Ford Edge ST: Edging ahead with verve and versatility

By Ghaith Madadha - Feb 03,2020 - Last updated at Feb 03,2020

Photo courtesy of Ford

First arriving as a 2019 model and now updated with new colours and equipment packages for 2020, the Ford Edge ST is the first Crossover SUV produced by the Blue Oval’s Ford Performance skunkworks wing.

Taking on the role of Ford’s more compact performance vehicle now that the American giant is limiting its car line-up and promoting a more SUV-heavy line-up in the US and Middle East, the Edge ST effectively takes over the role that the smaller and now Europe-oriented Focus ST used to fill in these markets.

If not quite the compact, nimble and driver- and enthusiast-oriented hot hatch that is the Focus ST, the Edge ST, however, channels enough of the former’s broad characteristics and brushstrokes for service in a Crossover SUV.

Imbued with similar democratic accessibility and enough of the driver-engaging handling and practical daily drive road-oriented performance characteristics that make the Focus ST such a hit in Europe and the UK in particular, the larger, heavier and more powerful Edge ST channels such traits in a more relevant package for most US and Middle East drivers.

Verve and versatility

Ford Performance’s first crossover SUV, the Edge ST comes in the wake of the more luxury-oriented Lincoln MKX, with which it shares its platform and potent and efficient 2.7-litre twin-turbocharged direct injection EcoBoost V6 engine. Developing 335BHP at 5,500rpm and 380lb/ft torque at 3,250rpm with a resonant edge in Sport mode, the Edge ST’s V6 is responsive, eager, urgent, and capable of propelling the 2,052kg performance crossover from standstill to 100km/h in around 6.5-seconds.

Mated to a slick and quick 8-speed automatic gearbox with numerous ratios to best exploit output for performance, versatility and economy, it returns estimated 11.2l/100km combined cycle fuel economy.

With four-wheel-drive providing plenty of traction and short gasflow paths ensuring very little turbo lag, quick spooling turbos and plenty of responsiveness, the Edge ST accelerates from standstill with confidence and consistency.

A gem of an engine, the Edge ST’s twin-turbo 2.7 pulls hard and energetically from low-end, building with urgency to a muscular mid-range. Versatile and flexible in mid-range, the ST overtakes effortlessly and accumulates power and speed with verve. Responsive to throttle input, power build-up is intense and underwritten by a rich, broad, flexible and seemingly over-arching layer of torque.

Eager yet forgiving

A car-like crossover SUV riding on independent front MacPherson strut and rear integral-link rear suspension that allows a rigid lateral set-up along with supple vertical movements for improved dynamics and comfort, the Edge ST is smooth and stable at speed, yet, comfortably processes road imperfections, even when riding on optional low profile 265/40R21 tyres.

Uncanny in how seemingly forgiving and refined it rides, the Edge ST however feels alert, tidy and eager into corners, with quick, direct and meaty steering providing more intuitive feel than expected, while body lean remains well controlled despite its 2,052kg mass.

A faster, firmer and more focused version of Ford’s family crossover, the Edge ST is a more agile handling vehicle than expected. Driving with a positive and eager disposition through corners, it seems willing and responsive, yet reassuringly grippy.

Driving front wheels in normal circumstances, it, however, diverts power to the rear when added traction and grip are needed over loose surfaces, or when being chucked through corners, before powering out confidently. Settled, stable and reassuring at speed, the Edge ST also takes bumps and lumps in its stride and feels buttoned down on rebound.

Sporty and spacious

Dispensing with much of the garden variety family-oriented Edge crossover’s chrome highlights in favour of black, body colour and dark brushed aluminium effect accents and exterior trim, the Edge ST gains a black honeycomb mesh for its broad and hungry octagonal grille, as well as more aggressive bumpers, side skirts and dual integrated rectangular exhaust ports.

Easily recognisable as an Edge with it high-set rear lights, slim squinting headlights, high waistline, and low descending roofline, the ST variant however has a tauter, more focused aesthetic, enhanced by its huge optional 21-inch alloy wheels.

Supportive, comfortable and well adjustable, if slightly unorthodox at first, the Edge ST’s driving position feels hunkered down with its high waistline, but features a high seat position and somewhat low steering position. Swathed with leather and Alcantara, the Edge ST has a distinctly sporty feel inside and features user-friendly controls, decent visibility and generous front and rear passenger, and cargo space.

Well-equipped with numerous convenience features including Ford’ much improved Sync 3 infotainment system, the Edge ST also features standard rearview camera, blind spot warning with cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and more.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 2.7-litre, in-line, twin-turbocharged V6-cylinders

Bore x stroke: 83 x 83mm

Compression ratio: 10:1

Valve-train: 24-valve, DOHC, direct injection

Redline: 6,500rpm

Gearbox: 8-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive

Ratios: 1st 4.48; 2nd 3.15; 3rd 2.87; 4th 1.84; 5th 1.41; 6th 1.0; 7th 0.74; 8th 0.62; R 2.88

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 335 (340) [250] @5,500rpm

Specific power: 124.3BHP/litre

Power-to-weight: 163BHP/tonne

Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 380 (515) @3,250rpm