Reader Test Team Ford Mustang Mach-e
Electric SUV evolution of Ford’s most iconic model has space for all the family and a range of up to 370 miles
THE MUSTANG MACH-E is Ford’s first pure electric SUV and the first of 18 new hybrid and electric vehicles the American brand intends to launch by the end of next year.
It takes its name from the classic 1970s Mustang Mach 1 muscle car, and uses styling cues from the current Mustang coupé that went on sale in 2015, including its badging, exterior lights and body lines. But that’s where the similarities end.
The Mach-e is the same sort of size as upmarket electric SUVS such as the Audi E-tron, Jaguar I-pace and Mercedes-benz EQC,
STEVE PETCH
51 Head of nance Ford
S-max Vignale
“As a long-term Ford owner, I’m impressed with the brand; I like the fact that its cars are enjoyable to drive while being affordable to buy and own. I think it’s a bit of a shame that this car is branded as Mustang instead of as a Ford.
“My children are grown up and have their own cars, but my wife and I have two large dogs, so we need a car with a roomy interior and a decent-sized boot. The Mach-e’s fairly low, sloping roofline is pretty deceptive, making you think it’s smaller yet it’s expected to be quite a bit cheaper than these models, with prices starting at around £40,000.
At launch, there’s a choice of two battery capacities – 76kwh or a longer-range 99kwh option – and rear or four-wheel drive. All versions are capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in less than eight seconds, while the official driving range of between 260 and 370 miles (depending on which version you choose) compares well with the competition.
So, does the Mustang Mach-e have what it takes to stand out from the plethora of other electric SUVS going on sale soon? We gave some What Car? readers an early look at the car and asked them to give us their verdict.
Age Job Drives
than it is. So I was pleasantly surprised at how much space there is inside.
“The boot is roomy, not too high and doesn’t have a big lip for our dogs to climb over, so they would be comfortable using it. The panoramic sunroof really helps to brighten up the interior, too. I want to replace my S-max soon and I’m ready to go electric, but many of the other models out there, including the Audi E-tron, Hyundai Kona and Kia e-niro, look far too bland.
“I am tempted by the Mach-e. I love its combination of striking looks and practicality.”
‘I was pleasantly surprised at how much space there is inside’
ADVICE
GREGG JARVIS
Age Job Drives
“The fact that the Mach-e model line-up is small makes it easy to decide on a spec. It’s just a case of choosing whether to go for rear-wheel drive or four-wheeldrive and deciding between the two battery capacities. It’s great, too, that there aren’t many optional extras. In fact, pretty much all the equipment I’d want comes as standard.
“I’m really interested in technology and I appreciate systems like the 360deg camera view for easier parking and adaptive cruise control for less stressful motorway driving. These are features I use on my
Volvo, and I’d want them on my next car. The touchscreen is pretty big and might take some getting used to, but the simple, uncluttered dashboard should be easy to use while driving.
“I like the Mach-e’s exterior styling. The darker paintwork on the roof helps to make the car look sleeker, and the panoramic sunroof will help the interior look bright. Overall, the Mach-e feels like a premium product, yet it isn’t as pricey as rivals such as the Audi E-tron and Jaguar I-pace, and that adds to its appeal.
“I’m likely to buy a pure electric car when I replace my XC40, so it’s great to get an early close-up look at the Mach-e.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
The Mustang Mach-e has divided opinion on social media. Here’s what people have been saying about it