Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Black first look: A menacing new trim for Ford’s flagship EV truck

Because it hit the roads final yr, the Platinum version has been Ford’s top-spec trim for the F-150 Lightning. However someday in early 2024, Ford is releasing the primary “buzz” automobile for its electrical truck which boasts an all-new coloration scheme that transforms the corporate’s flagship heavy-duty EV into a really menacing (however nonetheless trendy) machine.

Restricted to a run of simply 2,000 autos with individually numbered badges, though the Platinum Black version is essentially an look pack, it offers off a really completely different vibe than a daily mannequin. The largest change is the usage of a matte black exterior wrap, which Ford says is the primary of its sort on any of its manufacturing autos. Nevertheless, the dedication to a brand new coloration scheme doesn’t cease there, as a result of Ford tweaked a ton of little parts to drive the design residence.

In entrance, Ford smoked out the Platinum Black’s headlights so as to add a little bit additional drama. The corporate additionally up to date principally the entire truck’s badges, eliminating the blue background on the normal Ford emblem together with the blue detailing on the Lightning emblem on the mattress, the tailgate and elsewhere. One small however notable design change from the usual mannequin is that on the Platinum Black, Ford additionally removed the pretend charging port on the precise facet of the automobile, which is one thing I can get behind. If we will all agree that EVs don’t want pretend grilles in entrance, that’s a fairly logical subsequent step. In spite of everything, most ICE vehicles don’t trouble including fake fuel covers for the sake of symmetry, so EVs shouldn’t both.

Some small departures to Ford’s matte coloration scheme are the usage of shiny Agate Black paint on the facet mirrors, door handles and operating boards, which disguise fingerprints higher than flat black. In the meantime on the within, the F-150 Platinum Black options Nirvana black upholstery (with heated and cooled seats), which is unique to this trim. However what actually completes the look is the Platinum Black’s wheels which, as you’ve most likely guessed, are additionally matte black together with their matching black lug nuts.

The remainder of the automotive shares the identical underlying tech and options as the usual Platinum mannequin, which incorporates upgraded motors that ship 580 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque together with Ford’s prolonged battery that gives as much as 300 miles of vary. You additionally get the 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system, premium 18-speaker B&O sound system, help for Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free freeway driving function and extra.

The one actual draw back is that along with being restricted to only 2,000 autos, the brand new top-spec model of Ford’s flagship EV truck additionally instructions a really premium value of $97,995. However in case you have the funds and wish to attempt to put your identify down on the order sheet, you’re going to must pay shut consideration to Ford’s web site when pre-orders for the Platinum Black F-150 Lightning go reside someday later this yr.