Brace Yourselves, A Luxurious £40k Ford Mondeo Is Coming

Ford has revealed that it will introduce a luxurious new Vignale sub-brand which, says Ford, will provide a 'unique exclusive product and ownership experience'. What Ford really means here, is that it's taken a Mondeo, given it a bejazzle and will charge us lots more money for the privilege.

So what's the big idea?

The concept you see pictured - due on sale in 2015 - is based on the all-new Mondeo. Further down the line, Vignale will also be offered on other Ford models, depending on its demand.

Equipment you'll find on the Mondeo-based model includes 20-inch Vignale alloys, a mesh grille, more chrome than a Magpie's off-shore bank vault, plus Vignale badging and chocolate brown paintwork.

Inside, things get more upmarket still. The seats, for example, are leather quilted, the armrest is leather and so is the steering wheel, instrument panel, centre console and door inserts. In short, there's a hell of a lot of leather going on. You also get the luxury of wi-fi capability thanks to the Vignale's standard 'SYNC with MyFord Touch in-car connectivity system'.

Available in Europe in both saloon and estate guises when it makes production in 2015, the Mondeo Vignale concept "showcases the features that customers tell us they want in terms of styling and quality, advanced technology and exclusivity," said Ford's EU President Stephen Odell.

Prices remain unconfirmed, but looking at the current Mondeo's top-spec price tag of almost £30k (for a 2.2TDCi Titanium X Sport), we're probably looking at around £40k for a new Vignale model.

You could buy yourself a nice new Jaaaag XF for Vignale money...

Call us cynical, then, but who's likely to buy a Mondeo Vignale, when you could opt for, say, a Jaguar XF 2.2d Premium Luxury (£37k), a Mercedes E-class 250 CDI SE 7G-Tronic Plus (£36,595), or even a BMW 520d Luxury for £34,330?

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