Ford recently revealed the seventh-generation Mustang and there was something missing - an electric motor.
In the years leading up to its launch there were numerous reports that the blue oval was considering either a hybrid or all-electric version of the iconic pony car. But when the covers came off the new-look model the only engines were the trusty 5.0-litre V8 and 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo.
The reason for the lack of electric Mustang was simple though - Ford already has one. It’s called the Mustang Mach-E and it’s unlike anything that’s previously carried the nameplate. For starters it’s got electric motors and batteries instead of an engine, but it’s also an SUV not a two-door coupe or convertible.
This is a massive risk for the brand, applying arguably its most beloved badge to a vehicle that is such a dramatic departure from everything else to carry it before. It raises some very serious questions, including ‘can a muscle car be electric?’ and ‘can a Mustang be an SUV?’
Fortunately Australian Muscle Car was part of a small group of Australian journalists who were recently invited to Ford’s world headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan to sample the Mustang Mach-E and discover for ourselves the answer to those questions…
Got the look
The Mustang has been an American institution since it first launched back in 1965 and ever since then it has been either a coupe or a convertible. For the Mach-E Ford decided to try and expand the appeal of the Mustang beyond just two-door buyers, and shaped a five-door SUV.
But there are some unmistakeable Mustang styling cues, starting with the grille (although it’s not a ‘grille’ in the conventional sense) and stretching along the car with its long bonnet, pumped out rear guards and ‘tri-bar’ tail-lights.
Inside, Ford opted for a completely minimalist and modern look, with digital screens replacing conventional instrument panels and dials. But even so, Ford still found a way to pay homage to the original, with the speed read out labelled as ‘Ground Speed’ just like you’ll find in two-door, petrol-powered versions.
Interestingly, this new digital look actually inspired a digital makeover of the new seventh-generation Mustang coupe and convertible, with younger buyers preferring this hi-tech look.
Of note, the Mach-E doesn’t have a ‘blue oval’ badge, instead running with the same signature ‘pony’ logo as the long-running two-door model.
Electric ponies
While purists will lament the lack of a V8 engine - and it’s hard to argue because even though the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine is impressive, it never feels like a true ‘Stang without the bent-eight rumble from the bonnet - the Mach-E doesn’t lack for performance and that may be enough to win some over.
We drove the Mach-E GT model, which gets a pair of electric motors - one on each axle - that provides a very healthy 358kW of power and 813Nm of torque. In terms of performance Ford claims the Mach-E will run 0-60mph (96km/h) in just 3.8 seconds, which is not only very rapid for a five-seat, five-door SUV it’s also notably quicker than the out-going Mustang GT coupe, which takes 4.2 seconds to achieve the same feat. So while it doesn’t make the same V8 growl, it does pack the kind of performance kick you expected from a vehicle wearing the Mustang badge.
Ford was prepared for this criticism though and created three distinctive sounds for the three drive modes you select depending on the driving situation. You can choose from Whisper (which is obviously quiet for a relaxed drive), Engage (which introduces a noise that rises and falls with speed) and Unbridled (which builds on Engage with a more deep-throated digital soundtrack). Of course, for those who truly miss a genuine V8 growl an artificial noise is unlikely to satisfy, but for those you need noise when they drive to complete the experience it does an admirable job.
Thanks to advancements in battery technology the Mach-E has a meaningful 434km of driving range between charging visits.
Ride ‘em ponies
That the Mach-E is powerful isn’t really ground-breaking because electric motors are a relatively easy way to extract performance. The true test for Ford was to ensure the Mach-E could handle the corners like a Mustang.
That was a challenging test though, because not only is the SUV body taller and bigger than a coupe but the battery pack adds significant weight. So Ford has installed its adjustable MagneRide suspension as well as electric power steering and adjustable throttle response that changes between the three drive modes.
In reality the ride is always firm and never really plush, but that’s what you should expect from a muscle car - if comfort is your top priority, buy something else. But the firm ride also translates to a vehicle that is responsive to your inputs, making it an enjoyable car to drive.
Will the Mach-E make it down under?
The questions about the Mach-E’s place in the Mustang family and its muscle car status are ultimately something each person will answer differently. Some will hate it for its departure from convention, while others will embrace its modern take on the concept.
What has been answered is whether customers will embrace it or not, with the Mach-E a sell-out success in the USA and popular in other markets around the world. Ford is rapidly planning a ramp-up in production to try and meet this demand and that’s the critical factor for Australian Ford fans.
That’s because Ford Australia is being forced to wait for supply to free up before it can even confirm it’s coming down under. Behind-the-scenes it’s widely believed it’s only a matter of when, not if, the Mach-E will make it to Australia, with an on-sale date by 2025 likely.
Then we’ll find out how Australian muscle car fans embrace this new era of electrification…
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