2013 Ford Fusion Energi gets range of 620 miles

The hybrid wars continue -- much less exciting than the MyFord Touch -- after the Detroit auto show, and Ford has thrown it latest punch: the 2013 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid. The Energi is the Blue Oval's fifth electrified vehicle to launch in the past year, and will arrive with a total gas and electric range of 620 miles. That's 120 miles more than the 2014 Honda Accord hybrid and 80 miles more than the Prius hybrid.

Ford says the Fusion Energi can drive up to 21 miles in electric-only mode. By comparison, the Accord promises 10-15 miles on electric power and the Prius will go about 11 miles. The EPA rates the vehicle at 108 mpg-e in the city and 92 mpg-e on the highway. The Fusion Energi also boasts an electric-only top speed of 85 mph.

The plug-in Fusion uses a 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder, Atkinson-cycle engine that produces a projected 141 hp and 129 lb-ft of torque. That's supplemented by a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor and a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. Total system output is projected at 188 hp.

The 2013 Energi comes standard with active park assist, SYNC and MyFord Touch. It also offers Ford's Smart Gauge, which is designed to help drivers get the most out of the hybrid's capabilities. The right-hand LCD cluster shows green leaves growing as you drive more efficiently. The left displays one of a selection of screens with info about the vehicle including Brake Coach, which helps drivers optimize the regenerative braking system.

Other features on the 2013 Fusion Energi include eco cruise, which flattens acceleration compared to standard cruise control; EV mode button, which switches the car to all-electric operation when available and a charge port with an LED ring that lets you know when the car is fully charged.

Ford claims to have sold more than 20,000 hybrids in December, the second consecutive month that Ford has broken its own record for hybrid sales.

The 2013 Fusion Energi SE costs $39,495 including a destination charge of $795 and is on sale now.

By Jake Lingeman and Sherrice Gilsbach