Can the All-New Ford Taurus Rival the BMW 5 Series? The Answer Lies in the Drive!
For many car enthusiasts, the Ford Taurus might seem like a distant memory. While it has often been praised online, its actual sales performance in the domestic market has been less than stellar—much like some models from Mazda. However, Ford has given the Taurus a complete overhaul this year, steering clear of the fate it faces in the U.S. market, where it is nearing discontinuation.
Ford has experienced a significant decline in overall sales in recent years, particularly with the Focus, once a volume driver. After its redesign, the Focus was equipped with a three-cylinder engine across the board, leading to a sharp drop in sales. Other models in Ford’s lineup have also struggled to make a breakthrough.
Exterior: A Fresh, Dynamic Design
The all-new Ford Taurus features a complete redesign both inside and out. Under the hood, it’s powered by a 2.0T turbocharged engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous 1.5T variant and upgrading from a 6-speed automatic. Priced between ¥228,800 and ¥288,800, it sits comfortably in the B+ segment—neither too expensive nor particularly cheap.
At first glance, the front fascia strikes a balance between refinement and sportiness. The hood features pronounced lines that exude strength, while the sharp, adaptive LED headlights—topped with a silver chrome strip—create a distinctive “sharp-eyed” look. The hexagonal grille, adorned with wave-pattern chrome accents (exclusive to the top-tier model), enhances the car’s athletic appeal. The lower bumper incorporates a blacked-out mesh design, further amplifying its dynamic character.
Along the side, a bold character line runs from the taillights to the headlights, complemented by a silver chrome strip along the skirts. The five-spoke alloy wheels add a touch of modernity, and silver badging on the front fenders improves brand recognition. With dimensions of 5018×1884×1506mm and a wheelbase of 2949mm, the Taurus falls slightly short of the BMW 5 Series (5087×1868×1500mm, 3108mm wheelbase), reflecting its B+ positioning.
The rear design incorporates multiple lines for a layered effect. A integrated spoiler lends sportiness, while the LED taillights—connected by a chrome strip—create a faux full-width light bar. The bumper features sculpted lines and black trim, with dual exhaust outlets completing the athletic look.
Interior: Minimalist and Tech-Focused
Inside, the new Taurus adopts a cleaner, more modern layout. A four-spoke steering wheel with chrome accents, a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster, and a prominent 12.8-inch vertical touchscreen dominate the dashboard. The infotainment system, developed in collaboration with Baidu, includes voice recognition—though the large screen may take some getting used to in terms of usability.
Where the Taurus truly shines is in its feature set. It comes equipped with tire pressure monitoring, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, fatigue alert, active safety systems, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. In terms of equipment, it holds its own against luxury competitors like the 5 Series.
Driving Experience: Power and Poise
The 2.0T engine delivers 245 horsepower and 390 Nm of torque, channeled through a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic. Acceleration is confident and responsive, with ample power for highway merging and overtaking. The transmission is notably refined, with seamless shifts that contribute to a composed driving experience.
Surprisingly, the Taurus also demonstrates capable handling. The steering is precise, and body roll is minimal during cornering, making it engaging on twisty roads. However, when it comes to ride comfort and vibration damping—areas where the BMW 5 Series excels—the Taurus still shows a discernible gap.
Verdict: A Strong Contender, But Not a Luxury Equal
The all-new Ford Taurus represents a significant step forward in design, technology, and performance. It offers compelling value, especially in terms of standard features and pricing. Yet, when measured against established luxury sedans like the BMW 5 Series, it falls short in ride refinement, cabin ergonomics, and overall driving sophistication.
What are your thoughts on the new Taurus? Do you think it has what it takes to challenge the segment leaders? Share your opinions below!
