More than 400,000 S-MAX models have been sold in Europe since Ford introduced the S-MAX, which won European Car of the Year in 2007.

Diesel engine CO₂ engine emissions from the new S-MAX will be reduced by an anticipated 7%, with options including a 120 PS (88 kW) 2.0-liter TDCi with six-speed manual transmission and a revised 150 PS (110 kW) and 180 PS (132 kW) 2.0-liter TDCi with manual or Powershift dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Active Thermal Management System improves warm-up times to reach peak efficiency faster and reduce CO₂ emissions.

Gasoline engine options including Ford’s new fuel-efficient 160 PS (118 kW) 1.5-liter EcoBoost with manual transmission and 240 PS (177 kW) 2.0-liter EcoBoost with automatic transmission.

S-MAX CO2 emissions and fuel efficiency also are enhanced with Smart Regenerative Charging and Auto-Start-Stop. Underbody aerodynamic shielding and Active Grille Shutter technology have improved aerodynamic efficiency with performance optimized during 400 hours of wind tunnel testing.

The body structure of the all-new S-MAX is 3% stronger through the increased use of ultra-high strength steel, and offers additional active safety features that include, for the first time, second-row seat side-airbags.

Vehicle stability also is enhanced with Curve Control and Roll Stability Control systems that adjust engine torque and braking to help drivers maintain control.

The new S-MAX uses camera, radar, and ultrasonic devices to deliver more than 16 assistance technologies including. Pre-Collision Assist applies braking if a collision with another vehicle ahead is imminent—first sounding an alert and then displaying a warning onto the windscreen from 8 km/h (5 mph) up to the maximum speed.

Adaptive LED headlamp technology employs Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System to adjust the headlight beam angle to match the driving environment, while Glare-Free Highbeam technology detects vehicles ahead, both on-coming and travelling in the same direction, and fades out light that could dazzle from the adaptive LED headlamp technology while retaining maximum illumination for other areas

New S-MAX sensor technologies also make parking easier. Perpendicular Parking can detect and reverse the car hands-free into spaces alongside other cars in the same way that Active Park Assist helps drivers to parallel park. Park-Out Assist helps drivers exit a parallel parking space, the system operating the steering while the driver operates the accelerator and brake.

Side Parking Aid delivers audible alerts and on-screen distance indicators to obstacles around the vehicle, while Cross Traffic Alert warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them.

Further driver assistance technologies offered with all-new S-MAX include Blind Spot Information System, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid and Driver Alert.

All-new S-MAX also introduces Front Split View Camera technology to the segment, which makes negotiating junctions or parking spaces with restricted visibility easier through the use of a 180 degree camera system installed at the front of the vehicle. Adaptive Cruise Control technology uses forward-facing radar to enable S-MAX drivers to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead.

New Intelligent Speed Assist technology enhances the existing Adaptive Speed Limiter system that allows drivers to set a maximum speed, enabling it to adjust the vehicle speed limit according to information received from the Traffic Sign Recognition and onboard navigation systems.

Advanced chassis technologies. All-new S-MAX debuts in Europe Ford’s new Adaptive Front Steering.The system optimizes steering response, continually changing the ratio between the steering and road wheels according to vehicle speed. At lower speeds, such as when pulling into a parking space or maneuvering in tight quarters, the new system makes the vehicle more agile and easier to turn. At higher speeds, it enables S‑MAX to react more smoothly and precisely to driver input.

Ford’s new integral link rear suspension helps enhance the driving dynamics with a configuration that features reduced-weight aluminium components, provides more dynamic performance, and significantly improves refinement and ride quality—in particular for rear seat passengers.

Further technologies that improve the driving experience include:

• Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive that delivers superior road-holding and traction performance, offered for S-MAX for the first time.

• Torque Steer Compensation and Active Nibble Compensation that cancel out unwanted feedback, forces and vibration.