AUTONEWS

Ford Puma 2027 EV rendered 

The 2027 Ford Puma, especially in Europe, is transforming into an electrified compact SUV, following Ford's trend of resurrecting classic names in new formats, with hybrid and fully electric versions (like the Puma Gen-E). A new SUV the size of a Focus is expected in 2027, based on the C2 platform, with hybrid and electric options, aiming to fill the gap between the current Puma and the Explorer, with production in Valencia, Spain. While there are ideas and concepts of a sporty Puma GT AWD in the imagination, Ford's real focus for 2027 is on compact SUVs, emphasizing electrification and technology, as seen in the Puma Gen-E.

Ford is preparing for a major shift in its European electric vehicle strategy, and the next generation Puma crossover could be one of the most interesting results. The company is planning to launch 2 electric models using a Renault platform, and one of them is expected to be a fully electric Puma built on shared technology. This move signals a deeper collaboration between Ford and Renault aimed at cutting development costs while accelerating electric vehicle rollouts.

Spy photos recently spotted on the road gave the DPCcars team enough visual clues to create detailed renderings that preview what this future Puma could look like. Since Ford has not revealed any official design details yet, the renderings take inspiration from Ford’s newest design language while adapting it to the proportions of the Renault based platform.

The front end borrows heavily from the latest Ford crossovers, especially the Chinese market Bronco that debuted earlier this year. The grille is wide and squared off, the lighting signature is bold and modern, and the overall stance feels more upright than the current Puma. Retractable door handles clean up the side profile, while a broken window line gives the crossover a more futuristic look. The side glass shape is unique, setting it apart from both the current Puma and Renault models.

At the rear, the design becomes even more distinctive. Large vertical taillights dominate the corners and are connected by a slim decorative strip featuring LED running lights. This layout mirrors the styling direction seen on the updated Ford Mondeo sedan, creating a strong brand connection across the lineup.

Underneath the skin, this next generation Puma is expected to ride on Renault’s AmpR Small platform. This architecture already underpins the Renault 4, Renault 5 electric vehicle, and the newly revealed Twingo electric. If Ford sticks closely to Renault’s hardware, buyers could see a choice of electric powertrains. The base version would use a single motor producing 122 horsepower and 225 newton meters of torque, while a higher output version could deliver 150 horsepower and 350 newton meters of torque.

Driving range figures are expected to match Renault’s offerings, with estimates of 305 kilometers for the standard model and up to 404 kilometers for the extended range version, measured on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure cycle. These numbers would position the electric Puma as a practical urban and suburban crossover rather than a long distance cruiser.

Affordable electric cars...The European Union's goals foresee that, by 2035, all new cars will be 100 percent electric. But even in the United States, Ford is already betting heavily on an electric future.

About a month ago, it announced a new modular platform for affordable electric cars (Ford Universal EV Platform) across various segments. The first product of this renewed approach will be a future mid-size pickup truck, priced around US$30,000.

It also announced the Ford Universal EV Production System, a new, more efficient assembly line that will allow for considerably more efficient work. Autocar suggests that it could also implement it in Europe if it proves successful in the US.

Ford's next target will be Europe, and more details about the strategy for expanding and electrifying its range are expected to be revealed soon.

That said, CEO Bill Ford made it clear to Autocar that electric cars won't be the only option in Europe: "What went wrong was that regulators got ahead of customers, which is never good. In the future, electrification will play a very important role in transportation, but it won't be the only part. Internal combustion engines will be gradually phased out, but they won't disappear. At Ford, we've invested in all these clean technologies, and I feel good about that. But it's up to the customers. They want what they want, and our job is to give it to them."

Ford has not confirmed a launch date yet, but industry expectations point to a debut around 2028. If the final production model stays close to these renderings, the electric Puma could become one of Ford’s most important compact electric vehicles in Europe.

Key Points for the 2027 Ford Puma:

Electrification: Strong emphasis on mild hybrid (mHEV) and basic electric (BEV) technologies, such as the Puma Gen-E, with fast charging and good range.

SUV Format: Ford is adapting names like Puma and Focus to SUVs, meeting market demand.

C2 Platform: The new SUV, the size of the Focus, expected in 2027, will use the same platform as the Bronco Sport and Maverick.

Technology: Modern cockpit, cloud connectivity, voice recognition, and the "GigaBox" (front trunk) in the electric version.

European Market: The strategy focuses on compact and affordable models, such as the Puma Gen-E, which costs less than the electric Explorer.

In short, the 2027 Puma is more about a modern, electrified compact SUV than the sports coupe some imagine, focusing on practicality, technology, and energy efficiency for the European and possibly global market.

by Autonews