Not all versions of the 2019 Ford Edge and Edge ST
have all-wheel drive, but those that do will benefit from a new system that
uses artificial intelligence (AI). The new
technology is called ‘All-Wheel-Drive Disconnect’ and uses the information
collected from dozens of sensors to determine whether all-wheel drive is
needed.
The system calculates the data received in a
fraction of a second and can shift between two- and all-wheel drive almost instantly.
The brain of the electronic system communicates constantly with the Traction
Control to detect wheel slip. It also receives inputs from the ABS, and can
detect whether the windshield wipers are on, what’s the outside temperature and
if the SUV is towing a trailer behind it.
However, having the windshield wipers on won’t
engage all-wheel drive, as the algorithm, which uses ‘fuzzy logic’, combines
the information received from the numerous sensors. It constantly monitors and
processes the data and needs only 10 milliseconds to decide whether the vehicle
needs AWD or not. Depending on the situation, the powertrain can channel up to
100 percent of the available power from the front to the rear wheels.
Thanks to the ‘All-Wheel-Drive Disconnect’, the 2019
Ford Edge returns an EPA-estimated 21/28/23 mpg (25/34/28 mpg UK / 11/8/10
l/100 km) in city/highway/combined. FWD models have fuel economy ratings of
22/29/25 mpg (26/35/30 mpg UK / 11/8/9 l/100 km), while the Edge ST returns
19/26/21 mpg (23/31/25 mpg UK / 12/9/11 l/100 km).
Other fuel-saving measures include exhaust gas
recirculation, deceleration fuel shut-off -which stops the fuel flow to the
engine if speed is being reduced-, active transmission warm-up that uses the
reclaimed heat energy to warm up the gearbox faster, and two overdrive gears
for the new 8-speed auto which drop the rpm during highway cruising.
Moreover, improving the vehicle’s aerodynamics are the
active grille shutters, full underbody shields and air curtains, whose purpose
is to reduce drag.
