Ford Puma Gen-E First Driving Impressions: A Near-Perfect Electric Small Car with One Big Catch
Our first impressions of the new Ford Puma Gen-E suggest it might be one of the most compelling small electric cars to hit the market in years. It’s a vehicle that seems to get almost everything right, from its athletic design to its smart interior and engaging drive. However, a significant "but" hangs over the entire experience: the price. With a starting price of €36,900, and with premium-equipped versions reaching up to €39,400, the Puma Gen-E enters a price bracket where it faces tough competition from larger, more spacious SUVs. Yet, as our test drive reveals, this small electric car delivers on its promises in a way few others can.
Design: Sporty Proportions and Urban Appeal
On the outside, the Puma Gen-E strikes a unique balance between a sporty hatchback and a compact SUV. Its design, which has been likened to a "mini Macan," features sleek proportions, a clean front with a closed grille, and optional 19-inch wheels. It successfully blends the beefy stance of a small crossover with a dynamic, fun-to-drive aesthetic. This design is not only visually appealing but also ensures the car stands out in a crowded segment without being overly aggressive.
Interior & Technology: A Smart and Sophisticated Cabin
Inside, Ford has significantly raised the bar for a small electric car. The cabin is dominated by two large displays: a 12.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen running the latest Sync 4 system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. A welcome feature is the dedicated, physical volume knob and the use of sensible buttons on the steering wheel, offering a perfect blend of modern touch-based controls and tactile functionality. The material mix is generally high-quality, though some hard plastics on the upper door panels and glossy "piano black" surfaces remain. Optional features like Matrix LED headlights, a B&O sound system, a 360-degree camera, and a panoramic roof add to the premium feel, while a heated steering wheel, seats, and windscreen from the optional winter package are invaluable for daily use.
Practicality: The Trunk is the Ace in the Hole
The Puma Gen-E’s biggest surprise is its practicality, particularly its class-leading trunk space. The trunk offers a substantial 523 liters of cargo capacity, thanks in large part to the legendary "Gigabox." This innovative storage solution under the load floor provides an additional 145 liters of space and comes with a drain plug—perfect for storing wet sports gear or even using it as a cooler. While the back seats feel a bit tight for legroom and headroom, the spacious front cabin and the incredibly flexible trunk make the Puma Gen-E an ideal car for couples or small families who prioritize luggage space over rear passenger comfort.
Performance & Charging: Agile and Efficient
The Puma Gen-E is powered by a 43 kWh usable battery, offering an official WLTP range of up to 376 km. In real-world driving, including some highway stretches, we found a range of around 300 km to be a more realistic estimate. The car supports DC charging at up to 100 kW, allowing it to charge from 10 to 80% in just 23 minutes. In our tests, the Puma delivered a consistent 97 kW, living up to its promise. The infotainment system also includes smart features like charging route planning, preconditioning, and a charging provider filter. The vehicle is ready for future bidirectional charging and dynamic tariffs, making it a future-proof choice.
With 168 hp and 290 Nm of torque delivered to the front wheels, the Puma Gen-E is lively and responsive, with a 0-100 km/h time of 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h. Its chassis provides a "go-kart" feel—agile and comfortable on country roads. The FWD setup, however, struggles with traction during a full kickdown and on the highway at higher speeds, where it can feel less responsive above 80 km/h. For enthusiasts, a sporty ST top version would be a very welcome addition to this lineup.
A standout feature is the excellent **one-pedal driving** system, which allows the car to be driven and brought to a complete stop using only the accelerator pedal. This makes for a smooth and intuitive driving experience, something that not all competitors offer. The only minor complaint is the hexagonal steering wheel, which feels a bit awkward in tight turns.
Conclusion: A Class Leader with a Price Problem
The Ford Puma Gen-E excels in almost every category. It's a stylish, practical, and fun-to-drive electric small car with a best-in-class trunk and a sophisticated infotainment system. It sets a new standard for product quality in its segment. However, the high starting price is a major stumbling block. Ford appears to acknowledge this by focusing on competitive leasing rates rather than the full purchase price.
For those who are not constrained by budget, the Puma Gen-E is a fantastic car that offers a truly rewarding ownership experience. But if you're looking to save money, a car like the VW ID.3 might offer more range and charging power, even if it lacks the Puma's clever design, practical features, and spirited character.