Ford Mustang Mach E Electric Sports Utility Vehicle.
Jeremy Webb
Ford Mustang Mach E Electric Sports Utility Vehicle.
The free-spirited Mustang horse has been connected with power, beauty and wanderlust for centuries. Ford created a legend when they adopted the name Mustang and the horse sign for their Muscle car in the 1950s. The marque has now applied the label to their electric Sports Utility Vehicle, and Jeremy Webb got behind the wheel of the Mustang Mach-E.
As with ICE-powered SUVs, the electric Sports Utility Vehicle sector is now buoyant, with nearly every marque producing a model or three. Ford entered the market, and to attract a lot of attention to their model, they named it after their iconic muscle car, which has stood the test of time, the Mustang. They have, however, added the tag Mach-E to differentiate it from the petrol-powered sports car they continue to sell. The marketing ploy has worked, and the SUV has proved popular with people buying into owning a Mustang only slightly reigned in.
Ford has four Mustang Mach-E models to choose from, with the range base model called Select, then Premium RWD, Premium AWD, and then the top of the class, the GT.
The Premium AWD delivers a range between 277 - 341 Miles on a full charge. 244 - 304 Miles from the top of the range GT.
To get the experience of a Mustang, you want the RWD model that can power slide out of corners and truly pushes you along. It allows you to test your driving on the twisty stuff. If you want a more secure handling car, go for the all-wheel-drive models. The RWD models are the most popular choice with buyers due to the driving experience.
Handling on all models is good as the heavy battery, and most of the car's weight is low down in the vehicle, meaning you don't feel unbalanced in corners. You also get superb power with the Mach-E, so 0-62 mph is quick, with a kick into your seat when you floor the pedal. Performance like this is what attracts me to electric vehicles.
FordPass Connect and Ford SYNC 4A allow you to interact with your Mustang Mach-E. Driver assistance technology and security are superb; like most modern cars, you have many safety systems. You get keyless entry and the E-Latch system. One Pedal Drive system provides smooth, effortless driving, and three drive modes allow fine tuning of your vehicle performance settings.
Three different Drive Modes in your Mustang Mach-E are Active, Whisper, and Untamed; they alter engine sounds, ambient lighting and even the response of the vehicle's performance.
The One Pedal Drive system in the Mustang Mach-E allows you to take your foot off the accelerator, and the car automatically brakes and smoothly slows. Energy from deceleration is recaptured, extending your battery range. Using the One pedal system can be employed most of the time you are driving, so you don't need to apply the brake unless you need to slow down quickly.
One of the numerous safety features is the Pre-Collision Assist, where a camera scans the road ahead and warns you of potential collisions with a vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist. The system can automatically apply up to full braking force if you don't respond to the warning.
The Blind Spot Information System checks for objects in your blind spots while driving. Warning lights in both door mirrors appear if a hazard is detected. Cross Traffic Alert helps when reversing out of spaces by alerting you if it detects vehicles approaching from either side.
Using your FordPass on your phone as a remote control allows you to lock and unlock your Mustang Mach-E and monitor the charge status from virtually anywhere. You can select a start schedule so your car settings are exactly how you like them before you even get behind the wheel.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E has an enormous Tesla-like touchscreen for the infotainment and a tiny minimalistic display for the driver. Most vehicle controls are now entered via the 15.5-inch screen, although essentials such as handbrake, hazard lights, and lights are to hand.
The interior looks like it's from a more expensive car; it is well put together and stylish. All occupants will enjoy the ride with comfy seats, space and a decent entertainment system.
Mach-E's luggage space is ample for all occupants of a five-seat car. The rear passengers get a roomy environment allowing them to stretch out without being cramped. The front boot on the Mustang Mach-E gives you 81 litres of space, plus a cable storage system to keep things neat. A drain plug is excellent when you carry a wet or muddy sports kit or walking boots. Inside is ample open space under the screen, a sizeable wireless charger and separate storage underneath, slim and shallow door pockets, and a bigger cubby under the armrest.
Charging the Ford Mustang Mach-E takes about 10 hours from a wall box, but using a 150kW Ionity charger gives you 73 miles in 10 minutes or a 10-80% charge in 45 minutes. A ring of five lights on the charger release button shows you how full the battery level is.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a good car and already proving popular. The price matches other electric SUVs on the market but is not the best I have driven. It does everything well, and if you choose the RWD model, you will have much pleasure from pushing the performance and handling. The range on all models is acceptable and allows for long journeys without stopping to charge. I also like the fast charging ability. The Mustang name is deceptive, and I believe Ford should have kept it for their petrol-powered car, not a family SUV.