Ford presents Kuga PHEV BlueCruise Edition with hands-free driving

Ford introduced the Kuga PHEV BlueCruise Edition, a plug-in hybrid SUV with permanently activated BlueCruise hands-free driving and distinctive design features.

Ford has introduced a new special version of its plug-in hybrid SUV, the Kuga PHEV BlueCruise Edition. The model combines extended standard equipment, distinctive design elements and Ford’s BlueCruise driver assistance technology, which in this version is permanently activated and available without a subscription.

The Kuga has established a strong position in the European electrified SUV market and remains one of Ford’s key models in the region. Against this backdrop, the company has decided to further strengthen the vehicle’s appeal by offering a new version with additional technology and a more distinctive appearance.

The key feature of the new variant is the BlueCruise driver assistance system. It enables a so-called “hands-off, eyes-on” driving mode: on designated motorway sections the driver can remove their hands from the steering wheel but must continue to monitor the road. The system controls acceleration, braking and steering, while an in-cabin camera monitors the driver’s attention. BlueCruise operates only on pre-mapped highways known as Blue Zones.

The technology is currently approved in 16 European countries including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy. In total, more than 135,000 kilometres of highways are designated as Blue Zones. This allows the hands-free function to be used both for everyday commuting and for long cross-border journeys.

In the new Kuga BlueCruise Edition the system is included as standard through the Driver Assistance Pack. Unlike many other Ford models where BlueCruise is offered via subscription after a trial period, this version comes with the technology permanently activated and without additional fees.

Technically, the model retains the familiar plug-in hybrid powertrain of the Kuga. The system combines a petrol engine and an electric motor with a total output of 243 horsepower. Electric driving range reaches 60–69 kilometres under the WLTP cycle, while the maximum speed is around 200 km/h. The SUV can also tow trailers weighing up to 2,100 kilograms, highlighting its practicality within the segment.

Practicality remains one of the Kuga’s strengths. The sliding rear seat allows either more legroom for passengers or additional luggage space. According to ADAC measurements, luggage capacity in the hybrid version ranges from approximately 365 to 1355 litres.

The BlueCruise Edition also stands out visually. The body is finished in the exclusive Vapor Blue Metallic colour combined with a black roof and black mirror caps. The exterior is complemented by 19-inch black alloy wheels and matrix LED headlights with a distinctive coast-to-coast lighting signature. Inside, textured seats and Nordic Blue accents reinforce the sporty character.

Standard equipment also includes a heated windscreen, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Navigation is handled by Connected Navigation, which uses cloud-based traffic data to help drivers choose more efficient routes.

The Ford Kuga PHEV BlueCruise Edition is priced at €51,635, which is €2,300 more than the ST-Line X version. The price difference includes the exclusive design elements as well as the permanent activation of BlueCruise.

Ford is also expanding the availability of the technology. Alongside the Kuga, BlueCruise Edition versions are available for the hybrid Ford Puma and the fully electric Puma Gen-E, both of which are already open for orders.

The arrival of this version reflects how rapidly advanced driver assistance technologies are becoming part of standard vehicle equipment. For Ford, BlueCruise is gradually becoming one of the brand’s key technological arguments in the European market.