 Click Image to Enlarge |
A lot of people are commenting on the size of the Flex: “It’s enormous,” a co-worker exclaimed. But really, it doesn’t drive large; it drives like not many other CUVs do, in my opinion. It almost drives car like due to its lower ride height.
Today was a work outing, and with six people in the Flex there was ample room — everyone was pleased, even the most rearward passengers. On the highway, the the 262hp, 3.5-litre V6 engine had no trouble, turning only 1,500rpm even when loaded up and accelerating.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
Word on the street is that Ford will be offering a turbo-charged four cylinder engine in future Flexes, which should provide 20 per cent savings in fuel and very similar horsepower and torque; Ford calls this EcoBoost.
NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) in the Flex is ultra-low. Through extensively wind tunnel tunnel testing, Ford has taken steps to ensure some of the typical sources of wind noise have been worked over for a smooth and quiet highway ride, and they have succeeded.
As previously mentioned, the lower ride height as compared to other CUVs gives the Flex more of a car-like handling feel. It could be compared to a minivan, as the Flex hugs the road in corners and never gives you that rolling or sloppy feeling typical in crossover or sport utility vehicles.
Unfortunately, I can’t comment on the all-wheel drive system as it has been sunny most of the week (for once), but it is the same system as used in the Taurus X and Edge, both of which perform excellently in the winter. Interesting to note is the Flex’s towing capacity: with the towing package, it is rated at 4,500lbs, while the Taurus X is rated at a very meager 2,000lbs. This opens up yet another market for the Flex: the buyer looking for something with greater than the typical 3,500lbs towing capacity, with tons of interior space for luggage and kids.
