Who would have thought nearly 60 years ago the birth of Mustang would create a sports coupe, convertible, endless special editions, of course, and … electric SUV? Heck, ya. Why not?
The Mustang Mach-E is equipped with an 88 kWh useable lithium-ion battery pack that will go 260 miles on a full charge. Two dual electric motors boast 480 horsepower and 634 pounds-feet of torque while mated to a single-speed transmission. We test drove the GT Performance model, which can take off from 0 to 60 in a mere 3.5 seconds. Charging the slick SUV is quick with the 150-kW DC fast charger, taking just 45 minutes for 80 percent juice, or a 240-volt outlet at home in about 10 hours. The one-pedal driving (slowing down to a complete halt by taking foot off the gas) is a personal choice, we think.
Sure, it’s a Mustang but with a difference. A black grille with the centered and illuminated pony emblem is flanked by LED headlights with sequential tri-bar turn signal tail lamps and GT insignia taking up the rear. Also prominent are red brake calipers, black sideview mirror caps, and rear spoiler. Step into the spacious cabin and the mammoth 15.5-inch center touch screen for infotainment controls will draw attention. As will the 10.2-inch digital screen for the driver. A two-tier center console enables hiding personal stuff out of sight. The GT/pony scruff plate is a nice touch, pleasing to the eye. The rotary shifter dial is easy to change gears. The frunk drainable size is 4.7 cubic feet, decent to store cold beverages for tailgating. So is space OK behind the rear seat at 29.7 cubic feet. Other niceties at no extra cost are dual auto a/c, 60/40 fold rear seat, aluminum applique on instrument cluster, hands-free lift gate, eight-way power heated front seats, push-button door release, three-spoke tilt/telescopic steering column and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, driver knee airbag, electronic stability and Advance trac controls, pre-collision assist with auto emergency brakes, frontal collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor with cross-traffic alert and lane-keep, hill start and active park assists, keyless entry/start, rearview camera and auto high-beam headlamps, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.
The all-electric Mustang Mach-E is an incredible vehicle with laudable battery reach, tremendous power and an interior that is as high-tech as any other EV on the market. With this SUV, Ford has put all its competitors on notice. Electric or otherwise, the pony logo looks fine on them all!
Tires: 245/40R20
Wheelbase: 117.5 inches
Length: 186.7 inches
Width: 74.1 inches
Height: 63.5 inches
Suspension: MacPherson strut front, multilink rear
Steering: electric assist
Fuel economy: 82 MPGe (88 city, 75 highway)
Weight: 4,920 pounds
Base price: $59,900
Price as tested: $69,800
Web site: www.ford.com