FORD MUSTANG MACH–E

WHEN THE FORD Mustang Mach-E electric SUV was revealed to the world, the instant reaction was somewhat predictable, as this is the first time that anything other than a petrol-powered two-door coupe and convertible has been branded with the venerable pony badge in its 55-year history.

Putting the historical naming decision aside, there is plenty to dive into with Ford’s first full EV.

Built on an all-new platform, there is the choice of two battery packs, a 75.7kWh performance option, or a 98.8kWh extended range variant which focuses on economy instead of power. Both can be configured in either rear- or all-wheel drive, with the most efficient variant expected to have a 480km electric driving range.

The interior is dominated by a 15.5-inch centre touchscreen, while load-carrying ability is significant thanks to a 135-litre frunk and 821-litre boot (with the rear seats up).

There is also a fascinating link with Jaguar’s I-Pace. The British SUV was penned by Ian Callum, while his brother Moray is Ford’s vice-president of design. Both cars share the same 2990mm wheelbase, which is allegedly a result of Ford scanning the I-Pace at the 2018 Geneva show, in order to build a full-size replica in Detroit.

Pricing starts at the equivalent of A$64,469, and blows out to $88,856 for a range-topper, but there is no word on Australian sales yet. The UK will gobble up right-hand drive production initially, meaning if you’re keen, you might be waiting a while. Not everyone will see that as a bad thing.