The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-e Premium Edition AWD Electric SUV
You Are What You Drive — A Bottom Line Review
The Bottom Line: Ford Motor Company introduced the Mustang on April 17, 1964 at the New York World’s Fair. Developed in record time and on a shoestring budget, the car went to instant acclaim on day one. Ford planned to build 100,000 cars for the first full year of production, but the dealers sold 22,000 Mustangs on that very first day. The Mustang became an instant icon, and launched a whole new class of automobiles, known as pony cars.
Fast forward 57 years and we all know that the Mustang has gone from a pony car, to a muscle car, to a daily driver, in coupe, convertible and fastback models. But what it has never been over all those years, is an electric powered car. Welcome to the 21st century.
Today the automobile industry is looking at alternate drivetrains to build cars, trucks, and all over-theroad vehicles with a lower carbon footprint. The carbon footprint is an important component of the Ecological Footprint, since it is the one competing for biologically productive space. Carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels accumulate in the atmosphere, and if there is not enough biocapacity dedicated to absorb these emissions, we get unhealthy air, and photochemical smog.
With the WHO World Health Organization asking all its members to reduce their carbon footprint, we are moving to full electric vehicles ASAP. Today in the US we have about 20 new cars, crossovers and SUVS that run on pure electric power to choose from, with many more on the way.
Ford is joining the electric car sales race with new electric vehicles every year, and this year it’s starting with the Mustang Mach-e. By marketing this new electric SUV as a Mustang, Ford wants that instant recognition of style, power, and value associated with the Mustang brand, and hopes to jump start electric car sales with the Mach-e fastback model name.
This week Ford sent me a 2021 Mustang Mach-e AWD Premium Edition Extended Range SUV to test drive and review. The base price for this model is $49,700. The options on the press car are: The Star White Metallic Tri-coat paint for $600, and the Extended Range Battery for $5,000. The total MSRP manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including the $1,100 destination charge, came to: $56,400.
This is a top of the line, 88 KWH kilo-watt-hours, extended range, premium edition model that can go 270 miles on a full charge, and has AWD all wheel drive as standard equipment. The battery pack can be fully charged in 10.7 hours from a 240 volt charger, or can be charged to 80% of capacity with a 440 DC fast charging outlet in about 45 minutes.
Standard Equipment includes: Black Onyx Perforated Activex seating materials, a set of 19” machined face aluminum wheels with high gloss black painted pockets, the Ford Co-pilot 360 degree 2.0 protection system, a panoramic tinted glass fixed roof panel, LED sequential turn signals, power everything, and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with 10 speakers and a sound bar, just to name a few of the goodies on this model.
Ford waited to get into the electric car game, and built the Mustang Mach-e on a brand new platform for the electric car market. It comes with standard seating for 5, has two electric motors with AWD, is bolted to a single speed transmission, and has the extended range 88 KWH battery, plus all the tech, safety and comfort options you would expect in a $50,000+ valued compact SUV.
Only this SUV runs on pure electricity, and produces zero emissions. Will this be a game changer in the electric car sales race? We will have to wait and see, but the style, content, range, options, and price are right on target for today’s electric car buyers.
To start with, you only have to pony up $42,895 for a base Mustang Mache. This is on the low side of the electric car entry price range, and that leaves plenty of room to add in the extra cost options that you may want, and need. Even with this top of the line Extended Range AWD Premium Edition model, you’re still under the $57,000 price point. And that’s before applying the $7,500 federal tax credit, and any city and state electric car rebates.
When you’re ready to buy a new electric car, the Mustang Mach-e should be at the top of your list, as it is one of the best midsize electric vehicles on the market today. So call, click or visit your local Ford dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the all new 2021 Mustang Mach-e electric SUV.
A word to the wise is sufficient. Be Smart, Stay Safe, and Just Breathe. Remember “You Are What You Drive ©” And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today ©”.