ECO MOTORS NEWS got behind the wheel of the Ford Capri 100% electric Extended Range Premium, in an eye-catching Lucid Red colour. For three days, we put it through its paces in real-life conditions: Paris, the ring road, motorways, small roads in the Paris region and country lanes. The aim was to assess the car’s handling, interior space and real-world usability… and, above all, to check whether this electric SUV coupé lives up to its promises in everyday life.
An assertive design… but with a contrasting physique
At first glance, it’s clear that the electric Capri has the proportions of a true compact SUV. Indeed, with a length of around 4.63 m, a width of 1.95 m and a height of around 1.63 m, it’s quite imposing. The Lucid Red colour we tried out highlights its volumes and curves particularly well.
The front end, typical of an electric vehicle, is full and closed, without a large thermal grille, giving it a modern look, but also a little massive and, for our taste, perhaps too visually heavy for what it claims to be: a sports coupé. The slim LED headlamps, linked by a horizontal light signature, add an appreciable technological touch.
From the side, it’s really the fastback that catches the eye: a roofline that gradually slopes down towards a steeply raked tailgate, reinforcing the impression of a raised coupé rather than a simple family SUV.
At the rear, there is also a strong identity in terms of lighting, with a wide strip of light that brings real coherence to the whole.
Aesthetically, it’s a success on the whole, even if the front end lacks a little of the lightness that’s so convincing in the sporty spirit it claims.
On board: clean lines and well-thought-out comfort, but average quality
The Capri’s cabin has a very minimalist, digital philosophy. Once you’ve settled in, the overall atmosphere is bright and uncluttered, reinforced by deliberately simple ergonomics. The quality of the materials is average, with a lot of hard plastic rubbing shoulders with parts of the cabin fitted with leather upholstery.
The seats, meanwhile, are very comfortable. On our version, the front seats were heated, as was the steering wheel, a real plus that makes all the difference.
There are hardly any traditional physical buttons: everything is controlled via the large 14.6-inch vertical central screen, which houses all the essential functions. This screen, which is the central part of the vehicle, is removable and can be adjusted to suit your driving position.
This streamlined approach to the interior is appreciated by those who like a sober technology: the pivoting central screen is a clever idea that avoids visual overload. The fact that it’s removable and frees up a storage space where you can plug in a phone is a practical little find that I personally appreciated.
However, not everything is perfect. I was disappointed by the software interface and the ergonomics of the operating system, which lacks intuitiveness, and the connection to Apple CarPlay was laborious, which is a shame for such a technology-oriented vehicle.
Behind the steering wheel, the digital display that serves as the instrumentation is clear and easy to read, but does not revolutionise the way in which information is consulted. The ‘digital’ buttons integrated into the steering wheel are attractive and original, but their sensitivity is sometimes too high – I’ve had cases of controls being activated inadvertently during manoeuvres, which can become irritating.
Another surprising ergonomic choice is the management of the rear windows. Only two buttons on the front control all the windows, and you have to activate a ‘rear’ mode to switch between front and rear. It’s a logic that takes some getting used to, but I really liked its originality. Rest assured, of course, that the passengers behind have their own controls.
Overall, the interior is well thought out and above all original. There’s plenty of storage space in the central part of the front of the vehicle, as well as two induction charging points – in short, everything you need to travel efficiently.
In the rear: generous, practical space
Thanks to a generous wheelbase of 2.77 m, rear-seat space is not to be outdone. Whether for children or full-size adults, the rear seats offer more than adequate comfort for medium-distance journeys.
The Capri even adds a ski hatch integrated into the middle seat, which converts into a glass rest – a clever detail that’s particularly useful on long journeys or for transporting skis without losing any useful space.
The boot is one of the Capri’s practical strengths. With over 570 litres in standard configuration and over 1,500 litres with the seats folded, it offers generous capacity for a compact SUV coupé.
On a personal note, I find the boot opening aesthetically pleasing. Of course, it’s also pleasant and wide enough to handle luggage, bags and equipment with ease.
Smooth, fluid ride with a personality all of its own
From the very first kilometres, the Capri impresses with its fluidity. In town, it’s silent, the steering is precise and the sensation is very pleasant. On the other hand, forward visibility is sometimes hampered by a bulky central rear-view mirror that invades the field of vision. At some traffic lights, you had to bend over slightly to see the traffic lights properly, a small detail that sometimes bothered us.
On fast lanes and motorways, the handling is pleasant. The comfortable seats, combined with a chassis that absorbs imperfections well, allow you to cover mile after mile without excessive fatigue. In Sport mode, the Capri is even more lively, making overtaking and merging into traffic stress-free and truly serene.
In tight bends or at sustained speeds, you feel the weight of the vehicle, which nevertheless remains firmly planted on the ground. There’s a slight perceptible roll, but nothing that’s prohibitive once you get used to its size.
Technique & autonomy: a serious proposition
Under the bonnet, the Capri Extended Range boasts an electric motor producing around 210 kW (286 bhp) combined with 545 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 6.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 km/h.
Its battery has a useful capacity of around 77 kWh, and the WLTP range can reach up to 627 km in mixed use when the battery is fully charged. In use, this generous range translates into real peace of mind on long journeys, although it logically varies according to driving style and road type.
Charging is well thought-out: up to 11 kW AC for home charging, and up to 135 kW DC fast, which means you can go from 10% to 80% in around 28 minutes at a suitable charging point.
Driving aids: useful but need to be tamed
As we’ve said, this is a car that’s very well equipped technologically, and in this respect, it doesn’t neglect its assistance systems. Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, blind spot detection and multi-angle cameras are all present and function in a way that is useful on a daily basis. The rear camera is oriented according to the direction of the steering wheel, which really makes manoeuvring easier and made us forget how wide it is. The head-up display is well thought out and provides real visual comfort, whether you’re in town or on the motorway.
Some of the aids may seem a little intrusive at first, but they are easy to deactivate if you prefer a more traditional driving style.
A generous, fluid electric Capri… with a few compromises
The Ford Capri 100% electric Extended Range is a solid proposition in the compact electric SUV segment. It impresses with its smooth ride, convincing interior space, generous boot space and reassuring range. The Sport mode is lively, and the well thought-out driving aids make everyday life easier.
However, some compromises have been made. Forward visibility is not optimal, the screen interface is not very intuitive, and the digital buttons on the steering wheel are too sensitive.
The Capri is a coherent, enjoyable car that combines comfort, style and versatility. It doesn’t try to impress with extreme performance or ostentatious luxury, but succeeds in offering a practical, dynamic electric SUV coupé that is a pleasure to drive every day, true to its identity.
