Ford Bronco coming to Australia, but not the one you expected

The Ford Bronco is finally coming to Australia, but it won’t be the hardcore off-roader many have been waiting for.

Instead of the US-built Bronco based on the Australian-developed T6 ladder-frame platform, this market is set to receive the Chinese-built Bronco New Energy – an extended-range electric SUV with a big battery, a long claimed driving range, and what could be very sharp pricing.

CarExpert understands the Bronco New Energy is due to arrive in Australia either late this year or early in 2027, with pricing expected to start from around $48,000 and stretch to just under $60,000.

Another source has told CarExpert the large electrified SUV could start around $55,000.

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That would make it significantly more affordable than if Ford was to import the Bronco off-roader from the US, and would place the new model directly in the heart of the SUV market Down Under.

The Bronco New Energy is built in China by JMC Ford, Ford’s joint venture with Jiangling Motors. It’s offered in China in both all-electric and extended-range electric forms, though Australia is understood to be getting only the latter.

Extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) are similar to plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) in that they feature a combustion engine and one or more electric motors. However, EREVs are closer to pure-electric vehicles (EVs) in the way they drive, given their combustion engine acts only as a generator to recharge the battery rather than send drive to the wheels directly.

Local naming hasn’t been confirmed, but the Australian lineup is expected to include three grades: Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands.

While Ford Australia has remained tight-lipped about the arrival of Bronco New Energy, it will need a solution in place to combat increasingly stringent emissions regulations Down Under.

“The Bronco New Energy is an exciting addition to the global Ford line-up, adding a new energy drivetrain to one of the world’s most iconic nameplates. Ford Australia is always evaluating options to expand our line-up for customers, but we have no news to share about future products at this time," the company said in a statement.

It uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 43.7kWh battery pack, which is huge for an EREV or PHEV.

Depending on the variant, the Bronco New Energy is claimed to offer close to 200km of electric driving range, with total driving range understood to be close to 1000km.

It’s also claimed to be capable of completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds, making it much quicker than most family SUVs around this price point.

Despite wearing the Bronco name, the New Energy isn’t a direct replacement for the rugged US-market model. It's based on a car-style monocoque platform rather than a rugged ladder-frame chassis, and at 5025mm long and 1960mm wide, it's 101mm longer and 37mm wider than the Everest.

It also has a 50mm longer wheelbase than the ladder-frame Everest, but despite its greater dimensions it seats only five.

That means it won’t be pitched as a rock-crawling rival to the Jeep Wrangler, but it is expected to offer some light off-road capability, helped by chunkier all-terrain tyres on some versions.

Ground clearance is between 215mm and 220mm, with a wading depth of 600mm. Available off-road equipment in China, depending on the variant, includes locking front and rear differentials, multiple terrain modes, and an off-road crawl mode.

The cabin is a major departure from the Ford models currently sold in Australia. Chinese-market versions feature a more premium interior presentation, a large 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and equipment not commonly seen at this price point, including a centre-console fridge.

It’s understood the Bronco New Energy uses batteries supplied by BYD, one of the world’s biggest battery manufacturers.

Its arrival here will come at an important time for Ford Australia. The Blue Oval brand is heavily reliant on the Ranger ute and Everest SUV, both of which will be impacted by the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard.

A lower-emissions SUV with a long electric driving range would give Ford a model to help offset those higher-emitting models, while also providing Australian buyers with a more affordable entry point into the Bronco family.

Final pricing, specifications, release timing, and even the model's local name are yet to be confirmed, but if Ford can land the Bronco New Energy here priced from close to the $50,000 mark and offering almost 200km of electric range, it could be one of its most important new models in years.

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