Specifications of Ford Mustang Mach-E 98.8 kWh (285 HP)
General characteristics of Ford Mustang Mach-E 98.8 kWh (285 HP)
The Ford Mustang stable has long been exclusively dominated by a particular pedigree of horses. The breed has been exclusively a two-door coupe-based vehicle, and while engine options have varied over the years, a V8 was always available. Then there are the Shelby variants: high-octane stallions that are bred to win against whatever challenger comes their way.
But the world is changing, and the Mustang's gene pool is getting more diverse because of it. When Ford revealed the Mustang Mach-E in November 2019, the internet erupted with cries of "That's NOT a Mustang!" and "How DARE they!" and more of "that IS NOT a Mustang!" But Porsche now builds SUVs and EVs, when once upon a time they only built sports cars. So while the concept of an electric SUV with a Mustang badge might seem sacrilegious, it's one we need to get used to. To help ease the transition, Ford stuck us behind the wheel of the Mustang Mach-E to get to grips with a new breed of pony car.
Some early design proposals of a very anonymous-looking Ford electric SUV surfaced last month, and all we can say is we're glad things didn't shape up that way. Somewhere along the timeline, somebody at Ford was brave enough to sign off on making this electric vehicle a Mustang, and the final design delivers on exactly that. The silhouette of the Mach-E is very coupe-like, and the rear door even lacks a handle, accentuating its sleek intentions. Moreover, the elongated nose and easily identifiable rear signature lighting convey to onlookers that, yes, it is indeed a Mustang. Even if they're confused as to why there's no engine noise.
Ford has catered to those who want varying styling attributes, too with wheel sizes and designs ranging from 18-inch Carbonized Gray alloys on the base Select to 20-inch cast aluminum aero-design wheels on the range-topping GT. Select and GT models also get the option of a black-painted roof which goes some way to slimming own the overall design.
In our opinion, the design team nailed it.
Up until this point, non-premium EVs have cut corners on interior quality to meet affordability targets. with dollar-store quality plastic found in abundance. Relative to the competition, Mach-E's interior is stunning.
Unique textures, materials, and ergonomics all play in the favor of this electric SUV, all of which combine to deliver a more distinguished interior experience than both current ICE offerings and even the Tesla Model Y. The Mach-E Combines traditional elements like a realm instrument cluster with future-forward aspects like a frankly massive portrait-oriented touchscreen. As Ford's first dedicated EV, it's also shown what the Blue Oval can do from a packaging point of view, with the flat floor and low-mounted batteries opening up an airy cabin with plenty of space for all comers - including 43.3 and 38.1 inches of legroom for those in the front and rear, respectively, while the trunk measures an appreciable 29.7 cubic feet, not forgetting the 4.7 cubic-foot frunk.
It's not built to a budget, but it is built with the know-how that only 100+ years in the automotive game can afford.
The inaugural Mustang Mach-E is a quantum leap from any previous EV effort from Ford Motor Company. It's far and away the most complete and uncompromising effort we've seen from any American automaker thus far, Tesla included. The interior simply blows the Model Y away, while the sleek exterior design, and athletic vehicle dynamics push the Mach-E from good to simply exceptional.
Is it a Mustang? Perhaps not like the rest, but it deserves a place in the stable nonetheless.
Considering how premium the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E feels, a $42,895 MSRP is a fair starting price. Consider that the current $7,500 federal tax credit drops the base price to $35,395, and that's even better. Prices quickly climb, however, when considering the $47,000 Mach-E Premium, $49,800 Mach-E California Route 1, $58,300 for the First Edition, or $60,500 for the upcoming Mach-E GT. But all of them qualify for the same $7,500 credit as the base model. It's your tax money, after all, fellow Americans. So you might as well get some of it back to use on a car.
Rebates or not, the Mach-E is no basement bargain car, but it does rival Tesla Model Y in starting price. About $900 separates the two, and at the same time, the interior of the Mustang Mach-E looks more than just a $900 improvement. The Model Y Performance does undercut the Mach-E GT by almost $5,000, though, so Ford may have to observe the demand for the upcoming electric performance SUV closely when it launches later this summer.
Price Range (MSRP): $42,895 - $59,900.
