The new Ford Edge is the company’s first SUV to wear the ST badge, claiming to offer a more engaging driving experience to back the performance brought by the twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine.

Power figures are set at 335hp and 380lb-ft of peak torque, sent to all four wheels via a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Ford has still to give us an official 0-60 time, but they estimate that the Edge ST does it in under six seconds.

The eight-speed automatic transmission features a new Sport mode that sharpens the throttle response and shifting pattern, holding gears and providing more aggressive engine braking during cornering.

In addition, the chassis has been updated with a sports suspension that includes revised springs and passive dampers for better control, while the bodywork features a more dynamic styling front and rear, including a rather distinctive pair of exhaust outlets.

A set of 20-inch wheels are standard, with Ford offering the larger 21-inch wheels and a Performance Brake package as options.

Ford thinks the new Edge ST occupies a new space in its segment, acting as a cheaper alternative to premium SUVs like the Audi SQ5. Edmunds delivers their first driving impressions on the video that follows.