Ford outlines 2026 Puma Gen-E improvements and BlueCruise expansion

Ford Europe details the 2026 Puma Gen-E update, highlighting extended range and BlueCruise availability; learn key facts and explore the model’s confirmed upgrades.

The updated Ford Puma Gen-E is set to enter the European market in 2026, building on the strong demand the compact crossover has already earned across the region. The new model focuses on two major improvements: an increased electric driving range and the introduction of BlueCruise, a feature appearing on the Puma Gen-E for the first time.

The fully electric model maintains its efficiency, previously rated at 13.1–14.5 kWh per 100 km and capable of reaching up to 376 km under the WLTP cycle. Thanks to an optimized battery design, the updated version now extends its range to approximately 417 km, enhancing everyday usability. The battery architecture remains the same—53 kWh gross with around 43 kWh usable capacity—while the revised internal layout contributes to higher efficiency.

The most significant upgrade is the addition of BlueCruise, which enables hands-off driving on certified motorways, known as Blue Zones. Approved in Europe since 2023 for the Mustang Mach-E, the system is now available across 15 European countries and covers more than 133,000 km of highways. Starting in spring 2026, Puma Gen-E drivers will have access to this feature when equipped with the appropriate assistance package. Ford emphasizes that the driver must continue to monitor the road at all times, as the system represents an advanced driver-assistance function rather than autonomous driving.

The Puma nameplate has already established strong demand, and the expanded feature set aims to strengthen its position among compact electric crossovers. Competing with models such as the Peugeot e-2008, Opel Mokka Electric, and Volvo EX30, the updated version seeks to broaden its appeal with efficiency improvements and modern driver-assistance technology. Pricing is already available in some markets: in Germany, the model starts at €36,900, with the Premium version beginning at €39,400. BlueCruise pricing will be announced closer to launch.

The enhanced Puma Gen-E illustrates Ford’s continued commitment to electrifying its mainstream lineup, bringing high-end technologies to more accessible vehicle segments. With BlueCruise expanding across European motorways and infrastructure evolving rapidly, the update appears timely—aimed at making long-distance travel easier and reducing driver fatigue in heavy traffic.