For a hands-free experience, Bluetooth technology connects your communication devices via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Mercedes me connect services gives you features such as satellite radio that comes with a complimentary trial period. Memory functions for the driver seat and steering column allows you to save your favorite seating positions so you won’t have to adjust ever again. This GLC is also standard with Voice Control, make calls, send text messages and navigate address, all by giving a command. If you don’t feel like reaching the touch screen or giving voice commands, a touch pad sits on the center console that is at an arm’s reach. This pad can be used as a mouse with your finger and vibrates upon clicking. These standard features are enhanced by Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), which is artificial intelligence technology that caters to you. It can recognize your handwriting on the touch pad, allows you to wake up voice command by voice, and the ability to ask your Mercedes questions, just to name a few. For your convenience, rain-sensing windshield wipers monitor your view on the road along with a rear window wiper/washer. Roof rails are also standard.
Let’s start with this fun fact, the F-150 Lightning will power a house…. yes, an entire home for 3 days and up to 10 if you use your power wisely. Ford Intelligent Backup Power has the ability to offload 9.6 kilowatts of power via an 80-amp Ford Charger Station Pro and home management system. Once power is restored to your home, the truck will automatically revert to charging its battery.
Ford offers two battery options, a standard 230 miles of range and an extended range of 300. There will be 4 ways to charge:
Standard battery Extended battery
· Ford mobile charger 32-amp 14 hours 19 hours
· Ford connected charge station 48-amp 10 hours 13 hours
· Ford charge station pro 80-amp 10 hours 8 hours
· Electrified America DC fast charging station 150 KW 44 minutes 41 minutes
The battery is secured inside a waterproof casing surrounded by crash absorption protection and has temperature tested in -40 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure reliability. The liquid cooling systems and underbody metal skid plates, protect both the battery and Dual in-board motors. This truck is just as capable as a traditional gasoline pickup.
The technology on this truck is advanced and expansive, so we’ll talk about key features. The big thing for most of us is the touch screen. Ford will offer a 15.5-inch touch screen on the Lariat and Platinum trim levels with a 12-inch instrument cluster. Here you’ll find features like onboard scales, which uses sensors to instantaneously estimate how heavy your payload is. Since hauling trailers, machinery and other cargo can increase your battery usage, those same onboard scales are integrated with Ford’s intelligent range. This will give you an accurate estimate of how far you can travel. While we’re talking about hauling, the F-150 Lightning introduces Ford’s available Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, which gives you automatically controlled steering, throttle and brake inputs to make hitching trailers easy.
Available on the Lightning is Ford’s Co-Pilot 360, featuring Blue Cruise tech. This allows you to operate your truck hands free on more than 100,000 miles of pre-qualified highways across the U.S. and Canada. Animated graphics on your infotainment screen will show how the vehicle is performing in hands free mode. This also monitors your battery range and how well you bring power back to the vehicle through regenerative braking. Which uses energy from braking to charge your internal batteries, possibly prolonging your next charge.
Making sure your F-150 Lightning features stay up-to-date, Ford’s Power-up software will send most updates over-the-air, like a cellular device. Improving tech, adding features and fixing issues without a trip to the dealer. Ford also says most updates will be completed in under two minutes, so this shouldn’t affect your day.
Another new feature to mention is Ford’s Phone as Key technology. When activated, customers can lock, unlock and start their truck without taking their phone out or having the key fob on them.
The Ford F-150 Lightning has a starting MSRP of $39,974 before any tax credits are applied. The XLT which is a mid-trim level, starts at $52,974 before the same credits are applied.
To see the F-150 Lightning and more, visit our YouTube: Motor Bella – North American International Auto Show 2021 – YouTube
