To be honest with you, I raised an eyebrow when I first saw the Mustang Mach-E. I'm a big fan of the Mustang car, and let me tell you, the use of the name and design did not make me happy. However, over time, I've warmed up to the model, and I must say that I really like the Mach-E SUV today. I understand what Ford aimed to do here, and I'm certain this decision will be one of the brand's best for this period.
Electric vehicles are often criticized for being boring and lacking personality. However, this is where Ford played its cards well with the Mach-E, which is anything but ordinary.
Range and Price
The Mustang Mach-E lineup is divided into four main categories, starting with the Select version with a starting price of $57,690. Next is the Premium version at $61,690. The GT version starts at $72,690. Finally, the Rally version sits at the top of the range with a starting price of $77,690.
Category and Competition
Even though electric SUVs are becoming increasingly popular, there still aren't tons of them on the market, which means the Mustang Mach-E has very few direct competitors at the moment. In fact, I would say that none of the other comparable vehicles are true rivals. The Mustang Mach-E is one of the few electric SUVs chosen out of passion, not just for the numbers that accompany it.
Rivals: Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Kona, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya, Subaru Solterra, Toyota bZ4X, VinFast VF 8, Volkswagen ID.4
Design and Technology
Yes, it was bold of Ford to use the Mustang name and design to create a 100% electric SUV. At the same time, the model has been very successful since its introduction and evokes a variety of reactions. Some love it, and others hate it. If we put emotions aside, I say the design of the American SUV is a complete success.
The interior is sleeker and more modern, which is a real relief. It feels like a vehicle from the future with optimal tranquility. The driving position is comfortable, and it remains quite spacious for its size. I particularly like the glass roof available on certain versions. In terms of technology, Ford went all out, and there's nothing to fault with the Mach-E. Its multimedia system is very pleasant to use. However, I would have preferred a horizontal screen to the vertical one, and I find the dashboard lacks a bit of personality.
Performance
Surprisingly, the Ford Mustang SUV offers five mechanical options, which is significantly more than average. This might explain its great popularity. It all starts with the standard-range version, which has a 72 kWh battery pack. This can be combined with a single electric motor for 266 horsepower or two electric motors for a total of 311 horsepower. For the rear-wheel-drive version, the maximum range is 402 kilometers, while the all-wheel-drive version offers 370 kilometers.
Next is the extended-range version. Again, you can choose between rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The former provides 290 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. With all-wheel drive, power increases to 346 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. Both versions use a 98.8 kWh battery pack. The range is 500 kilometers for the rear-wheel-drive version and 467 kilometers for the all-wheel-drive version.
Finally, for those seeking increased performance, there's the GT version. This one is equipped with the same 98.8 kWh battery pack as the extended-range versions. However, its electric power rises to 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque, which are quite impressive figures. Thanks to this setup, the American manufacturer's SUV can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 km/h. However, there's a price to pay, which is why its maximum range is limited to 418 kilometers.
Weak Points
The range is significantly reduced during the cold season. The suspension is a bit stiff.
Strong Points
It's an aesthetic success, as the model is sure to turn heads as it passes by. The interior is minimalist and elegant. The performance of the GT version is simply astounding.
Signature Element
With a name as powerful as Mustang, Ford couldn't afford any mistakes with the Mach-E SUV, and it's fair to say that the model honors the lineage.
Final Word
The Ford Mustang Mach-E has been heavily criticized by American sports car enthusiasts. Some even called it a true insult to the history of the American sports car. However, it turns out the Mach-E was a massive success from its market debut and remains very popular today, four years after its launch. In my opinion, Ford made the right decision by offering a 100% electric model in the form of an SUV inspired by the Mustang. And I'm not the only one who thinks so, as the model's sales are thriving.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
