Verdict
The use of the Mustang name upset some Ford enthusiasts, but those who embraced the EV age felt different about Ford’s first dedicated electric car, and it’s easy to see why. We were impressed by the Mustang Mach-E when it arrived and our enthusiasm remains undiminished. Scour owners’ forums and you’ll see plenty of positive feedback, but some have experienced lots of glitches, either because of software bugs or poor build quality. That’s why you need to scrutinise any potential purchase very carefully. But take on a good Mustang Mach-E and you’ll absolutely love it.
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Ford had been dabbling with electric cars for decades, but it wasn’t until three years ago that the company introduced its first production car created from the outset purely as an EV. That car was the Mustang Mach-E.
The new arrival got a lot of enthusiasts hot under the collar because of its name, but it was hard to deny that Ford was on the pace straight out of the starting blocks, with a car that looked sporty, was good to drive, had an impressive real-world range and featured a well designed and user-friendly cabin. As with all EVs the Mustang Mach-E was on the pricey side, but thanks to the ravages of depreciation you can now buy one for a very tempting price.
History
We got our first glimpse of the Mustang Mach-E in November 2019, but it didn’t go on sale until autumn 2020. There was a choice of 75kWh Standard or 98kWh Extended Range models, each offered in rear-wheel- drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) forms, and by July 2021 there was also a 480bhp GT edition. By September 2022 Ford had introduced a raft of upgrades including a more advanced adaptive cruise control system, while the high-spec Premium edition also got eight-way electrically adjustable front seats, adaptive LED headlights and 19-inch wheels.
On the road
The 860Nm GT was the torquiest car Ford had ever sold in Europe, but even entry-level editions of the Mach-E have plenty of muscle. But it’s not just about outright pace; the three driving modes allow you to pick how your Mach-E drives, with the Whisper option providing a good all-round balance. Ford has disguised the 2.2-tonne bulk pretty well, but the fly in the ointment is the steering, which can feel a little detached.
Alternatives to the Ford Mustang Mach-E
There’s been an explosion in the number of electric SUVs in recent years. Two of the most readily available are the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, which aren’t as well made as the Ford, but they are efficient with their packaging and running gear. The Jaguar I-Pace is a great all-rounder while the Volkswagen ID.4 is good to drive and very practical.
A Hyundai Ioniq 5 looks great, charges quickly and is also practical, just like the Kia EV6 (which beat the Mustang in a twin test last year). The Renault Scenic has an impressive range and lots of space, while the Toyota bZ4X is dynamically capable and spacious inside. A more left-field choice is the luxurious Genesis GV60 which is good to drive and comfy.
Which one should I buy?
Even the Standard Range AWD is claimed to be capable of 248 miles, whereas the Extended Range RWD boosts this to 379 miles. Buying an Extended Range model will reduce your range anxiety and it’ll also be much easier to sell on.
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