The premium electric SUV space has never been hotter, with big names like Tesla, Audi, and now VW all fighting it out for their space in the market. By launching their first electric SUV with such an iconic nameplate attached, Ford guaranteed that people would talk about the Mustang Mach-E. The question is, can the actual product live up to the reputation of the badge it carries?
The answer is yes, mostly. While this is never going to be the pure-bred Mustang that enthusiasts know and love, the Mach-E is an impressively quick car in its top-spec form. It shares enough visual design features with the regular Mustang to justify the badge, even if it's considerably more expensive than its gasoline-powered cousin. So, it cuts the mustard as a Mustang, but how does it fare against its competition? Well, answering that question is a little tricker. To find out, let's break down the Mach-E into its key specs and see how it compares.
8 Power
Given how common it is for manufacturers to post crazy horsepower figures with electric cars, the Mach-E's stats might look a bit tame in comparison. The entry-level Select trim makes 266 hp, rising to 480 hp for the top-spec GT. Ford has done a great job of making all those horses work hard though, as the GT can pull 0-60 in just 3.8 seconds.
Top speed is electronically limited to 112 mph to preserve range, although it's likely that the car could be modified to be much faster. In comparison, the similarly-priced Tesla Model Y Long Range has achieved a 4.4 second 0-60 in AWD form but can stretch up to a top speed of 135 mph. The Select trim Mach-E is good for a 5.2 second 0-60, which is considerably better than the equivalent-priced VW ID.4, which takes a relatively leisurely 7.6 seconds to go from 0-60 in RWD form.
7 Range
Depending on the trim and the battery pack, the Mach-E has an EPA-estimated range of anywhere between 211 and 305 miles. That's a passable figure and broadly competitive with many of its rivals, but it's a long way from class-leading.
The Tesla Model Y Long Range leads the pack here, with a range of 316 miles. A VW ID.4 will achieve 260 miles, while the cheaper Hyundai Kona Electric will do up to 258 miles and still sports similar performance figures to a base-level Mach-E.
6 Handling
A family-oriented crossover SUV is never going to be as fun to drive as a proper performance car, and this is probably the area where Mustang purists take most issue with. Still, badging aside, reviews of the Mach-E suggest that it's a quiet and refined daily driver that's quick and smooth if never actually exciting.
It certainly handles better than much of its competition however, as rivals like the VW ID.4 and Hyundai Kona have both received criticism for feeling vague and boring to drive. It's also smoother than the Tesla Model Y, which unlike the brand's other models is prone to body roll and suffers from a harsh ride.
5 Style
Of course, style is always subjective, but most potential buyers would agree that the Mach-E is one of the more visually pleasing crossover SUVs to look at. It helps of course that it steals a lot of its design cues from the regular Mustang, but even so, it's a well-styled car in its own right.
It's a more unique design than either the Tesla Model Y or Model 3, both of which have a tendency to look like each other from a distance. It also looks like a typical EV than either the Hyundai Kona or Kia Niro. It's most closely comparable with the VW ID.4 in this respect, as both the Mach-E and the ID.4 take styling cues from other models in their respective brands' lineup but also manage to look suitably unique.
4 Interior
Look inside the cabin of a Mach-E and buyers might be surprised, as it's very different inside from a regular Mustang. In fact, take the pony badge off the steering wheel and you could easily convince people that this was the inside of a Tesla, complete with its giant center console touchscreen.
It's a clear rip-off of Tesla's design, but it looks good. Unlike Tesla, Ford has made more of an effort to keep a few buttons and dials for the most basic functions, so not everything is reliant on the main touchscreen. Most buyers will also want to spec the optional plush leather seats and customizable ambient lighting that's available with higher trims.
3 Features
Ford has stayed in line with the other traditional manufacturers when it comes to offering autonomous driving features for the Mach-E. That is to say, it doesn't offer them at all. It's a big contrast with Tesla's Model Y and Model 3, although given how many studies there are that say most drivers don't want autonomous vehicles, that may not be a bad thing.
There are automated safety features in the Mach-E though, broadly similar to most other modern cars in the same price bracket, electric or not. There's a lane-departure warning system, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and collision warning included as standard.
2 Practicality
Practicality is where the Mach-E shines above most other EVs, as reports say it offers a range of storage cubbies and ample cargo space even with the rear seats up. Car and Driver have put it top of the class in this aspect, above Teslas where a common complaint is a lack of useful storage space.
It's also larger inside than the likes of the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro, which makes it more feasible as an everyday family hauler, especially for those who need to bring luggage on a regular basis. The consensus is that the Mach-E is one of the most practical EVs to live with, just as much as any regular ICE family SUV.
1 Price
Price-wise, the Mach-E isn't the cheapest EV in its segment, as that accolade goes to the Hyundai Kona and the smaller Chevy Bolt EUV. But, it still represents good value for money in comparison to its rivals, especially considering that a Model Y will cost up to $65,000 for a well-specced Performance model.
The Mach-E starts at $43,995 and rises to $61,095 for a GT model, although at the moment the available federal tax credit will slice $7,500 off the list price. That makes it an all-around good deal, especially considering how well-rounded the Mach-E is to drive and live with. Is it the most revolutionary EV to hit the market? No, but it's fair to say that it comes out very well in comparison to its competition.