2019 Ford Edge Gets AI-Assisted AWD Disconnect Technology
The new 2019 Ford Edge promises to be one of the most technologically advanced SUVs on the road thanks to the inclusion of standard driver-assistive safety features offered as part of Ford Co-Pilot 360. Through cutting-edge technology — specifically, the use of artificial intelligence — all-wheel-drive Edge models including the exciting Edge ST will be better able to determine when AWD is needed, making for better traction and more efficiency.
Ford calls this technology all-wheel-drive disconnect, which is quite the to-the-point title for its purpose. The technology utilizes artificial intelligence that can interpret information gathered by dozens of sensors in fractions of a second, enabling it to make the switch to and from AWD seemingly instantaneously.
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“The concept is pretty simple, it was the execution that was the challenge,” said Scott Beiring, Ford driveline applications supervisor. “Shifting between two- and all-wheel drive needs to be fast and seamless enough that the customer doesn’t know it is happening.”
2019 Ford Edge ST
The AI uses something called “fuzzy logic,” an algorithm that allows the Edge to shift up to 100 percent of all available power from the front to rear wheels depending on the conditions. This doesn’t just make the new Edge better in inclement weather, but it allows it to be considerably more efficient than its predecessor. Ford expects that the AWD-equipped 2019 Ford Edge will return an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined — only slightly less efficient than the Edge with FWD. The high-powered Edge ST will offer similarly impressive figures with an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined.
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Photos: 2019 Ford Edge ST Features AWD Disconnect Technology
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