Ford Mustang Mach-E review: Clean, connected and socially acceptable EV for the modern world

SHOULD an electric crossover wear a Mustang badge? I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Yes. Mostly because it will pay for a two-door Mustang further down the line. You read that here first. Rumour has it that Ford is working on “a family of Mustangs” including a big seven-seater but also a battery-powered version […]

SHOULD an electric crossover wear a Mustang badge?

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Yes. Mostly because it will pay for a two-door Mustang further down the line.

simon thompson

simon thompson

You read that here first.

Rumour has it that Ford is working on “a family of Mustangs” including a big seven-seater but also a battery-powered version of THE Mustang as we know it.

A proper muscle car, just with the sound turned down.

For now, though, we have the mid-size Mustang Mach-E, a tech-rich family rocketship with tons of space and a drinks chiller up front.

Prices start at £41k — a lot for a Ford — but it is well-equipped and unlike any Ford you have ever sat in. More on that later.

For maximum range, you’ll want the big battery rear-wheel drive version costing £46k. The official test figure is 379 miles non-stop but anything close to 300 miles in the real world is good for electric.

For maximum grip, the all-wheel drive Mach-E costs £50k. And for maximum grins, the all-wheel drive GT we’ve just tested here is £65k.
Jeez, it’s rapid.

Quicker than a Porsche Taycan 4S from the lights. And more torque than Ford’s GT supercar. Overtaking is E A S and Y. Just point and squeeze.

There are four driving modes, from Whisper to Untamed Plus, which need no explanation other than to say they become progressively more rear-biased and more playful.

But I do have some quibbles. No flappy paddles. I mean, c’mon Ford, seriously?

We want flappy paddles to increase braking regen and slow for a corner — like changing down gears. And we want a boost button on the steering wheel. Both of which would make us feel more involved, more in charge.

simon thompson

Like we do with the V8. Get them sorted for the little Mustang EV.

I will also say the acceleration curve flattens the longer you keep your foot in but try it once too often and you’ll be sitting in the back of a police car anyway.

Handling is much like the Mustang V8, not class-leading, won’t worry a Porsche Macan, but still decent for a 2.2-tonne crossover. It’s also difficult to drive smoothly around town because of the brakes. They are either off or very on.

Now let’s get back to the really good stuff.

The interior is on-point: Big upright screen like a Tesla, except this car is better because it has a second display for the speedo and satnav right in front of you. And it feels a lot more like a car.

Good driving position, comfy, nicely trimmed dash, lots of storage, room for five, wireless phone charging . . . it just feels modern and premium.

Cool tech includes keypad entry on the doors (no need for a key), a Ford app to pre-set your route (with charging network) and cabin temperature, plus over-the-air software updates to keep this car fresh.

Even as I write this, Ford has just announced it will unlock another 3kWh of range from the battery, from 88kWh to 91kWh, adding another nine miles. The gross capacity of the battery pack is 99kWh. Technically, it also means you could add more speed remotely.

To sum up, then.

Mustang Mach-E GT is a clean, connected and socially acceptable EV for the modern world — but still with a sting in its tail.

And when the kids fly the nest, you can downsize to the two-door.

simon thompson

simon thompson