Thoroughly overhauled for the 2013 model year—with more style, more power, better fuel efficiency and an improved MyFord Touch system—the Ford Flex is scheduled to make its world premiere during next week’s L.A. Auto Show.

“Flex appeals to people who want to stand out from the crowd and has the highest retention rate of any vehicle in the Ford lineup,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas. “With technologies not found in other full-size utilities, even better fuel economy and a more modern, sophisticated look, we’re offering people even more reasons to choose Flex with the new model.”

And to help better meet customer expectations, those technologies will include the latest generation of the automaker’s innovative MyFord Touch, paired with Ford’s SYNC in-car connectivity and infotainment system.

“We’ve listened to our customers and have improved what they love about MyFord Touch,” said Kenneth Williams, systems integration engineer. “In this upgrade, the screens have a cleaner, clearer display. The words on the screens are larger and easier to read, the pressable areas on the screen look more like buttons, and we have made the functions clearer for faster navigation.”

The 2013 Flex also will gain a new power train technology: With the incorporation of twin-independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), the Flex’s base engine, a 3.5-liter V6 garners 20 more hp, 7 more lb.-ft. of torque and an extra 1 mpg across the board. The new numbers: 285 hp, 255 lb.-ft. of twist and an expected EPA line of 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway. Alternatively, buyers can still opt for a powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, which packs 355 hp/350 lb.-ft. of torque.

Ford’s commitment to vehicle safety remains firmly in place as well. The upgraded Flex will offer a passenger protection package that includes:

• Rear inflatable seatbelts—Available only on Ford vehicles and winner of a 2011 Breakthrough Product Award from Popular Mechanics
• Radar-enabled adaptive cruise control—Capable of scanning the road ahead of the Flex at 20 times a second and detecting vehicles up to 150 yards away
• Ford’s Blindspot Information System—Able to detect the position of other vehicles relative to the Flex, then alert the driver to possibly dangerous driving scenarios

The Flex gets a new appearance, too, with a restyled front fascia and grille treatment that, according to Ford, helps create “more visual harmony between the front and the rest of the vehicle.” Other exterior upgrades include a standard dual exhaust and three new colors: Ruby Red, Deep Impact Blue and Kodiak Brown. On the inside, drivers will enjoy a more sophisticated cockpit featuring new gauge clusters, steering wheel, electronic finish panels, and seat trim and foam.

“Flex appeals to people who want to stand out from the crowd and has the highest retention rate of any vehicle in the Ford lineup,” added Ford’s Fields. “With technologies not found in other full-size utilities, even better fuel economy and a more modern, sophisticated look, we’re offering people even more reasons to choose Flex with the new model.”

The stylish Ford Flex has continued to build sales momentum in the two years since it was introduced, and its unique linear exterior has been a key reason. It’s a bold, expressive design, developed for bold, expressive drivers. And now the Flex is offering these drivers a whole new way to express themselves.

The new Titanium model sets a fresh benchmark for Flex style, luxury and personalization features, delivering an experience carefully tailored to meet the preferences of potential buyers.

“Flex customers are attracted to the vehicle as one that reflects their personality and allows them to stand out from the crowd,” said Kate Pearce, marketing manager for the Flex. “With the Flex Titanium, we are responding to our customers with a vehicle that reflects the unique positioning of Flex in the marketplace.”

The Titanium is based on the well-contented Flex Limited, then announces its new presence at first glance, thanks to a comprehensive suite of exterior style revisions. A quartet of new custom-look exterior colors is available—Red Candy, White Platinum, Tuxedo Black and Ingot Silver—and that’s capped by a new Tuxedo Black two-tone roof. The exterior is then given a mix of sophisticated black and black chrome accents, along with striking 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels. As a final exterior touch, Ford gives the black-out treatment to the Titanium’s headlamps and taillamps.

The interior gets a similarly high-style makeover, adding up-level black leather to the seats and steering wheel, new instrument panel and door accents, a metallic finish for the center stack, and illuminated scuff plates. Also part of the inside story: HD Radio and Ford’s versatile PowerFold third-row seat.

With PowerFold, owners can use one simple button to access three separate third-row configurations. Third-row seat backs can face forward to give the Flex room for seven passengers; the seats can lower to create a flat load floor; and the seat backs can be adjusted to face the rear, providing a unique option for tailgating fun at football games and other events.

The Ford Flex Titanium is currently on sale at local dealerships—and will be just the first to wear the nameplate in the U.S. The “Titanium” designation has begun marking the most premium-level vehicles in Ford’s European lineup, with much success, so the automaker is importing the concept to the American market as part of its “One Ford” initiative. The Ford Focus Titanium also will be launched early next year, with other Titanium models sure to follow.

Which will put a whole new spin on the term “precious metal” for even more future Ford owners.

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As fewer new car buyers are buying up gas-guzzling SUVs and trucks, consumer are also staying away from minivans. Although they were at one time the best method to transport the whole family, the minivan today doesn’t hold the same status as it once did just a few years ago. In fact, Chevrolet and Ford have abandoned the segment all together. But Ford has a solution. Rather than pursue a minivan, Ford is pursuing new crossovers such as the all-new Ford Flex which the automaker hopes will become the main vehicle for family hauling.

Ford Flex Image

The Ford Flex is a standout within Ford’s current lineup. The styling is both modern and retro, with a boxy body and straight sides. It looks like it is part minivan and part station wagon. With its funky styling, Ford hopes to take on the likes of GM’s Acadia and Outlook crossovers, while also taking on the typical range of minivans such as the Chrysler Town & Country, Toyota Sienna, and Honda Odyssey.

With many vehicles sporting the boxy look, the Ford Flex may have many fans despite its unusual styling. Those who do warm up to the Flex will find that the crossover has some unique features that help distant it further from the competition. One of the Flex’s unique features highlighted by Ford Boulder is the EasyFuel which is a capless refueling system, making filling up the Flex simpler and cleaner. In addition, passengers will also find a small refrigerator in the back that will keep occupant’s drinks ice cold during a trip.

Passengers inside the Ford Flex will notice a very cavernous cabin. The dash is designed in a simple and clean layout. Interior materials include available faux wood and chrome accents, and the interior includes soft, quality plastics as well. Ford dealers Ashland have noticed that drivers will also be drawn to Microsoft’s Sync infotainment system, which helps to provide occupants with a wide range of data such as weather and traffic information, navigation, and a variety of audio details.

Ford Flex Interior

Under the hood of the Ford Flex is a Duratec 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces 262 horsepower and 248 lb ft of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and can be had with either the standard front-wheel drive drivetrain or all-wheel drive. Despite having plenty of power to haul the entire family, and their cargo, don’t expect the Flex to move too fast admits Philadelphia Ford customers. After all, it weighs as much as 4661 pounds which makes for a pretty hefty vehicle.

The front wheel drive Ford Flex has a fuel economy rating of 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway, which is decent mileage according to Ford dealer Denver shoppers. With all-wheel driver, mileage is rated at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Although the Flex won’t help you dramatically save gas money, it will help saves a little over comparable seven-passenger truck-based sport utilities.

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