Ford Mustang Mach-E Debuts With 300-Mile Range, Four Doors, Fast Looks

The Ford Mustang has a historic lineage that spans multiple decades, features hundreds of variations, and amounts to more than 10 million models sold. In the world of muscle cars, it is one of the most successful vehicles to ever do it. But with the future looming, the iconic Pony Car needs to take a dramatic new approach. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is both the first production-bound electric Mustang and the first Mustang crossover. It arrives as a vital stepping stone in Ford's push toward an electrified future, blending capability, performance, and efficiency into a single battery-powered package.

Mach-E For Everyone

So let's get into the nitty gritty. The Ford Mustang Mach-E comes with two lithium-ion battery pack options: standard range and extended range. The standard-range version uses a 75.7-kilowatt-hour, 288-cell pack, sending power to a large rear motor, while the extended-range option uses a larger 98.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack with 376 cells, sending power to both a motor at the front axle and rear. All that electricity gives the Mustang Mach-E a maximum range of up to 300 miles per charge on certain trim levels when equipped with the optional extended-range battery pack and rear-drive layout.

All-wheel-drive models with the same extended-range batteries will see their range drop to 270 miles. The standard-range model with the smaller battery pack and rear-wheel-drive can cover 230 miles, while the same battery pack driving all four wheels drops that figure to 210 miles.

The only outlier is the Mach-E GT Performance. While the Mach-E GT Performance gets the same extended-range battery-pack and all-wheel-drive layout as the First Edition and Premium models, its performance-oriented approach means its total range drops to 250 miles. Naturally, range varies depending on how you spec it:

The Mustang Mach-E does come in a few different flavors. But consumers can only choose from two options beginning in 2020: Premium and First Edition. The First Edition model comes with the extended range battery pack and all-wheel drive standard, as well as unique visual treatments like red brake calipers, metallic pedal covers, and unique badging. But those hoping to get the least expensive Mach-E will have to wait until 2021, when the base Mach-E Select arrives.

That more affordable model offers a standard-range battery pack and either rear or all-wheel drive. The more-powerful California Route 1 model, which comes exclusively with extended range and all-wheel drive, won't be available until early 2021 as well. The range-topping Mach-E GT Performance, the most powerful of the group ( for now), doesn't go on sale until later in 2021.

The Mach-E's range figures are extremely competitive for the class. Not even top-end versions of cars like the Kia Niro EV (239 miles), Jaguar I-Pace (234 miles), or Audi E-Tron (204 miles) offer as much range. The Tesla Model Y, though not in production yet, comes the closest with an identical 300 miles of range on the top end.

Power Up

Ford guarantees its customers access to 75 percent of all charging stations in the U.S. (12,500 stations and 35,000 individual plugs). Though, it's not proprietary like Tesla's supercharger network, as Ford contracts out to companies like Chargepoint and EVGo. With the purchase of the Mach-E, buyers get access to said massive charging network using FordPass Charging Network, with the ability to recharge up to 47 miles in just 10 minutes with a maximum 150-kilowatt DC fast charging rate. Though, note that competitors like the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model 3 can charge at rates as high as 250-kilowatts.

Of course, Ford also offers a few home solutions, as well. A Ford Mobile Charger comes standard with the purchase of any Mach-E. Plugged into a typical 120-volt outlet, the home charger will trickle out an estimated range of about three miles each hour. Plugging the same Ford Mobile Charger into a more-powerful 240-volt outlet yields up to 22 miles of range each hour. Ford says that this application will charge up to 80 percent of the Mach-E's pack overnight and makes the most sense for consumers.

But those buyers really wanting to take their charging game to the next level can purchase the optional Ford Connected Charge Station. Plugged into a 240-volt outlet, the higher-powered, 48-amp option adds approximately 32 miles of range each hour to the Mach-E. Ford says this is an easy way to get full charging overnight without utilizing a public station. And more importantly, the company works closely with Amazon services for installation of said chargers.

Dial 'E' For Excitement

Don't fret, Mustang faithful, performance is still a major part of the Mach-E's equation. Even with its impressive range and charging capabilities, Ford tells us the Mach-E "still drives like a Mustang." And has the horsepower of one, too.

The most powerful model, the Mach-E GT Performance, produces 459 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque, giving it the ability to hit 60 miles per hour in about 3.5 seconds. But, as mentioned, that model won't be available until the spring of 2021. Until then, buyers will have to make do with the next quickest models available in 2020: the Premium and First Edition.

With the extended-range battery pack and all-wheel drive, the Premium and First Edition trims produce up to 332 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque. The extended-range California Route 1 (not available until 2021) and Premium models with rear-wheel drive produce 282 hp and 306 lb-ft.

Even the lowliest Mach-E is no slouch. The base Select model with the standard-range battery pack and rear-wheel drive produces 255 hp and 306 lb-ft. Adding all-wheel drive to that same trim bumps the torque figure to 429 lb-ft. The base Select model, though, is the only trim that doesn't offer an extended-range battery pack.

Confused? Don't worry, the chart below breaks down the performance figures a bit more clearly:

Athletic Exterior, Upscale Interior
The stretched, revised pony logos on the six-sided grille and trunk lid give away the Mach-E's family ties. But even the angled LED headlights share something in common with the coupe with which it shares its name, as do the tri-bar taillights. Outside of the obvious crossover cues and four-door setup, there are few areas where the Mach-E stands out next to its sibling.

For one, the Mach-E has no door handles. Instead, there are pillar-mounted buttons that pop the doors open upon pressing them, and a pull handle on the front driver and passenger sides. The rear doors, for whatever reason, don't get a pull handle. And the wheels don't carry over from the coupe, either. Each version of the Mach-E gets its own 18-, 19-, or 20-inch wheel designs

The Mach-E's interior is all new, as well. The animal-free cabin uses high-quality materials like synthetic "Sensico" leather on the seats and steering wheel – a brand-new material for Ford – as well as Premium Black Onyx or Space Gray cloth on the dash and speakers, the latter of which looks ripped from an Amazon Alexa or Google Home unit. The dash, meanwhile, has a shape reminiscent of the first Mustang, which is a neat touch.

A massive 15.5-inch touchscreen sits front and center on the dash, though it does feature a physical volume dial. That large touchscreen is standard throughout the range, as is the 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and all-new steering wheel through which to view it. Ford's newest Sync infotainment system is also standard, as is Co-Pilot 360 2.0, Ford's latest active safety suite.

In terms of cargo room, the Mach-E offers a respectable 29.0 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Fold the rear row, and there's 59.6 cubic feet of room. And because there's no engine up front, the Mach-E has a "frunk," or front trunk, with up to 4.8 cubic feet. Not only is the frunk large enough for a traditional carry-on suitcase and then some, but is lined with a washable material and features a drain. Ford designers note it's great for tailgating. Cabin space is equally impressive; the Mach-E's 40.5 inches of front headroom with the optional fixed glass roof is best in a class that includes cars like the I-Pace, Niro EV, and E-Tron, as is the 41.7 inches of front legroom.

Availability

You can put down a reservation for the Mustang Mach-E right now, but there's a little catch. At this point, you can only place a $500 deposit for the limited First Edition model, which has an estimated starting price of $59,900, or the Premium model, which starts at an estimated $50,600. Both will be delivered to customers in late 2020. The base price of the entry-level trim (dubbed Select) is significantly lower, but we'll get to that later. First, let's take a look at the cars you are actually able to reserve today.

The Mustang Mach-E First Edition comes nicely loaded with features such as red brake calipers, sports pedals with metallic covers, scuff plates marked 'First Edition,' and contrasting stitching for the seats. The launch variant of the EV is available exclusively with the optional extended-range battery and all-wheel-drive, which results in an estimated range of up to 270 miles (435 kilometers) between charges.

Meanwhile, the less special, but less pricey, Premium model comes well equipped with kit such as a hands-free power liftgate, panoramic glass roof, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view camera, and more. The cheapest Mach-E Premium nets rear-wheel-drive and the standard range battery pack, which makes for a crossover that packs 255 horsepower (190 kilowatts) and a targeted 230 miles (370 kilometers) of range. All-wheel-drive adds $2,700 to the price tag and costs an estimated 20 miles (32 kilometers) of range.

Opting for the bigger battery pack is a $5,000 option that nets a targeted 300 miles (483 kilometers) of range and 282 hp (210 kW), while the larger pack with all-wheel-drive is a $7,700 additional charge that lowers the range to an estimated 270 miles (435 kilometers) but ups the power to a cool 332 horses (248 kW).

Penny pinchers will find more to like about the entry-level Mustang Mach-E Select, which sports an estimated starting price of $43,895. Alas, deliveries won't begin until the beginning of 2021.

If the Select or Premium trims don't interest you, then maybe the California Rt. 1 will. The oddly named trim is RWD-only but features the larger battery pack. Ford notes this model is "uniquely equipped for max range," however, its targeted range of 300 miles is no better than that of a Mach-E Premium with rear-wheel-drive and the big battery pack. Still, we anticipate the Mach-E California Rt. 1 will be slightly more efficient in the real world thanks to its model-specific 18-inch wheels that feature inserts aimed at improving the crossover's aerodynamics. Like the base Select trim, the California Rt. 1 will begin reaching customers in early 2021.

Finally, the range-topping Mustang Mach-E GT arrives in Spring 2021. The performance-oriented model starts at an estimated $60,500 and offers 250 miles (402 kilometers) in range. While Ford has yet to release a horsepower figure for the all-wheel-drive model, the Blue Oval estimates the GT will go from 0 to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) in less than four seconds.

It's important to note that all prices are before destination, and before any federal and state discounts that might be available. Fortunately for Ford, its all-electric models are still eligible to receive the federal government's full $7,500 tax credit. All Mustang Mach-E models also have an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty on the battery. Visit this site for more pricing and ordering details.

Mach-E Vs Model Y, I-Pace, EQC, E-Tron, Polestar 2

The 2020 Mustang Mach-E is not only the first four-door Mustang, but it's also the first Mustang crossover, which will irk two-door Mustang fans. But the Mach-E now pits the Mustang name against a new cast of competitors that aren't from just Dodge or Chevy. Ford is now competing against other electric vehicles from the likes of Mercedes, Jaguar, and Tesla.

The Mustang Mach-E isn't designed to check a few boxes. It will offer a range of battery sizes with different power outputs, ranges, and drive types. Its relatively reasonable price also makes it an attractive offering in a segment dominated by luxury players.

It appears the Mach-E is competing against Tesla Model Y in price, performance, and more; however, neither of them are on sale yet. That means some specs could change before production begins, including the Mustang's impressive performance numbers.

Mach-E Vs The Mustang Range
Being that Ford brands this vehicle as a Mustang, we thought it wise to do a modest comparison between the Mach-E and its existing stablemates to see just how much of a Mustang it really is. Of course there are familiar styling cues, but that alone doesn't make the Mach-E worthy of its badge. What about things like size, and the most important metric in the eyes of enthusiasts, performance?

Ford only offers estimates on 0-60 times for the Mach-E right now, so those numbers are subject to change. Also, ER stands for extended range in this chart, reflecting different battery options available for various Mach-E models.

At least when it comes to straight-line performance, the Mach-E doesn't really live up to the standards of its traditional two-door siblings. A base-model EcoBoost Mustang will easily outrun all but the high-end GT model, however a GT-to-GT showdown would have the gas-burning 5.0 V8 seeing electric taillights. As far as range is concerned, only an extended-range Mach-E with rear-wheel drive can match anything from the fossil fuel team. Still, the performance stats show the Mach-E isn't slow by any means, especially for a four-door crossover with room for cargo and five people – something no standard Mustang could ever accomplish.

Speaking of which, let's take a look at our second set of numbers. Size-wise, it's rather interesting to see how this crossover stacks up to traditional Mustangs.

Here's where the Mach-E's Mustang DNA seems to show through, at least in exterior dimensions. There are certainly some differences, but despite two extra doors and seating for five, the Mach-E's overall length is actually a bit shorter compared to the coupe. It's also just a touch wider, but of course, the big difference is in height. It's more than just added ground clearance though, as this Mustang needs to consider space for its passengers and cargo. Obviously, the Mach-E with its flat floor and extra headroom vastly outshines the traditional Mustang for interior volume. Then again, the traditional Mustang was never concerned with such things.

Mach-E Vs Gas-Powered Competitors

As these numbers show, the Mustang Mach-E doesn't fit perfectly in the established subcompact and compact crossover footprints. It slots right in the middle of them, which makes an apples-to-apples comparison difficult.

Despite being a bit larger in length than vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4, the Mach- E has less rear cargo space with the seats down than all of them. However, the Blue Oval's new electric crossover gets an advantage from its extra trunk under the hood where the combustion engine usually would be. This spot provides a little extra room to make the EV more competitive.

The Mach-E bigger advantage comes from the output of its electric powertrain. The least potent version packs 255 horsepower (190 kilowatts) and 306 pound-feet (415 Newton-meters) of torque, which is nearly enough to give it class-leading numbers. If that's not enough for a customer, there are 282 hp (210 kW), 332 hp (248 kW), and 459 hp (342 kW) variants, too.

A unique aspect of the Mach-E is that customers can get it with rear-wheel drive, which has the opportunity to make the sporty model a bit more fun to drive enthusiastically. All of the other comparable models are front-wheel drive. Like many of its combustion-powered challengers, the electric Mustang is available with all-wheel drive as a choice on many of its trim levels.

Comparing vehicles on paper isn't perfect because the numbers can't tell the whole story, but the specs indicate that the Mach-E should be very competitive in its segment. Even if the EV doesn't have quite as much cargo space as some combustion-powered challengers, it makes up for the shortcoming with ample power.