Wild Ford Bronco 4x4 van imagined

What would happen if the Ford Bronco’s off-road aptitude was blended with the practicality of a large van?

Most probably something like this striking digital creation, the Bronco van.

Posted on Instagram by Samir Sadikhov, the computer-generated bush-bashing van features ultra-large mud-terrain tyres and a significantly lifted suspension system, delivering impressive ground clearance to ensure it can explore beyond the beaten path.

The front-end design is pure Ford Bronco, with the circular headlight elements, bold grille and recovery hooks creating a strong visual connection to the reborn off-road SUV that is currently off-limits to Aussie customer.

An LED light bar is fitted to the roof and some of the renders of the Bronco van feature a metal roof basket filled with hard cases, while others depict a Bronco trailer – comprising the back half of a Bronco, naturally.

Side steps help entry and exit into the high-riding van and wheel-arch extensions from the Ford Bronco Sasquatch package are designed to reduce mud splatter.

There are also sliding side doors and another visual link to the Bronco SUV is the roof line – particularly at the rear – creating a hardtop effect.

Impressive approach and departure angles along with underbody protection via a front bash plate complete this imaginary Bronco spinoff.

And we can hypothesise the engine of choice would be the same twin-turbo petrol 2.7-litre V6 that offers 231kW/542Nm outputs in the actual Ford Bronco sold in North America.

But while we’re in fantasy land, it would be unfair to dismiss the Bronco Raptor’s bigger, brawnier petrol V6 – tipped to be a development of the F-150 Raptor’s 3.5-litre turbo six belting out even more power (335kW/691Nm) via a 10-speed automatic.

Or perhaps an electric powertrain borrowed from the Mustang Mach-E?

Like the regular Bronco, expect this fantastical van to pack a Dana 44 AdvanTEK solid rear axle and Dana AdvanTEK independent front differential, along with Spicer Performa-TraK electronic locking differentials to tackle challenging terrain.

Despite the reported axing of the Bronco ute due to the Ford Ranger’s unexpected popularity in the US, Ford has made no secret of its desire to expand the Bronco family.

There are currently two models in the Bronco stable – the hard-core Bronco and the Bronco Sport soft-roader – and while a Ford Bronco van is about as likely as snow on the Nullarbor, Ford has shown a willingness to take risks with its high-profile brands.

It has unleashed an electric SUV bearing the Mustang (Mach-E) moniker, which could come to Australia in the next couple of years, so perhaps there’s room in the Ford stable for an electric off-road Bronco camper van in future.

What sort of car would you like to see the Bronco badge attached to next? Have your say in the comments section below.