Ford’s choice to call an electric SUV ‘Mustang’ leads to criticism, but makes the Mustang Mach-E a high-profile car. How is the new ‘pony car’ doing?
EVs and their names, it’s a story in itself. The electric car marks the beginning of a new era for many car manufacturers and that involves new names, such as ID and EQ. Ford chooses Mustang, and that is unique in that the name does refer to the past, even to a product with which Ford has been attracting enthusiasts since the 1960s. That has nothing to do with an EV and Ford also acknowledges that enthusiasts will not all be happy with this. But at the same time there is a much larger group that, according to the marketers, is attracted by the name and the external characteristics of the Mach-E. Anyone who has never been able to drive a Mustang for practical or financial reasons may well be able to do so now.
Coupe-like
You might expect a Volkswagen ID4 rival from a brand like Ford, but the Mach-E is clearly intended for a higher end of the market. Speed, driving experience and appearance are therefore more important than with the usual models of the brand, with which the Mach-E suddenly ends in a place where we normally expect so-called premium brands.
This Mustang Mach-E in AWD trim is an SUV with two electric motors and a large battery pack and has an elongated and coupe-like appearance. The sloping roofline is partly the result of a clever design discovery, because in unobtrusive black the actual roof extends further to the rear than the side window area suggests. As a result, the headroom for people up to about 1.85 meters is still manageable, while the legroom is quite spacious. The car offers a handy storage space for loose items under the load floor and an extra luggage space in the nose of 82 liters.
On the outside, the Ford is laced with Mustang elements, but on the inside that is limited to the logo on the steering wheel. The enormous touchscreen is unmissable at 15.5 inches. A big difference is that the screen is not placed in ‘widescreen’, but in portrait mode. So vertically, as a loose element against an otherwise pretty sleek and tidy dashboard. This set-up has advantages, because it means that a lot of information can be placed under each other. For example, things like the climate control operation and seat heating are always in view.
Also present is a physical volume button, which protrudes from the screen in an idiosyncratic way. Ford uses the introduction of the Mach-E to launch its SYNC4 environment and that turns out to be a nice system. On the main screen you will find six tiles with the most recently used apps, which are displayed after one tap on the large field at the top. The system in the test car was not yet completely free of minor annoyances, but it was already impressively expanded.
The instrumentation is also very complete and always shows mileage, battery percentage and range. When it comes to technology, the Mustang is definitely up to date. For example, Ford works with easily adjustable personal profiles, the system ‘learns’ the habits of the user and there is a – somewhat unclear – app that can take over the function of the key.
Despite the huge screen, flat floor and cool details, the Ford interior fails to appear truly futuristic. This is mainly because a lot of recognizable parts are used, such as the steering wheel, the ventilation grilles, all kinds of switches and – yes – the start button. This creates a somewhat remarkable mix of styles. Finish and use of materials are fine, but do not exceed the usual Ford level.
Playful
This EV-Ford has a fairly large battery with 88 kWh net and shows acceptable consumption on the on-board computer. In practice, it gives the impression that it is less susceptible to higher speeds and lower temperatures than other EVs and is therefore suitable for those who regularly drive longer journeys. Anyone who can do without four-wheel drive will get a little further in the Mustang. We drive the provisional top version, which combines the largest battery with two electric motors. Together they are good for 351 horsepower, with which the Mustang is more than well served. We do not get the promised 5.1 count from 0 to 100, but with well under 6 seconds, the Mustang is still above average fast. Get off the gas and the car will come to a complete stop, at least if it has been turned on via the menu.
More striking than its speed is that the Mach-E clearly has a playful character. Anyone who goes (too) hard on the gas in a bend can simply let the butt take a step to the side, and then catch it again with playful ease. The Ford responds quickly to steering wheel movements, can be positioned precisely and leans hardly, and that for an SUV of almost 2,200 kg.
The Mustang content goes beyond the logo and some externalities. The downside is that the chassis is on the sturdy side. The Mustang in AWD Extended Range trim must cost a minimum of $ 67,140. You can take a smaller battery pack or omit one electric motor, which makes the car about ten grand cheaper than in the configuration tested here.