Read what we think of the new Ford Expedition

MUCH LIKE A grand tourer is supposed to take you along the world's greatest roads in comfort and style, the new Ford Expedition can do the same. Except in this case Ford wants you to substitute roads for just about any other terrain. The carmaker is really keen for you to know this luxurious 4x4 is just as rugged and desert warrior-like as some of its contemporaries while incidentally still being able to take care of the day-to-day chores we demand of our vehicles. 'Just look at it!' they cry. It's massive, it has bold straight lines and a big old grille. If this car were an item of clothing it'd be a lumberjack shirt, covered in sap and wood shavings from a long day's hacking. Although, scratch beneath the surface, and the Expedition still possesses more than a few refined elements and is actually considerably lighter than its predecessor despite being bigger. So what does this juxtaposition produce? Is it all dressing and no substance? Let's find out.
A lot from a little
At more than 5.3metres long and 2.1metres wide, the Expedition is definitely one of the most spacious eight-seat SUVs on the market. Yet, it is powered by a 3.5-litre engine. How does that work? Pretty easily actually. Engineering has come a long way, granddad. Boasting EcoBoost technology, that motor produces 400hp and, perhaps more importantly for a car of this nature, 650Nm (our model) of torque. So when it comes to making this thing go, it appears less is actually more. And if you're of the disposition which finds anything below 4.2-litres unpalatable - just wait until it goes electric in a couple of years.
It does have sand skills
With a 10-speed transmission and advanced four-wheel drive system with two-speed transfer case and a tailored Terrain Management System (TMS), if you get stuck in this, even in the loosest sand, you shouldn't be out there. Okay, so they can't 100 per cent guarantee you won't beach it, but the safety nets provide assurances that it won't be the car's fault and will endeavour to help you out to spare your blushes. Ford spent some of their in-country testing time here in Dubai's desert to understand what you may face. So, actually, it's no wonder they want to crow about their achievements. Although not taking it out for a full go up the toughest dunes ourselves, we have been witness to it leaping across them.
And inside?
Well, us being us, we had to pick the top-of-the-range Platinum trim, which is Dubai all over. Leather seats, wood panels, chrome lining - the works. In the back there's a bit more plastic, but up front it's all swank complete with an enormous storage bin under the central armrest presumably in which to keep your weekly supply of caviar and quails' eggs. We jest. In fact to think the Expedition solely plumps for luxury over functionality would be a mistake. All six backseat passengers can fit with space to spare, but it was when those seats were folded down we were most impressed. At the push of a button both benches disappear to open up a cargo area the size of which only a few other models can compete. Just over three cubic metres are what you get and with that you can shift pretty much anything.that's under three cubic metres.
What else did we like?
The little extras that make a long journey a bit easier. Taking this across country we had cause to use the wireless charging pad in the front centre console, the SYNC 3 system with Apple CarPlay which connected up within seconds and enjoyed sound from the 12-speaker B&O Play audio system. Overall, an extremely pleasant experience: equal parts grit and grace.
david@khaleejtimes.com