Ford Revives the Legendary Capri with an Electric Crossover That Breaks All the Rules

A legendary name returns, but not in the way purists expected: now it’s an electric crossover packed with tech – and controversy.

The Ford Capri is back, and it has sparked one of the hottest debates in the automotive world in 2024. Far from the original coupé that marked an era, this new model embraces the role of a fully electric crossover that Ford insists still carries a sporty spirit. The brand claims it’s a car designed to excite, but the question of whether it truly honors the classic lineage remains wide open.

An electric model boasting technology and surprising efficiency

Ford wants the public to see this new Capri as “a sports car for the family,” as described by Ulrich Koesters, head of electrification for Ford Europe. Built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, it shares its foundations with the ID.4, ID.5 and Ford Explorer, offering rear-wheel-drive options with 170 or 286 hp, plus an AWD variant with 340 hp capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds– impressive numbers for a crossover weighing over 2,100 kg. Its improved aerodynamics deliver a drag coefficient of 0.26, allowing a range of up to 626 km, surpassing both the Polestar 2 Long Range and the Tesla Model 3 Long Range.

Where Ford aims to set the Capri apart is in its lower, sleeker silhouette, featuring a longer rear overhang that increases boot space to 567 litres. However, the interior still suffers from the same weaknesses seen in the Explorer: a somewhat dull, grey atmosphere and a large 15-inch touchscreen that centralises too many functions. Choose the panoramic roof and taller rear passengers will find headroom reduced.

On the road, the Capri shows that Ford still understands driving dynamics. The dual-motor version delivers impeccable traction and strong acceleration out of corners, offering a firm yet comfortable ride and steering that’s light but precise. It’s not a pure sports car – nor does it try to be – but it does provide a confident, composed feel that evokes more of the Mondeo’s spirit than that of the original Capri.

Ultimately, the new Capri is spacious, efficient, technologically solid and pleasant to drive, though it won’t satisfy those hoping for a true sporting revival. It’s an excellent choice for Mondeo owners looking to go electric without losing driving feel. But if you own an original Capri… keep it, because this new model plays in a completely different league.