Comes with active glovebox knee airbag

Ford has taken the wraps off the second generation Edge programmed to go on sale early next year.

Riding on the company's global midsize vehicle platform, the new Edge uses the same architecture as the latest Fusion/Mondeo and draws most of its styling cues from the Edge concept showcased at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. It looks considerably different than its predecessor, especially at the back where it adopts a raked window and interconnected taillights.

In North America, the 2015 Ford Edge will be sold with a standard 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine delivering 245 bhp (183 kW) and 270 lb-ft (357 Nm). There's also a beefier 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with more than 300 bhp (224 kW) along with a naturally-aspirated V6 3.5-liter of yet undisclosed output. All these engines will work with a 6-speed automatic transmission equipped with a SelectShift manual mode.

Front-wheel drive models are equipped with a new MacPherson front suspension working together with an integral-link, independent rear suspension and Ford says body stiffness has increased by 26 percent. Other features include an adaptive electric steering, active park assist, adaptive cruise control along with a 180-degree camera, front & rear parking sensors and heated & ventilated front seats. There are also several active safety systems like blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, curve control, inflatable rear seatbelts and an active glovebox knee airbag as seen in the 2015 Mustang.

Interior changes are not significant compared to the previous model as the instrument cluster has kept its dual display while the center stack has received minor revision. It boasts an eight-inch LCD display with support for SYNC and MyFord Touch along with the option of a Panoramic Vista Roof measuring 47.7 inches which makes it one of the largest in the industry. The more spacious cabin offers an additional 1.9 inches of second row legroom and 1 inch of third row legroom while headroom has increased by 1 inch. In addition, it provides 39.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats which represents an increase of 7 cubic feet. Fold down the second row of seats and you get 73.4 cubic feet of cargo space, 4.5 cubic feet more than before.

Set to be produced at Ford’s Oakville Assembly Complex, near Toronto, the 2015 Edge will be sold in four trim levels: SE, SEL, Sport and Titanium and will be available in more than 100 markets.

Here we have the 2015 Ford Edge – a crossover which first appeared in 2006 to challenge the Nissan Murano. This second generation is based on the Ford Global Midsize Platform – which underpins the Fusion/Mondeo. Its exterior borrows heavily from the recent Ford Edge Concept, while the interior is close to current corporate cabins.

However, the big story is the addition of new technologies, in particular ones that enhance safety and comfort. Available driver-assist technologies include adaptive steering system; enhanced active park assist; adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support; 180-degree front camera with washer; glove box-mounted airbag system; inflatable rear safety belts; and a hands-free liftgate.

The model will be available in four trims: SE, SEL, Sport, and Titanium. Three engines will be available worldwide. a standard twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder offering an estimated 245 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque and a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 estimated to have more than 300 horsepower. A normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine will also be offered with an unspecified amount of power. All will be equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Both front- and all-wheel drive models have been engineered for greater comfort.

There is a redesigned suspension – front and rear – developed to isolate road imperfection and absorb noise. Ford used more high-strength steel in the body, resulting in up to a 26 percent increase in stiffness. The Edge has adaptive electric steering which Ford claims makes the vehicle more maneuverable and dynamic, but also has an efficiency advantage, and facilitates the self-parking function.

All of these new features will be assets as Ford pitches the Edge to a new, global audience. The vehicle launches in the U.S. in early 2015, followed by launches in South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. It will be the first Edge available in Western Europe in a ringing endorsement of the company’s successful One Ford Strategy pioneered by outgoing Ford CEO Alan Mulally.