We knew the Ford Lightning Flash was coming, however … properly, it isn’t fairly what we had been hoping for. Nonetheless, even when it is not the high-output, tire-smoking beast of an electrical pickup truck we thought is perhaps coming, it seems to be to be a strong package deal that mixes attractive options for an affordable value. Mainly, for round $70,000, Ford has packaged a number of well-liked choices in a brand new Flash trim degree that sits between the XLT and Lariat fashions.
Included within the Flash package deal are the prolonged battery that enhances vary to 320 miles (EPA estimated, your mileage will range, and so forth), Blue Cruise 1.2 (which requires a subscription to function after a complimentary 90-day trial interval), and the bigger 15.5-inch middle display as a substitute of the XLT’s smaller 12-inch unit. Ford is advertising the Lightning Flash as a tech-forward package deal, and together with the massive touchscreen, it additionally throws in an upgraded B&O audio system with eight audio system and a subwoofer, keyless entry with push-button begin and a wi-fi cellphone charging pad.
The Tow Know-how package deal is included, bringing with it Professional Trailer Backup Help, Trailer Brake Controller, Good Hitch, On-Board Scales, Good Trailer Tow Connection and Trailer Reverse Steering. We like Ford’s towing tech a lot that it gained our 2022 Know-how of the Yr award. Finishing the package deal are an influence tailgate (with a step and work floor) and a warmth pump that improves general car effectivity.
The Ford Lightning lineup for 2023, as of proper now, contains the Professional for $53,135 (all costs listed right here embody — deep breath — vacation spot for $1,995, a $645 “acquisition payment” and a $500 charging twine that ought to most likely be included without spending a dime — although Ford’s not alone on this observe — however doesn’t embody any tax credit that consumers could also be eligible for), the XLT with a standard-range battery for $58,135 (that battery is estimated to offer 240 miles of vary), the XLT with the prolonged battery or the Lariat with the usual battery for $73,135, the Lariat with the prolonged battery for $79,985, the Platinum for $94,185 (solely obtainable with the massive battery). These costs are correct, in response to Ford’s official web site, as of immediately (October 3, 2023).
Beginning early in 2024, Ford will start providing the Flash for what we assume will even be $73,135 after the large (let’s consider exorbitant?) vacation spot cost, acquisition and charging twine are added. That will likely be along with the Lightning Professional that is set to hold the identical value as the present 2023 mannequin, the standard-range XLT for (we expect) $60,635, the extended-range Lariat for $80,635 and the Platinum for $93,135. On the very top quality would be the limited-edition Lightning Platinum Black that provides plenty of darkish matte paint and trim for $101,135.
Trying over the pricing for the mannequin lineup, we are able to actually see that the Lightning Flash affords a compelling package deal for the cash. It seems to take the place of the extended-range XLT, which principally means consumers get extra content material for 2024 with out paying for it based mostly on 2023 costs. It additionally falls beneath the pricing threshold to qualify for tax credit (assuming the customer additionally qualifies once they file). Appears like deal.
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