Developed under the model code CD391, it is a rebadged variant of the American-market Fusion sold in Europe, Latin America, China and Australia.

[8] Revealed at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan,[9] the Mondeo is based on a new iteration of Ford's C/D platform, which it shares with the Galaxy and S-Max large MPVs.

[2] As of late 2023, the Mk5 Mondeo is exclusively sold in China and the Middle East, due to Ford Europe's decision to move towards the crossover SUV market.

"[20] Mike Rogers, Ford's Engineering Launch Manager,[21] had played a significant role in the European market receiving the Mondeo.

As the Mondeo was derived from the Fusion, Rogers and his team of developers had to integrate new petrol and diesel powertrains, two new body styles (liftback and station wagon),[22] right-hand drive,[23] and a completely restyled interior to differentiate it from its American sister model.

[25] Rogers had also stated that "because the car was developed initially as a global vehicle, Ford teams in North America, Europe and Asia were all involved in setting up the program.

The hydro-forming uses high-pressure hydraulic fluid to press metal into more complex shapes, which was seen as more efficient than using traditional stamping methods, while providing improved strength-to-weight ratios and bending rigidity.

Ford states the platform and body structure is 10 per cent stiffer, and additionally adds electric power-assisted steering for the first time.

[49] Mat Watson from British magazine carwow has stated that "quality is good but the infotainment can't match a VW Passat".

This setup includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Applink connectivity, meaning it allows smartphones can hook into it via the USB socket.

On the pre-facelift model, the Titanium trim level had offered active systems such as lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition, which would show the current speed limit on the digital display.

[52] All models feature Ford's Auto Start-Stop system, which will automatically turn the engine off while the car is stationary to save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions.

[58] The Zetec model adds power-folding door mirrors, a heated front windscreen and height and lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat.

[58] Titanium models add 17-inch alloy wheels, sporty seats, standard satellite navigation, automatic headlights and wipers, as well as safety systems consisting of traffic-sign recognition and lane-keeping assistance.

It features large alloy wheels, chrome door handles, a new grille, a redesigned front bumper and new fog lamps.

[60] The Ambiente model features 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, heated mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, 8-inch colour touchscreen, satellite navigation, and Bluetooth with audio streaming.

[45][61] Upgrading from the Ambiente model, the mid-range Trend model adds dual exhausts, automatically folding exterior mirrors, keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise control, memory driver seats, heated front seats, automatic headlamps and high beams, rain sensing wipers, multi-colour ambient lighting, rear-view camera, blind spot detection, and Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection.

[45][62] Adding to both the Ambiente and the Trend models, the range-topping Titanium adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a body kit (front and rear side skirts), a power tailgate for the station wagon, adaptive suspension and adaptive LED headlamps, panoramic sunroof, an interior dedicated to sportiness, and a choice of eight vibrant exterior colours.

[45][63][61] Due to its upcoming discontinuation in mid-2020 for the Australasian market, the Mondeo line-up for 2020 has been reduced to only the base Ambiente, with added active safety features from prior high-grade variants, and larger alloy wheels.

The high-quality LCD screen on the dashboard displays the Mondeo's real-time driving information, which includes fuel and battery power levels.

[85] Additionally, the Chinese-market facelifted Mondeo adds Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

[86] The facelifted Mondeo was revealed on 18 January 2019 as a 2020 model, making its public debut at the Brussels Motor Show in Belgium.

[15][87] Along with a slightly reshaped and deeper grille, all models receive a revised front bumper, which visually joins the lower air intake and fog light pods for a sportier exterior look.

[89] The Mondeo had received primarily positive reviews, praising its driving experience, exterior, interior design, with some sources comparing it to luxury vehicles such as the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.

Mat Watson from British magazine Carwow states that the Mondeo is "good to drive and cheap to run" and is additionally "a great purchase".

rates the Mondeo an 8.8 out of 10 score, praising its good handling, comfort, value, and space, while criticizing its interior finish and the significant use of petrol.

states that the mid-sized Ford Mondeo steers very nicely, rides very comfortably, and makes a superbly accomplished touring car.

They also state that "while the panoramic roof makes the cabin feel wonderfully airy, it also means so much light streams in that the touchscreen displays every single fingermark.

If copper sulphate accumulated over time, this would provide a low-resistance conductive layer below the Battery Monitoring Sensor, which would cause the surround to overheat and ignite.

[97] The Mondeo had received a number of other faults, such as the oil sump cracking due to the engine overheating, clutch pressure plate fracturing, and numerous other recalls.