Ford has formally introduced a new vehicle called the Bronco Basecamp for the Chinese market. It is designed to be a rugged, adventure-oriented, electrified SUV that doubles as a mobile camper. Developed in partnership with Jiangling Ford (JMC), the Bronco Basecamp is part of Ford’s new “Bronco New Energy” line tailored for China’s “new energy vehicle” segment. Obviously, a variant of the Bronco Sport, the Bronco Basecamp is what many of us Sport lovers envision our little Broncos could be: ready for camping and exploring.
Off-grid / camping readiness
The Basecamp comes with a factory “One-Touch Roof Camping Package”: a panoramic glass roof panel that tilts upward by 14.2 inches (to provide extra headroom above the second row, creating a semi–rooftop tent effect.
Front seat headrests drop or fold automatically, so the front seats can lie flat. Rear seats fold down to produce a nearly flat platform. An inflatable Bronco-branded mattress is offered to cover both rows, allowing occupants to sleep inside
The rear tailgate is becomes what is being called a “mountain kitchen”: the tailgate includes a fold-down table, a magnetic strip for utensils, integrated cup/drinks holders, a bottle opener, and mounting points for kitchen tools.
Optionally, the Basecamp may include modular camping accessories (e.g. refrigerator, curtains) and external power export features as part of its “New Energy” design concept.
Vehicle Architecture & Sensors / Electronics
The Basecamp is equipped with a LiDAR unit mounted on the roof and a broad network of more than 30 sensors and cameras, enabling advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and semi-autonomous features. Ford includes an “Off-road Logbook” function in the infotainment system, with over 20 curated trail routes for users to explore.
Styling cues: an illuminated “BRONCO” light signature integrated across the front, a floating roof effect, raised wheel-arch cladding, and boxy rugged proportions, for China anyway.
Key Stats
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 116.1 in
Overall length: 197.8 in
Width: 77.2 in
Because of its extended length relative to the standard Bronco, the Basecamp offers more interior flexibility for camping configurations.
Powertrains, Performance & Range
Ford is offering two electrified powertrain variants for the Bronco Basecamp:
Pure Electric (BEV) version
Dual-motor AWD configuration, producing total system output around 445 hp
Battery: 105.4 kWh
Range (CLTC basis): ~650 km (~404 miles)
Instant torque and AWD traction enable off-road performance and incline climbing capability expected of a Bronco-branded SUV (though detailed torque/0–100 times not publicly confirmed).
Extended-Range (EREV / “range-extended electric”) version
Uses the same dual-motor setup (AWD) plus a 1.5 L turbocharged gasoline engine acting as a generator (not mechanically linked to the wheels)
Electric-only capability: 220 km (137 miles)
Combined (electric + generator) range: 1,220 km (758 miles) on the CLTC cycle
Total output: 416 hp (310 kW)
Because the EREV version can rely on the gasoline generator for long-range cruising, it may reduce “range anxiety” while still enabling electric driving for shorter trips.
Pricing & Pre-Order Incentives
Ford has begun pre-orders in China. A deposit of ¥1,000 (approx. US$140) is being accepted to reserve a spot in the order banks. Early adopters will receive a complimentary One-Touch Roof Camping Package, which Ford values at ¥12,000(approx. US$1,685) Up to now, Ford has not disclosed the base on-road MSRP / official price of the Bronco Basecamp in China.
Production, Delivery & Timeline
The Bronco Basecamp will be built by Jiangling Ford in China (Nanchang / JMC-Ford facility) under the Ford-JMC joint venture. The Ford’s broader Bronco New Energy line is slated for launch in Q4 of this year and official deliveries of the Basecamp are expected by year end.
Other Considerations & Market Positioning
The Bronco Basecamp is being positioned not just as an off-road SUV, but as a mobile retreat / outdoor lifestyle vehicle specially tailored to Chinese buyers who are increasingly interested in self-driving travel (road trips) and “car camping.”
Though based on the Bronco nameplate, this model is a unibody like the Bronco Sport sold in the U.S. Rumors are it is unlikely to come to the U.S. due to different market needs, regulations, and platform architectures. Indeed, Ford has signaled the Basecamp is currently China-exclusive.
The Basecamp will compete in China’s increasingly crowded new energy SUV market, where consumers compare range, charging infrastructure compatibility, performance, and value of additional features (like camping gear). Its unique camping features may help it stand out.
Given the integration of many sensors and ADAS features, Ford may tie in software updates, over-the-air upgrades, and “lifestyle packages” (e.g. additional camping gear, roof racks, modular accessories).
Summary & Outlook
Key unknowns remain, most notably pricing and exact performance / acceleration numbers, but the timeline suggests that Chinese buyers placing pre-orders now could receive their vehicles by late 2025. If successful, the Basecamp may serve as a testing ground for similar lifestyle-EV models in other markets (though a U.S. import seems unlikely given regulatory and platform constraints).
What are your thoughts on this new version? Should there be a totally electric/hybrid Bronco Sport in the U.S.? Should Ford bring a similar Basecamp to the U.S.? What do you like, dislike about vehicles like this?
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