With the 2019 Edge ST arriving on dealer lots this month, Ford Performance is showing off the latest addition to it Sport Technologies-flavored lineup in a three-video series that highlights the hot hauler’s features and lets us hear from the people that put the performance into this SUV.

It is a vehicle for somebody who doesn’t want to compromise the excitement of driving… — Ed Krenz, Ford Performance

Over two decades ago, in 1996, Ford launched the ST branding with the Mondeo in Europe. Since that time a host of hot Fords (see gallery below) earned the right to wear the ST badge. However, the Edge ST is significant because it is the first SUV to carry those two letters on its sheetmetal. It is also the quickest ST Ford has ever created, as it accelerates from 0-60 MPH in under 6 seconds.

Ford Performance launched a three-video series that offers insight into the development and features of its first performance sport-utility vehicle — the 2019 Edge ST. (Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company)

“ST is much more than a badge. Clearly it is a differentiated series. It has all the right appointments, but it is an experience,” Hau Tai Tang, Ford Global Head of Product Development and Purchasing, explained. “It is something that gives our enthusiast customers what they want, which is the joy of driving.”

Delivering such joy to drivers is a 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine pumping out 335 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. That thrust is transferred to the pavement via an eight-speed automatic transmission and an AI-enhanced all-wheel drive system that can deftly switch power between two and four wheels.

“It’s not just that we give you a lot of power. We make it possible to access that power better, earlier, and faster,” Christina Aquino, Ford Edge Marketing Manager, enthused.

Rounding out the performance equation that allows the proper use of that power is a sport-tuned suspension and a AdvanceTrac Sport Mode that sharpens throttle response, allows drivers to wind out the gears, and even amps up the exhaust tone. By double tapping the ESC button, this new mode is also said to increase stopping power, improve traction, sharpen handling and enhance stability.

“It is a vehicle for somebody who doesn’t want to compromise the excitement of driving for the functionality of getting from point A to point B,” Ed Krenz, Ford Performance Chief Functional Engineer, added.

We are looking forward to experiencing this high-performance SUV and seeing where it fits in the ST pantheon, so stay tuned for our drive report. For now you can enjoy a look inside the vehicle provided by this video series.