- The 2011 Ford Flex goes upscale with a new Titanium model.
- Flex Titanium ranges in price from $41,115 to $45,960.
- Base price on a standard Flex is $29,850.
DEARBORN — Taking a page from its European playbook, Ford has rolled out the 2011 Ford Flex Titanium model, an upscale — and expensive — addition to the crossover's lineup.
The base Ford Flex SE with front-wheel drive starts at $29,850, including a $775 destination charge. But the new Titanium model, with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive starts at $41,115, including shipping. The top-of-the-line Flex Titanium with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and all-wheel drive starts at $45,960, including shipping.
In comparison, a 2010 Lexus RX 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and all-wheel drive starts at $39,900, including an $875 destination charge. The base 2011 BMW X5 with a 3.0-liter inline-6 and all-wheel drive starts at $46,675, including an $875 destination charge.
The Flex Titanium gets four exterior color choices: Ingot Silver, Red Candy, Tuxedo Black and White Platinum. All colors are mated to a new Tuxedo Black two-tone roof and blackout treatment for headlights and taillights. The Titanium model also gets a black chrome finish grille and 20-inch, 10-spoke polished aluminum wheels.
The cabin gets charcoal black leather-trimmed seats with gray Alcantara suede inserts, painted alloy metallic finish on center stack and door panels, a perforated leather steering wheel and illuminated scuff plates.
The cosmetic package also bundles HD Radio and one-touch power-forward and tumble third-row options.
Ford said in a statement that the Titanium nameplate strategy "has been very successful in Europe, where most vehicle lines feature Titanium as the top-of-the-range model."
Inside Line says: A Titanium package on a Flex does not necessarily make it the equivalent of a Lexus or BMW. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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obake_geist says:
08:17 AM, 03/23/2011
"atenza94546 says:... Why buy Lincoln when you can buy a Ford!!!??? "
I agree since the Flex is already a slow seller and Lincoln across the line is selling slow. This only breaches more into the price territory that Lincoln suppose to occupy for Ford.
wjtinatl says:
03:10 PM, 09/10/2010
55k for a loaded Flex is a ton, no doubt. But so is a Buick Lucerne at $51k, and that's without the power of the EcoBoost V6. And as a few of the above posts have pointed out, the Flex is an amazingly spacious and comfortable vehicle. Much more so than the Lucerne, or Honda/Toyota/Nissan "crossovers". And since Cadillac abandoned the 3-seat crossover market with the new SRX, there's really no other good comparisons outside of the Mercedes R-class. Personally, I would not pay 55k for a Flex (or anything else not wearing a Porsche shield) but given that a FWD non-boosted Flex SEL can be had in the low 30's, I bet there's a few buyers out there who like the Flex's combination of room and drive and will pay for the most loaded example they can find. Witness the success of the Escalade "Platinum" if you don't think so!
500rwhp says:
07:06 AM, 09/03/2010
The high end Flex is priced outside of it's realistic goodness, which explains the consistently underperforming sales. It's a nice vehicle, but $45k? Fer real? I've driven it, looked at buying one, but the price is too much by at least $5k, probably $7k.
golferguy76 says:
10:37 AM, 05/26/2010
Ford has emerged as the front runner in domestic auto manufacturing in the last six months with the redesigned Taurus SHO with 365hp AWD with incredible ride quality and nearly zero turbo lag. The fusion is the motor trend car of the year. The 2009 F-150 was the truck of the year. The 2011 F-250 is an amazing power plant. The mustang line for 2011 is phenomenal. And yes, the FLEX is the smoothest riding CUVs I have driven. (including, but not limited to Mercedes, BMW, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Denali, Expedition, Acura, Lexus) The twin turbo direct injected 3.5L V6 pumping out 355hp will, at least at 7500ft above sealevel, beat a 2010 Camaro SS with the 6.2L 400hp+ V8 in the 1/4mile. With the amenities the Flex has to offer, there is no reason to have a price comparison. There is nothing on the market that has the tech, the ride, the power, space, fuel economy and amenities in one package, and those who come close can't touch the price. Don't fear the blue oval! Befriend the designers at ford and drive one before you knock it.
flexer1 says:
09:24 AM, 05/26/2010
While I agree that 99% of use are not interested in the Platinum Edition Ford Flex, but if you have not ridden in or driven a Flex you are really missing out. The interior is like sitting in a recliner and it is large enough in the interior that it feels like you are in a living room. Yet it rides very smooth. But don't trust me, drive one. Yes I own one.....my first Ford.
The Honda is an excellent vehicle but it does not compare on interior size.
The best comparison is the Acadia.
agnh says:
02:57 PM, 05/24/2010
All of these automaker marketing "Platinum Editions" are really missing the boat on the ability to go upmarket.
Platinum is curently at about $1500/oz, however rhodium is over $2600/oz. Just think how much they could charge for a "Rhodium Edition" Flex... $60k?...$70k? Why would you even consider a Range Rover!
aston_dbs says:
02:12 PM, 05/24/2010
Some cars look better in reality; most cars look better in paper/pictures, but not in real life.
Ford vehicles belong to the latter group...
Above $40k does not help it either... It is still a FORD...
tbone85 says:
01:33 PM, 05/24/2010
sclztt says, I agree with your assessment. The Acura MDX/Honda Pilot, GM's Traverse/Acadia/Enclave, and Mazda CX-9 are also competitors with differeing takes on this segment. These all offer 3 rows and are priced in the same territory. Introducing Lexus and BMW into the analysis made little sense as they have no crossovers in this segment at any price.
sclztt says:
08:02 AM, 05/24/2010
@tbone85
"Which BMW or Lexus CROSSOVERS carry 3 rows of passengers? In the $35k-45k and $45k-55k categories listed on Edmunds site, the answer is none."
It may not be a Lexus, but the Highlander Limited competes quite well with the Flex. It may not be as roomy but at $8-9K less, it is a reasonable alternative. The optional Hybrid powertrain option also is strong selling point. Then again, most Ford buyers are not going to cross-shop for Lexus or BMWs.
gdmstrb says:
08:40 AM, 05/23/2010
"A Titanium package on a Flex does not necessarily make it the equivalent of a Lexus or BMW."
Nothing like stating the obvious. Besides an X5 equipped similarly to this vehicle is going to run you north of 60K (which includes the useless 3rd row). The RX350 is closer in price but doesn't have the people hauling capacity and will still run you several thousand dollars more.
If you think the Titanium Flex is expensive go price out a Toyota Sienna Limited, it will run you over $46K in factory options alone.