2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E new car review

This is one of the world’s most well known nameplates, but it’s gone through a thoroughly modern makeover that’s sure to annoy some.

Fans of Ford’s V8 muscle car aren’t happy about the iconic Mustang badge being applied to the new electric four-door SUV.

We put it to the test to find out what the Mustang Mach-E is really all about.

The new Ford Mustang Mach-E is the total opposite of the Mustangs of the past decades.

VALUE

Ford recently sliced $7000 off the price of the Mach-E, even after that it still isn’t cheap.

The Mustang Mach-E range starts at about $80,000 drive-away for the Select grade we are testing.

This is about $10,000 more expensive than the cheapest similar sized Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

It comes with a 72kWh battery that delivers a driving range of 470km and feeds a single, rear mounted electric motor that produces 198kW and 430Nm.

The circa-$95,000 Premium grade uses a 91kWh battery to boost driving range to 600km. A 216kW/430Nm electric motor drives the rear wheels.

The $115,000 GT grade focuses on performance.

It is available with one or two motors.

Its 91kWh battery feeds a front and rear electric motor that combine for an eye-popping 358kW and 860Nm delivered to all four wheels. This enables the GT to complete the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint time in 3.7 seconds but drops driving range to 490km.

All variants can accept a max charge rate of 150kW that replenishes the battery from 10-80 per cent in 32 or 45 minutes depending on battery size. The Select is a flash looking SUV with 19-inch-alloy wheels LED lighting front and back and a rear spoiler.

Doors are open with a button and a digital keypad grants you access with a code if you are without a key.

An enormous tablet-style 15.5-inch infotainment screen is paired with a slim driver display.

There is wireless charging and USB-A and C ports throughout.

A 10-speaker B&O stereo pumps out the tunes.

Ford covers the Mach-E with a five year/unlimited km warranty and servicing is cheap at $780 for five scheduled visits every 12 months or 15,000km.

The cabin is well presented and has plenty of tech features.

COMFORT

The Mach-E has a spacious interior and a top-notch fit-out.

Step inside and you are greeted by comfy faux leather seats that are power adjustable and heated up front. There is plenty of steering wheel adjustment to accommodate driver’s of all sizes.

The cabin has a simple layout with the giant infotainment screen controlling all functions, but there are digital shortcuts for climate controls to make up for the lack of physical buttons and dials.

High-quality materials adorn most surfaces including a textured weave material on the dashboard and door trims.

In the back seat there is ample legroom for adults and it can fit a backwards facing child seat with no problems.

A completely flat floor in the back means you can actually use the middle seat.

A powered tailgate grants access to a good sized boot that can easily fit the weekly shop and kids’ school bags.

Firm suspension fails to cushion passengers from bumps.

It’s quiet on the road but firm suspension smashes over bumps with the rear springs especially struggling to cushion passengers from road imperfections.

SAFETY

Passengers are protected by 10 airbags and an independent crash test in 2021 rated the Mach-E excellent for adult and child occupant protection. This is complemented by a range of active driver aids that’ll apply the brakes automatically if it detects a potential collision travelling forward or in reverse.

A range of sensors will keep you centred in your lane and the car will warn you if a vehicle is in your blind spot or if one is approaching from the side as you reverse.

DRIVING

The Mach-E Select has punchy straight line speed but there is no hiding its more than two tonne weight.

The base version isn’t particularly fast.

Traction control does a good job off getting the power to the ground with no wheel spin.

Steering is heavy but it turns sweetly when confronted with a twisty strip of tarmac.

The firm suspension gives it solid body control through corners and the weight of the underfloor batteries make it feel planted at speed.

On the flip side the Mach-E is jittery on pockmarked city roads and pounds over speed bumps at low speeds.

It is much more comfortable cruising on smooth motorways.

After decent chunks at motorway speeds and snarling urban traffic the Mach-E Select’s 430km range appears on the money.

VERDICT 3.5/5

Recent price cuts make it more appealing, but the Mach-E falls behind the class leaders.

ALTERNATIVES

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Extended Range, from about $76,500

Eye catching looks with a practical cabin and top-notch in-car tech.

Tesla Model Y, from about $71,000 drive-away

Leader of the pack that feels more polished all over than its competitors.

Kia EV6 Air, from about $78,500 drive-away

Impressive 500km-plus range and it’s backed by Kia’s seven year/unlimited km warranty.

FORD MUSTANG MACH E SELECT

PRICE: About $80,000 drive-away

MOTOR: Single rear electric motor, 198kW and 430Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING: Five years/unlimited km, $780 for five years

SAFETY: 10 airbags, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert with auto braking, 360 degree camera, radar cruise control

RANGE: 470km

SPARE: Repair kit

LUGGAGE: 519-litres