When was the last time you heard the term "pampers bomber"? It's been a while, right? The derogatory term has gone out of fashion with the genre of the good family vans it refers to. Not because mothers and fathers are now stacking their offspring in small cars or regular table slogans have become less nasty. Today it is the “Mutti-Panzer”, you know, the beefy SUV, which preferably causes traffic chaos in front of schools or kindergartens to stay in style. Especially in comparison to the booming SUV, the players in the declining van segment look old-fashioned and down-to-earth to many car buyers. The S-Max, which has been built in the second generation since 2015, is probably one of the reasons why it is sporty. In the two-week test, however, he revealed his true self - and that has only marginally to do with sport.
Externally, the S-Max leaves little to be desired in terms of dynamics: the trapezoidal radiator grille throat, which the new ones Ford-Wearing models suits him well, the silhouette looks stretched and barely typical of a van, the roof slopes slightly towards the rear. The fact that the S-Max looks significantly sportier than its 3.000 euro sister model Galaxy - a classic "Pampers bomber" - is also due to the fact that it has almost the same wheelbase (2,85 meters) and a little less length (4,80 meters) is lower.
A possible criticism of a little less headroom would be complaints at a high level, since even the two narrow seats of the optional third row of seats (950 euros surcharge) offer enough space that even adults can comfortably survive a longer trip. One reason for this is that the second row of seats can be moved. In the farthest position, on the other hand, the passengers in the second row enjoy the most generous legroom that can otherwise be found in luxury sedans. The three molded armchairs are the same size and - important for families with more than two children - have Isofix on all three seats. Depending on the seat configuration, the trunk has space for 285 to 2.020 liters. The optional 3-zone automatic climate control (surcharge of 400 euros) also ensures comfort on the rear benches, which also blows tempered fresh air in the back of the backbenchers through the nozzles in the roof as desired. If you look back from the driver's seat, you almost get the impression that you are dragging an entire living room behind you.
This impression solidifies when you step on the accelerator. The 2,0-liter four-cylinder diesel from our test car (at least 36.200 euros with automatic) had at least 400 Newton meters of torque and 132 kW / 180 hp available to balance the 1,8 tons of weight forward - it is the second largest diesel in the model range. Nevertheless, the “Max” made little sense of its “S”: the Cologne driver accelerated quite powerfully but not very dynamically, and the comfortably shifting six-speed automatic didn't exactly make the driver's heart beat faster. The set-up is more comfortable than tight, which makes the Ford less a corner car than a cozy motorhome on the highway. In the city, on the other hand, thanks to adaptive steering, the van doesn't feel almost five meters long. The consumption of 7,4 liters is okay for a car of this size, but it is two liters above the manufacturer's specifications achieved under laboratory conditions.
In line with the often price-conscious Ford customers, the basic “Trend” version is already reasonably equipped, including an audio system (CD / USB), multifunction leather steering wheel, electric window regulators at the front and rear, 2-zone automatic air conditioning and side lights. In addition, you can choose from an extensive list of surcharges, many extras can already be combined with the basic equipment - very fair. Cruise control costs 250 euros extra, panorama roof 950 euros and LED headlights 1.520 euros - to name just a few options. Assistance systems such as blind spot warning, lane keepers and emergency brake assist are combined in the technology package (plus 1.350 euros).
The cheaper of the infotainment systems (plus 350 euros) already offers popular connectivity functions with hands-free system, voice control and SMS reading function. The more expensive version with a large touchscreen was installed in the test car, but it was not completely convincing in detail: For example, the operation of the small menu with unnecessarily small buttons was too distracting when driving and the need to always confirm navigation targets or call requests was annoying , The extended voice control, which also commands the radio or air conditioning, made a mistake when, for 15 minutes, it did not want to take over Bad Honnef as a destination and the spelling function finally no longer recognized individual letters. Shortly before we wanted to give up, she suddenly had the complete address ready without any discussion and from then on did her job without complaining. Did the curses help?
Conclusion: The S-Max may be too stylish for a Pampers bomber, but at least in the current generation it has only marginally something to do with sport. For example, a handball team can very well cover further distances to the tournament or the young hockey team can be collected for training. The Cologne native provides a good overview and relaxed travel for mum and dad - and a right of way without derogatory "Mutti-Panzer" blasphemy. (Hanne Schweitzer / SP-X)