I have to agree with both of you, the ICE nose looks better. I don’t know why Ford feels that it has to push the Mach E style nose, to my thinking that’s the least desirable part.   And like the other Ford BEVs sold in Europe, the starting price is too high at near on 30,000 pounds 

I didn’t know Costco had special pricing for Fords, I thought it was only GM products. I’ll have to look into that and see if I can find an answer for you if someone doesn’t beat me to it.  

Beauty's in the eye of the beholder?  I agree there are some real design dogs out there, e.g. the Cybertruck and Aztek, but there are also some cars/trucks that were at first highly polarizing (1986 Taurus, 1994 Dodge Ram) that are now considered design classics.    And as somebody once said, "no guts, no glory".

Puma EV seems  a good deal to me compared to much higher-cost vehicle options.  The Puma EV may not be what everyone wants, but probably meets the requirements of what many people need for daily transportation.  It’s not very powerful like many EVs, but can hit 62 MPH in 8 seconds, making it as fast as ICE counterparts.  Maximum charging rate is only 100 kW, but because battery is relatively small it charges fairly fast.  Weight around 3,500 pounds is enough to make it relatively safe IMO even though that’s below most popular full-size EVs.   Puma seems to provide everything many drivers need and not much more; which of course helps keep costs down.  Whether Ford is subsidizing sales (or will in future) by pricing below cost I have no idea, but it does offer buyers a lower-cost Ford EV option.  If Puma EV meets basic needs, a buyer may have hard time justifying spending 50% more to get one of the other Ford EV.  I think lower price is probably the most significant motivator and expect Puma EV will do well, though it’s hard to know what buyers are willing to spend to get exactly what they prefer.  It will definitely be interesting to follow sales over the next 6 months or so; and I hope it does well.  👍     

The pricing is interesting,  With the Explorer, Ford isn't offering the Smallest MEB battery, and the  The Explorer has more range and more power than the base Mach-E (374 miles to 292 miles and 286 hp vs 268 hp) Due to regulatory requirements, Ford may be selling the Mach E below cost in the UK.   FWIW, the UK mandated that 22% of vehicles be EVs in 2024. 

Labor costs aren't a major factor in determining the price consumers pay for a vehicle

True, but there's a good way to push design limits, and a bad way. Some of our best looking cars have come from designers pushing boundaries. But the same is also true for our worst looking cars. The challenge isn't being different, it's being different in a way that really appeals to people. 

keep in mind these prices include Taxes and fees. "For Passenger Vehicles: This is the manufacturer's Recommended 'On the Road' price for the model shown. This price includes (1) delivery to Dealer; (2) VAT at 20%; and (3) First Registration Fees comprising 12 months Government Vehicle Excise Duty, DVLA First Registration Fee and estimated cost of number plates. This price also includes a Ford Customer Saving where this is available."    

Probably paid for your new Boxster though,,,,   Welcome to the retirement club.  HRG

Niece wants a new Bronco. Anyone know how Costco pricing compares with X-plan pricing?   May just go to two different dealers and find out since the vehicles seem to be broadly available, but thought I'd ask here first.   Thanks!