Revealed at the start of last month, the new Galaxy brings an updated design, increased space and new innovations, and is also among the first vehicles to benefit from Ford Adaptive Steering technology.

Now the carmaker has announced that it will also feature Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, which continually measures how the car’s wheels are gripping and calculates in an instant when and where to deliver engine torque

The move comes as Ford expands the number of vehicles that offer Intelligent All-Wheel Drive – including the Kuga SUV, the all-new Mondeo, S-MAX, and Edge SUV later this year.

“Intelligent AWD activates when it is needed, so it can help Galaxy drivers find grip in wintery conditions and enhance the signature car-like driving dynamics with minimal impact on fuel-efficiency and without affecting refinement. With Intelligent AWD, Galaxy drivers also can tow up to 2,000 kilograms,” said Ulrich Koesters, vehicle line director, Ford of Europe

The all-new Galaxy offers Intelligent AWD with the 148bhp 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine and six-speed manual transmission, and with the 177bhp 2.0-litre TDCi engine and six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. Galaxy can also be equipped with a 118bhp version of the 2.0-litre TDCi engine, and Ford’s new 207bhp 2.0-litre TDCi bi-turbo diesel engine that offers enhanced responsiveness and 450Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm.

Petrol engine options include Ford’s new fuel-efficient 157bhp 1.5-litre EcoBoost and 237bhp 2.0-litre EcoBoost, and the entire Galaxy engine range meets Euro Stage VI emissions standards with CO2 emissions from 129g/km supported by Smart Regenerative Charging, Auto-Start-Stop and Active Grille Shutter technologies.

Ford also today announced prices for the all-new Galaxy. Available to order now in Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X series, it will start from £26,445.

Other additions include a new feature that rises the rear seats at the push of a button. The Galaxy also brings massaging Ford Multi-Contour Seats; and for rear seat passengers with integral link rear suspension that offers a smoother, quieter ride and more space. Second- and third-row passengers benefit from up to 10mm more headroom than in the outgoing Galaxy and the third-row seats offer up to 40mm more headroom than key competitors.