Ford is preparing a completely new European interpretation of the Bronco. Buyers on the Old Continent, however, should not expect the same vehicle sold in North America.
Although it will carry a legendary name associated with serious off road machines, the European Bronco will use a very different formula.
Instead of a body on frame layout, it will be developed as a unibody crossover with a platform better suited to everyday road driving.
That means the new model should combine rugged Bronco styling with the comfort, efficiency, and practicality European buyers expect from a modern SUV.
A Bronco Name With A Softer Structure
The American Bronco returned in 2020 as a traditional off roader with body on frame construction, four wheel drive, and retro design inspired by the original model from the 1960s. It quickly became popular among buyers who wanted real trail capability, removable doors, rugged suspension, and strong off road equipment.
Ford now wants to expand the Bronco name into other markets, but with a different approach. After the Chinese Bronco Basecamp, presented as an electrified crossover with a more modern philosophy, Europe is next in line.
According to Automotive News Europe, the new model is being developed under Ford’s European division. Jim Baumbick, one of Ford’s senior product executives, has stressed that it will not be just another generic crossover. He says the vehicle will keep part of the character and capability associated with Bronco, even though its construction will be very different from the American model.
The C2 Platform Looks Like The Likely Base
The European Bronco is expected to use Ford’s C2 platform, known from the fourth generation Focus. The same architecture also underpins the Kuga and the Bronco Sport sold in the United States.
That means the new Bronco will be technically closer to modern crossovers than to classic off road SUVs with separate frames. The move makes sense for Europe, where most buyers want a rugged look and all weather confidence, but also need manageable size, fuel efficiency, and easier city use.
The engine lineup will likely come from the Kuga. The base version could use a 91 cubic inch EcoBoost turbocharged three cylinder engine with 150 horsepower and a six speed manual transmission. A stronger version of the same engine produces 186 horsepower and uses an eight speed automatic.
Hybrid Versions Are Expected
Hybrid powertrains should also be part of the range. Ford already uses a 152 cubic inch naturally aspirated gasoline engine in hybrid form, with total output of 180 horsepower in front wheel drive versions and 183 horsepower with all wheel drive.
The plug in hybrid version produces 243 horsepower and is currently the most powerful electrified option in the Kuga lineup. That setup would fit the European Bronco’s role well, giving buyers a more efficient alternative without making the vehicle fully electric.
A battery electric Bronco is not currently planned for Europe. Ford already sells electric crossovers such as the Explorer and Capri in the region, but their sales have not reached the level the company originally expected.
Because of that, Ford does not currently see enough room for another electric crossover of similar size and purpose.
Production Should Start In Spain
Production of the European Bronco is expected to begin in 2027 at Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain. The same factory currently builds the Kuga, which further supports the technical connection between the two models.
The official debut and full technical specifications are expected in the coming months.
For Ford, this model could become an important part of its European reset. The company needs new vehicles with stronger identities after the end of the Fiesta and Focus, and a Bronco shaped for Europe could give the brand something more distinctive than another ordinary crossover.
This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review.