High Stakes, Hybrid Reward in Our ‘Explore New Heights’ Challenge

Visitors to the world’s tallest free-standing climbing tower might be surprised to discover an even more dramatic view from the top this month.

We’ve placed our seven-seat, go-anywhere Explorer Plug-In Hybrid at the top of the 47-metre-tall OVER climbing tower, in Norway. The project took six months of planning and celebrates the spirit of adventure, determination and the “explorers are never done” attitude that embodies our electrified SUV.

We also set Norway’s most fearless climbers the challenge of ascending our purpose-built course up the tower as quickly as possible, for the chance to win a free, two-year lease of the vehicle.

The “Explore New Heights” course, designed in collaboration with champion climber Martin Mobråten, was created to test even the most skilled climbers, and featured tough obstacles and spectacular jumps. It also extended beyond the usual 44 metres of climbing surface to reach all the way to the top of the tower, from which it’s possible to see halfway to neighbouring Denmark.

The winner, Leo Ketil Bøe, from Bergen, bested the field with a time of 3 minutes, 33 seconds and left with a 3D printed replica tower trophy and the vehicle lease – as well as bragging rights. Visitors reaching the top of the OVER tower while the vehicle remains in place until August 27 will be able to claim a free limited-edition T-shirt ¹ and photo opportunity.

Our Explorer Plug-In Hybrid combines a petrol engine, battery and electric motor for 6.0-second 0-100 km/h performance alongside 42 km WLTP driving range ² using pure-electric power alone. The SUV can tow up to 2,500 kg, tackle terrain from motorways to rock trails with its Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and Terrain Management System, ³ and has more than 2,200 litres of load space for adventure and sports equipment with the seat folded flat.

¹ While stocks last.

² Ford Explorer Plug-In Hybrid homologated CO₂ emissions 71 g/km, homologated fuel efficiency 3.1 l/100 km and pure-electric driving range 42 km WLTP.

The declared WLTP fuel/energy consumptions, CO₂ emissions and electric range are determined according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EU) 2017/1151 as last amended. The applied standard test procedures enable comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers.

³ Driver-assist features are supplemental to and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

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