It takes some nerve to use Ford’s iconic nameplate – Mustang – on an all-electric SUV model that bears no resemblance to the original design.
But that bet seems to be paying off – in spades.
For the first time in 56 years, Ford is expanding the Mustang lineup with the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV joining the sports coupe, convertible and special editions. Mustang Mach-E embodies the Mustang spirit – from its sleek silhouette and muscular curves, to its exhilarating drive experience that offers unique driving dynamics and sound.
My tester was the 2023 Mach-E Premium with an extended battery ($8,600) that boosts the Mustang’s range to 290 miles. Mated to a single-speed transmission, Mach-E was designed with SUV-size proportions to seat five adults comfortably, leaving plenty of space for friends, kids and cargo.
Premium delivers 346 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds. Performance and Performance GT models are even faster. It took approximately 30 minutes for Mach-E to take an 80 percent charge at the UltraFast Electrify America charging port.
“When we put the pony on this Mustang, we knew we’d have skeptics. What we didn’t quite know then was just how popular this car would become,” said Darren Palmer, vice president, Electric Vehicle Programs, Ford Model e. “I love seeing Mustang Mach-E vehicles on the road and talking to customers, and I am seeing more and more of them.”
Mach-E’s exterior steals plenty of rubbernecks with its powerful hood, rear haunch design, aggressive headlights, and trademark tri-bar tail lights. Top that off with a distinctive “Vapor Blue Metallic” coat of enamel and you’ve got a winner.
Mustang Mach-E delivers three unique drive experiences – Whisper, Engage and Unbridled – each offering finely tuned driving dynamics packaged with a distinct sensory experience. Features include custom-designed vehicle responsiveness such as sportier steering controls, ambient lighting, sounds tuned for an authentic all-electric experience, and dynamic cluster animations that are tied to driving behavior.
Mach-E all-wheel drive can apply torque independently to the front and rear axles to deliver impressive acceleration and improved handling over the rear-wheel drive model. Ford tuned this system to provide excellent traction on the road, rigorously testing the vehicle in wet and snowy terrain to help control for slippery conditions.
In addition to an exterior trunk that can accommodate three bags of groceries, the rear trunk offers 29.7 cubic feet of space. With the rear seats down, the Mach-E boasts 59.7 cubic feet of space – more than enough room for luggage, camping gear or whatever else you may want to move.
Everywhere inside, the Mach-E represents a fusion of sleek, modern design and smart functionality. Premium’s Bang & Olufsen speakers are seamlessly integrated across the front, floating above the air vents like a sound bar. A floating flip-up armrest doubles as a place to store purses or bags. Traditional Mustang design cues like the double-cowl instrument panel round out the interior.
Even the available panoramic fixed-glass roof has a secret – a special glass coating helps the interior stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In addition, an inner layer between the glass helps protect against UV rays.
Ford Co-Pilot360 technology is standard on all Mach-E models and includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot information, cross-traffic alert, and hands-free driving on more than 100,000 miles of divided highways in the US and Canada.
Base Price: $58,975
Price As Driven: $66,275
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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