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1098" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/phone-holder.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42402" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/phone-holder.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/phone-holder-800x586.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/phone-holder-1000x732.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/phone-holder-400x293.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<ul>
<li>The clever storage compartments – there&#8217;s space for two coffees, a handbag inside the central console and under it, a key holder and a wireless charging pad for holding and charging your phone. </li>



<li>The range – I was amazed how many miles I did on my weekend adventure in the All-Electric Ford Explorer and apparently the car can do up to 374 miles before it needs a charge. Charging is a breeze too. A simple plug-in and leave situation that&#8217;s not that different really to filling up with petrol and it only takes 26 minutes from 10% &#8211; 80%. </li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/hollie-test-driving-the-ford.jpg" alt="Muddy Stilettos editor test driving the Ford Explorer electric" class="wp-image-42399" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/hollie-test-driving-the-ford.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/hollie-test-driving-the-ford-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/hollie-test-driving-the-ford-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/hollie-test-driving-the-ford-400x300.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Well, if all electric cars are as good as the All-Electric Ford Explorer then the future&#8217;s very bright indeed! I would trade my uneconomic diesel car in for the All-Electric Ford Explorer any day. My overriding impression is that this is a really clever car, full of top tech to make everyday driving and family life that little bit easier. 



Good for: Families of four will find this to be the perfect eco-friendly run around car that delivers on boot capacity and comfort whatever the adventure. I can also imagine it working well for couples and solo drivers too and it&#8217;s not too big to scare off any nervous parkers.



Not for: If you drive from Ipswich to Inverness for example on a regular basis, then this isn&#8217;t the car for you. People who don&#8217;t like being told what to do won&#8217;t appreciate all the safety features and helpful reminders on the screen. The car feels oddly human at times with all its little hints and clever tricks! 



£££: From £39,875. 



There are two packages to choose from: the select series and the premium series. Standard features on the select include: a manual&nbsp;liftgate, full LED Headlamp with automatic high/low beam, Sensico® with cloth insert seat trim, 19″ Alloy Wheels and electric driver seat with memory and massage function. The Premium includes a hands-free power-operated tailgate, matrix LED headlamp, LED ambient lighting, Sensico® seat trim, 20″ alloy wheels and front door scuff plates.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/john-grose-ford-ipswich.jpg" alt="John Grose Ipswich " class="wp-image-42401" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/john-grose-ford-ipswich.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/john-grose-ford-ipswich-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/john-grose-ford-ipswich-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/john-grose-ford-ipswich-400x300.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Book a test drive today at <a href="http://the Bang &amp; Olufsen 7 speaker sound system">John Grose Ipswich</a>,The Ford Centre, Ransomes Industrial Estate, Ipswich, IP3 9BE.&nbsp;Tel: 01473 270707.

Adventure awaits! Muddy goes exploring in the new All-Electric Ford Explorer

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