FORD S-Max Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Being a facelift for the model's second generation, the 2020 Ford S-Max represents a stylish makeover of the functional MPV.

With production beginning in 2006, the S-Max is presented by Ford as an "SAV – sports activity vehicle," a vehicle that falls somewhere between a sedan and an MPV.

Even though it only offers one engine option, the 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engine, the vehicle has multiple options when it comes to transmission. It can be equipped with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission capable of providing better fuel economy.

To optimize fuel efficiency and provide a smoother ride and increased comfort, the vehicle comes equipped with adaptive cruise control paired with a Stop & Go function. The feature's usefulness comes from the fact that if the vehicle doesn't stop for more than three seconds in traffic when the car in front gets rolling, the Ford follows it automatically.

The MPV has a redesigned front part, giving it a more aesthetic look. The upper grille and the fog lights contour come with a bright chrome look that provides the S-Max with a refreshed appearance. For the ST-line version, the chrome turns black to highlight the trademark honeycomb upper grille better.

To provide the Ford with a more refined look, there are 18-inch two-tone wheels as well as pearl grey 15-spoke alloy wheels available as an option.

For better versatility, the interior is available in a five-seat configuration and also in a seven-seat format to suit the various need of the customers. The MPV is made to easily accommodate an increased number of passengers or provide ample cargo space within the same structure.

The main attraction of the interior is the "Campaign for Healthier Backs" approved seats. They are adjustable in 18 to provide maximum support and offer a comfortable and pain-free ride, even if it is a very long trip. The seats are certified by an independent testing committee of experts from various medical fields. They are created to adapt to a person's position, not for the person to adjust their position to the seat.

The 2020 S-Max is also available in a Vignale specification that provides the model with Salerno leather interior wrapping, aluminum interior touches, a heated steering wheel, and upgraded front seats that are heated, cooled, and also have a massage function.

To help customers better understand their vehicles, Ford offers an optional FordPass Connect technology that enables the owner to remotely access the vehicle's location, fuel levels, alarm status, oil life, and more, all through the FordPass mobile app.

The 2020 Ford S-Max represents one of the most subtle MPVs, as it offers increased practicability through more than enough cargo space and extended passenger capacity while maintaining an aerodynamic look thanks to its curved edges.

Ford used its experience in building minivans gained in the U.S. To create one of the best European MPVs, trying to convince customers that these kinds of vehicles were not dull.

When Renault introduced the Espace on the market in the early '80s, customers loved it. The rest of the European brands were caught off-guard and reacted slow and late. Ford had the knowledge of how to do a proper minivan but delayed the launch of such a model since it wasn't very significant for the European branch of the blue-oval brand. As a result, it introduced the Galaxy MPV, developed together with Volkswagen in 1995, and after its separation from the German brand, it made the S-Max, which it launched in 2006. The car sold well, and in 2015, Ford brought the second generation of this nameplate and built it on top of the Ford Mondeo/Lincoln MKZ platform.

With a minivan-specific shape, the new version featured a front fascia that resembled its European cousin, the Mondeo. It sported a hexagonal-shaped grille adorned with horizontal slats flanked by swept-back headlights fitted with LED daytime running lights. Still, that cooling area was not large enough, so the automaker added a second one on the lower side of the bumper. The short hood was followed by the panoramic windshield. From its profile, the S-Max revealed a tall greenhouse with generous glass areas that started in front of the front doors and ended behind the rear ones. At the back, the tailgate was slightly tilted forward and incorporated part of the new LED taillights.

Inside, Ford showed its capabilities in terms of minivans by installing seven seats in a 2-3-2 layout. Moreover, besides the front high-mounted seats, the automaker offered the vehicle with individual seats for the rest of the occupants. Since the car targeted large families, it also offered enough amenities and cup holders on board to keep everyone happy. The driver fronted a generous 10-inch digital instrument cluster that showed a large speedometer and tachometer. Users could also personalize the graphic display. In addition, the automaker installed an 8" touchscreen on the center stack that ran with Ford's SYNC 2 infotainment system with voice commands. Depending on the trim level and options, customers could get a panoramic glass roof, which amplified the spaciousness of the cabin.

Under the skin, Ford used a well-developed platform with independent suspension in all corners that improved comfort for all passengers. Moreover, for specific engine versions, it even offered the car with an all-wheel-drive system. Like most European cars from that era, the engine range was dominated by turbodiesel units ranging between 148 HP (150 PS) and 207 HP (210 PS). Those who asked for a gasoline powerplant could get either a 158 HP (160 PS) or a 237 HP (240 PS) unit.

Even though the minivan era was closing to an end on the European market, Ford introduced the S-Max MPV in 2006 as a family alternative for the Mondeo Station-wagon.

There was no argument that a minivan would provide more comfort on long journeys than a sedan or a station wagon. But since most of the European distances are small enough to be crossed in a few hours, the minivans soon became obsolete. Ford, on the other hand, didn't want to drop the ball.

The S-Max featured the new-edge design philosophy that combined long, curved lines with sharp and narrow edges. Its trapezoidal grille from the front bumper and the flared wheel-arches gave the car a more aggressive look. Ford had to introduce a secondary set of pillars for the windscreen to eliminate or at least diminish the blind spot on the front-side area. The fake extracting vents on the front panels amplified the sporty look of the car.

Inside, Ford offered room for up to seven occupants, with the two seats in the back fitted for small people and short distances. The carmaker tried to make the car offer a feeling of a sportier car, with a sloped center stack extended toward the center console. Thus, it canceled the minivan concept of a cross-through vehicle.

Under the hood, the S-Max featured a choice of six engines, and all paired as standard to manual transmissions but, for selected versions, Ford offered an option for an automatic gearbox.