There is a real urgency to develop quality electric vehicles (EVs) for today’s market. One way traditional brands are pulling in skeptical consumers is by offering electrified versions of iconic American favorites like the Ford Mustang.
The Mustang MACH-E is the first Ford vehicle designed specifically to be an EV. There are no plans by the automaker to produce either a hybrid model or a gas-powered counterpart.
The 2021 Ford Mustang MACH-E has a head-turning exterior with an impressive interior. Inside, it has all the latest popular technology features. With innovative storage spaces and modest cargo and passenger space, the new electrified Mustang has a lot to offer. The MACH-E isn’t the fastest EV, nor does it have the best range or sticker price. But if it’s a luxury EV you’re seeking, the Ford Mustang MACH-E is worth the money.
Debuting late in 2019 for the 2020 model year, the Ford Mustang MACH-E showed that it had much in common with the traditional Mustang. But the ways in which it differs from its predecessor show real promise for the future of EVs.
A Crossover Mustang
Many car enthusiasts and Mustang fans may be looking at the Ford Mustang MACH-E and asking themselves if the vehicle truly is a Mustang. It’s sparked a lot of debate. Where many expected the standard two-door muscle car, a four-door crossover EV appeared instead.
But this isn’t another Prius or Tesla wannabe. The MACH-E presents an EV with exciting performance and all the latest tech with an iconic name.
The reimagined classic pony car offers a powerful electric powertrain, five seats in a two-row, crossover layout, and a high-tech, leather-free cabin. There’s also available all-wheel drive.
A Preview of Ford’s Future
Whether or not the new Ford Mustang MACH-E is a true Mustang is a debate that will continue for some time. Still, the new Ford EV shows a lot of promise and hints at the future of the long-established automaker.
Industry experts who have taken the MACH-E out for a test drive like its quick acceleration and fun driving performance. They appreciate its one-pedal driving and regenerative braking capabilities. Even in the less potent RWD configuration, the MACH-E offers a spirited driving experience.
It can’t yet match the range and performance of a Tesla. It also falls short when compared to Tesla’s interior space and charging network. But for a first EV, it’s an impressive offering.
The 2021 Ford Mustang MACH-E is an exciting preview of EVs to come from an established and reputable automaker. It looks more than ready to take on other premium, performance EV crossovers. It’s also an impressive addition to the Ford family of quality vehicles.
Electric Range and Performance
The 2021 Ford Mustang MACH-E is rated at 230 miles per charge. According to EPA estimates, the RWD base model can go from zero to 60 mph in just 6 seconds. You can reach 60 mph even faster with the AWD models, but the electric range drops to 211 miles.
The entry-level models are equipped with standard range 75.7 kWh battery packs. They accept as much as 115 kW using DC fast chargers. They put out an estimated 255 horsepower with 306 pound-feet of torque.
Premium extended-range models match the base models in acceleration. As the name implies, they offer longer ranges with RWD models getting 300 miles and AWD models getting 270 miles. Extended-range variants come equipped with a 988 kWh battery pack that accepts up to 150 kW using DC fast chargers. These can go from zero to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds and produce 346 horses with 428 pound-feet of torque.
On the top shelf are the GT performance models that get as much as 450 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. They can reach 60 mph from zero in an impressive 3.8 seconds. According to EPA estimates, they have a range of 270 miles.
With the GT Performance Edition, you get the same 450 horsepower but with 634 pound-feet of torque. Ford says this model can take you from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. It has an EPA-rated 260-mile range.
MACH-E Technology
The new Ford EV has a lot of impressive tech packed into its well-appointed cabin. The first thing you notice is the 10.2-inch digital display cluster and the big 15.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. Ford’s Sync software is available across all models, and you get a wireless device charging pad along with the ability to use your phone as a key.
You get navigation standard, which is a real bonus because it helps you easily find charging stations and manage your driving range. Top-of-the-line models also come with a 10-speaker audio system for quality sound.
2021 Ford Mustang MACH-E Trim Levels
The 2021 MACH-E offers five trim levels with Select, California Route 1, Premium, GT, and First Edition. The battery and electric motor configurations change across the trims as power and range increase.
The base model Select comes equipped with LED head and taillights along with 18-inch aluminum wheels. Its upholstery is trimmed with black leatherette stitching. The driver’s seat is power adjustable, and the second row folds flat for a 60/40 split. Select models are RWD standard with available AWD.
The Premium models get 19-inch machined aluminum wheels with better LED headlights and a panoramic glass roof. The upholstery gets perforated leatherette, which is available in black or gray. The steering wheel and front row seats are heated. Premium models also feature a hands-free liftgate, multicolor ambient lighting, a 360-degree-view camera system, and an upgraded audio system. You can get Premium models as RWD or AWD with either the standard or extended-range battery.
With the MACH-E First Edition model, you get all the features of the Premium model with some special appearance distinctions. There are metallic pedal covers, red-painted brake calipers, distinctive badging, and contrast stitching on the seats. These models are only available in an AWD configuration with the extended-range battery pack.
The California Route 1 models offer unique badging and aerodynamically enhanced 18-inch wheels. The technology is more or less the same as the Premium models with the seating detail matching that of the Select models. You can only get this model in an RWD configuration with an extended range.
At the top are the GT models. Like their gas-powered counterparts, the GT models are performance cars. They come with distinctive 20-inch aluminum wheels and a metallic gray grille. These models have wheel arches painted to match the body for more aggressive styling, with front and rear bumpers to match its aesthetic.
The GT cabin has faux suede upholstery trimmed in metallic copper stitching and front bucket seats. The dashboard and door cards also featured copper detailing. The GT logo proudly appears on the center-oriented front armrest.
The Performance Edition models get premium Pirelli tires with adaptive dampers and, of course, better torque.
The 2021 Ford Mustang MACH-E is a newcomer in the luxury EV class, a fact that further messes with the image that comes to mind when you think about the Ford Mustang. But when you factor in all its great comfort features, performance, and technology, you’ll realize that this designation is spot-on.