The Ford Mustang has had a rich heritage, to say the least, and one of the newest horses to grace the line-up - although slightly different from the classic American muscle car - is quite exhilarating. The Mach-E is all you could want in a Mustang, and then some. Here's everything you need to know to understand just what keeps this model donning the famous name and why it is just as demanding as its car sibling. From the inside out the Mach-E is a purebred stallion, and the title pretty much speaks for itself.
Mustang's 'Crossover' To The Other Side
In December 2020, the 2021 Mach-E was released as not only a crossover version of the famous muscle car, but also the first all-electric vehicle manufactured by Ford. For the first time in over half a century, Ford expanded the Mustang line-up with the Mach-E, and it is definitely a Mustang, that's for sure. Just looking at it invokes an otherworldly feeling as if you were existing in the past, present, and future of Ford's flagship muscle car all at the same time. Easily identifiable with its determined headlights and trademark tri-bar taillights, the design and concept that the Mach-E exhibits is, hands-down, genius, to say the least, and although a little curvier and larger than its kin, all the classic lines and traits are there - from the front end to the rear. Keeping very similar looks, you almost have to do a double-take after noticing the familiar namesake badges, because this tribute to Ford's prancing pony is anything but a sports car - it's an all-electric, five-passenger SUV with brains and brawn.
Electric Strike, Like 'Forked Lightning'
In 1907, at the very first Detroit Auto Show, Henry Ford made a statement that he was "... working on something that would strike like forked lightning.'" At the time he was talking about the Model T, and little did he know that over a century later his company would be releasing a vehicle that literally ran on electricity. When the Mach-E was unveiled, Bill Ford (Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company) quoted his great-grandfather and proclaimed that Ford was proudly unveiling "... a car that strikes like forked lightning all over again."
Now don't let the 'EV' status fool you - this Stang is still fast, agile, and more than capable. Available with a standard 70-kWh battery or an extended 91-kWh pack, the range for a single charge varies between 290 and 306 miles respectively, and depending on whether you opt for a rear-mounted motor or dual axle-mounted motors will the horsepower be determined. On the GT models, for instance, the combined motors supplying all-wheel drive put out a stunning 480 horsepower with 634 pound-feet of torque, and 0-60 mph takes an impressive 3.5 seconds. Seems like 'leading the charge' is an ironic, yet fitting term for this Mustang.
The Mach-E Is Not Just Another Inside Job
As you open the door on the Mach-E the interior is everything you could ask of Ford for bringing a Mustang SUV into the family. Spaciousness, luxury, comfort, and style enhance the already commanding overall physique. Every inch was utilized on the inside to give Mustang-lovers what they relate to most, and it shows. By using the new all-electric design where the batteries are positioned inside the undercarriage, the team at Ford was able to stay true to Mustang while creating the space for five people and storage.
The technology available in the Mach-E was all new for the debut year, and continues to advance with time. Supported with over-the-air updates, and features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Bang & Olufsen sound, Ford's next-generation SYNC infotainment system adapts to each driver to customize the experience. With most of the control being through a vertically-mounted 15.5-inch screen front and center, the dash stays simple, elegant, and unique while providing more than enough room for the front passengers.
Ford Has Priced The Mustang Mach-E Well
Taking into consideration everything that the Mach-E is, the MSRP is spot on. Being an all-electric Mustang SUV with the power and technology that it has, a $47,495 base price (including destination) is more than fair. With Ford bringing in a vehicle of this magnitude under the auspices of the future for Mustang, the eyes and ears of the world are most definitely alert. Even the high-end GT Performance Edition, priced at $77,195, can put most sports cars on the road today in their place with a stealthy tread.
Hau Thai-Tang, the Chief Product Development and Purchasing Officer at Ford said it best, "The Mustang Mach-E wholeheartedly rejects the notion that electric vehicles are only good at reducing gas consumption. People want a car that’s thrilling to drive, that looks gorgeous, and that can easily adapt to their lifestyle – and the Mustang Mach-E delivers all of this in unmatched style." And, we couldn't have said it better ourselves.