When Ford announced it would unveil a new electric SUV, we were surprised it decided on the name Mustang Mach-E. Indeed, it does not look like the Mustang we dearly know. Yet, putting the name aside, we think the Mach-E is a very compelling option for electric SUV seekers.
Exterior
For those who get turned off by the Mustang labeling, we wouldn’t blame you. However, it doesn’t mean that Ford is not trying. For instance, you wouldn’t find a single Ford logo on the exterior, only Mustang badges. Its coupe-ish sloping roof is one of Mustang’s characteristics, and the rear headlights also mimic the one on the 2-door Mustang.
The design is nowhere near as ugly and leans towards a sporty look. The Mustang Mach-E is on the large side, measuring 185.6 inches long, 74.1 inches wide, and 64.0 inches tall. However, it has a slightly low ground clearance for an SUV of 5.7 inches due to the battery placement.
Nonetheless, the whole packaging does feel modern and futuristic, especially with the elegant and sharp LED headlights with the auto high beam as standard and an electric push-button for opening the doors. It also has electric shutters at the lower end of the front bumper that opens for cooling or close for a better drag coefficient.
Hence, the overall exterior of the Mach-E is simultaneously functional and great-looking.
Interior
Although the idea of a 5-door SUV Mustang is odd, it is at least practical. For the first time, the Mustang can now seat 5 adults comfortably, with a total of 104 cubic feet of passenger volume. Also, those who sit at the back would have a sufficient amount of headroom and knee room.
The front row is even more entertained with the digital gauges. The usage of buttons is minimalized as almost everything is controlled in the giant, Tesla-inspired infotainment screen. Hence, it has a clean-looking interior, and the materials used are superb for a Ford. We would even consider the interior quality of the Mach-E is superior to the one in a Tesla Model Y or Volkswagen ID.4.
Moreover, there are many small storages, and the cargo space with all the seats upright measures a large 30 cubic feet. Folding down the rear seats would expand it to 60 cubic feet. Also, being an EV meant that it has an additional front trunk, measuring at 5 cubic feet. Indeed, this is by far the most practical Mustang ever made, period.
Trims
The 2021 Mustang Mach-E is available in 4 trims, all featuring their own choices of powertrains and attributes inside and out. It is worth noting that the prices listed below have not yet included the $7,500 federal tax credit, whereby eligible.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select
Starting MSRP = RWD – $42,895, AWD – $45,595
The Select is the entry-level Mach-E and has a rather basic look inside and out but still very high-tech.
Powertrain
The basic Select trim comes with a standard-range 68-kWh battery. The RWD model features one electric motor, while the AWD model has two.
The standard range RWD produces 266 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0-60 mph in a decently quick 5.8 seconds and has an expected range of 230 miles.
Meanwhile, the standard range AWD produces 266 hp and significantly more torque at 428 lb-ft. As a result, the 0-60 mph time is down to 5.2 seconds, whereas the range decreases to lowly 211 miles.
Both models have a charging capability of up to 10.5 kW AC (home charging) or up to 150 kW DC. Also, Ford provides FordPass™, which lets you charge the Mustang Mach-E on multiple charging stations.
Exterior Features
From the outside, the Select starts you off with gray-painted 18-inch wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, manual liftgate, and phone as a key feature.
Interior Features
Inside, there is a vinyl-wrapped steering wheel, simulated leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver seat. There is also a 10.2-inch driver instrument panel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and wireless charging pad as standard.
For the entertainment system, a 15.5-inch vertical infotainment screen is standard, featuring navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. This system also packs a 6-speaker audio setup.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium
Starting MSRP = RWD – $47,600, AWD – $50,300
The Premium is a step up from the Select, with upgraded features and more powertrain options.
Powertrain
In the Premium, the standard range of powertrains like in the Select models are available. However, for $5,000 more, you can get the extended range battery models with a battery capacity of 88 kWh. They have the same charging capabilities and are also available in RWD or AWD.
With the larger capacity, the RWD models can now produce 290 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Although the 0-60 mph time is slightly slower at 6.1 seconds, it has a much more usable range of 305 miles on a single charge.
Meanwhile, the AWD model produces a much-improved 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. As a result, it has a 0-60 mph time of a rapid 4.8 seconds; however, the range decreases to 270 miles.
Exterior Features
The Premium features nice upgrades from the entry-level, such as a panoramic fixed-glass roof, larger dual-tone 19-inch wheels, and power-folding side mirrors. There is also an acoustic glass for better sound insulation and a hands-free power liftgate as standard.
Interior Features
Inside, the added standard features are memory function for the driver seat, power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, and ambient lighting. Also, the audio system is upgraded to a 9-speaker Bang & Olufsen, which is a nice addition.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1
Starting MSRP = RWD – $50,400
The California Route 1 edition is based on the Premium extended range battery RWD model but with slight downgrades for increased affordability.
Exterior Features
From the outside, the California Route 1 features roughly the same traits as the Premium, but with smaller black-painted 18-inch wheels and still adopting a manual liftgate.
Interior Features
The interior is the same as the Premium, minus the addition of the heated front seats and steering wheel, ambient lighting, and the 9-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT
Starting MSRP = AWD – $59,900, AWD Performance Edition – $64,900
The GT is the top-of-the-range high-performance Mach-E, with the most advanced features and most powerful powertrain.
Powertrain
Powering the GT is the enhanced powertrain from the Premium extended range battery AWD model that produces a hefty 480 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque. It has a claimed 0-60 mph time in 3.8 seconds, with an expected range of up to 250 miles.
However, the GT Performance Edition adopts the same powertrain as the GT but produces more exciting numbers by adding $5,000 to the price tag. It has the same 480 hp but more torque at 634 lb-ft. The acceleration figure to 60 mph is reduced to an even quicker 3.5 seconds, and the expected range is slightly lower at 235 miles.
Moreover, added specifically to the GT Performance Edition is also the adaptive suspension technology, MagneRide® Damping System, for improved handling and comfort.
Exterior Features
Not much has changed from the outside, apart from larger 20-inch alloys fitted. Weirdly though, the panoramic fixed-glass roof is removed but available as a $1,300 add-on. Similarly, the 360-degree camera was also standard in the previous trim but is now a $1,900 add-on for the GT.
We are unsure of Ford’s odd decisions of reducing standard features in the top-of-the-range Mach-E model.
Safety and Driver Assistant
The Mach-E is well equipped in the safety department. As a starter, it has 9 airbags, electronic stability control, an anti-theft system, and a post-crash alert system. Another unique feature is the allowance of keyless entry by typing in PIN code to the door’s touch-sensitive keypad.
Furthermore, it features Ford Co-Pilot360™ 2.0 and Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist 2.0 driver-assistance systems as standard. They feature adaptive cruise control with steering assist, blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors with backup camera and rear brake assists.
There is also a 360-degree camera and Ford Co-Pilot360™ Active 2.0, featuring automatic parking assist and hands-free highway driving feature (BlueCruise). They are available as standard on the Premium and California Route 1 trim but as optional extras for the Select and GT trim.
Highlighted Packages
A few packages and extra bits are available to add, especially for the entry-level Select and top-level GT trim.
Comfort/Appearance Package
Price: $2,300
The Comfort/Appearance Package is available on the Select trim and adds a few nice exterior and interior enhancement features.
Outside, you’ll get larger 19-inch alloys with gloss black cover, black painted roof, power-folding side mirrors, and a hands-free power liftgate. Meanwhile, the cabin gets memory function for the driver seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, and cargo area cover.
Comfort/Technology Package
Price: $3,200
Available on Select trim, the Comfort/Appearance Package adds a few conveniences and driver assistant features included on the more expensive trims.
Outside, this package features a hands-free power liftgate and power-folding side mirrors. Inside, heated front seats and steering wheel, memory function for the driver seat, and cargo area cover are added. Moreover, Ford Co-Pilot360™ Active 2.0 and a 360-degree camera are also a part of this package.
It is worth noting that you can’t have this package together with the Comfort/Appearance Package.
Interior Protection Package
Price: $240
Available on all trims, the Interior Protection Package adds cargo area protectors and floor liners (front and rear).
Mustang Mach-E GT Exclusive Add-ons
The following are the single optional extras available for the GT and GT Performance Edition:
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ Active 2.0 and 360-degree camera: $1,900
- Panoramic Fixed-Glass Roof: $1,300
- Black Painted Roof: $385
Towing Capacity
Despite having powerful electric motor/s, the towing ability of the Mach-E is disappointing. First, the Mustang Mach-E is not set up for towing in the North American markets, which is a shame. And second, even when towing setup is available in other markets, the actual advised towing capacity is only up to 1,650 lbs.
In this case, the Tesla Model Y humiliates the Mach-E by towing up to 3,500 lbs.
Warranty
Ford’s warranty that comes with the purchase of the 2021 Mustang Mach-E includes:
- Limited warranty of up to 3 years/36,000 miles
- Drivetrain warranty of up to 5 years/60,000 miles
- Rust warranty of up to 5 years with unlimited mileage
- Roadside assistance program of up to 5 years/60,000 miles
- Electric components warranty of up to 5 years/60,000 miles
Verdict
In short, is this the muscle car Mustang that we usually know? The answer is no. However, Ford’s first attempt in making a practical electric SUV shares some common characteristics with the regular 2-door Mustang, especially when it comes to performance.
The GT Performance Edition does have the most exciting figures, and it is a great alternative to the Tesla Model Y Performance if money isn’t an issue. However, the Premium extended range battery AWD model is the best value, where you won’t miss the adequately high power output and decent range. Practically, you would also go for the best standard equipment with this trim.
However, if range anxiety still bothers you, the Tesla Model Y Long Range costs less than the Mach-E and has a significantly higher range of up to 326 miles. Just beware of the poorer build quality compared to the Ford.
Gallery: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Gallery: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT
Specifications
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E |
Select |
Premium |
California Route 1 |
||
| Drive Wheels | RWD | AWD | RWD | AWD | RWD |
Engine |
|||||
| Engine Code | 99M | 99S | 99M | 99S | 997 |
| Engine Type | Electric | ||||
| Horsepower | 266 | 290 | |||
| Torque | 317 | 428 | 317 | 428 | 317 |
Drivetrain |
|||||
| Transmission(s) | Automatic | ||||
Fuel Economy |
|||||
| Fuel Economy – City | 105 MPGe | 100 MPGe | 105 MPGe | 100 MPGe | 108 MPGe |
| Fuel Economy – Hwy | 93 MPGe | 86 MPGe | 93 MPGe | 86 MPGe | 94 MPGe |
| Fuel Economy – Combined | 100 MPGe | 93 MPGe | 100 MPGe | 93 MPGe | 101 MPGe |
Dimensions |
|||||
| Wheelbase (in.) | 117 | ||||
| Length (in.) | 186 | ||||
| Width (in.) | NA | ||||
| Height (in.) | 63 | ||||
| Passenger volume (cu.ft.) | NA | ||||
| Cargo volume (cu.ft.) | 29.7 | ||||
| Curb weight (lbs) | 4394 | 4587 | 4394 | 4920 | 4727 |
Suspension |
|||||
| Front | Strut | ||||
| Rear | Multi-Link | ||||
Wheels & Tires |
|||||
| Wheel size | 18 X 8 | 19 X 8 | 18 X 8 | ||
| Tire size | P225/60WR18 | P225/55WR19 | P225/60WR18 | ||
