2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E | Review & Road Test

The 2021 Ford Mach-E is an all-electric SUV with an estimated maximum range of around 300 miles. It has a base price of around $44-grand including destination charges and it’s eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit. And, if you’re so inclined, the Mach-E can provide speedy getaways.

This particular Mach-E Premium all-wheel-drive trim can run from zero to sixty mph in about 5-and-a-half seconds. Looking at the broader Mach-E lineup it starts with the Select trim featuring a standard range battery and rear-wheel drive or, for $2,700, all-wheel drive (75.7 kWh Battery: RWD 230 miles AWD 210 miles).

The roughly $48,000 premium trim opens the option for an extended range battery that adds another $5-grand to the price tag (98.8 kWh Battery: RWD ~300 miles AWD ~270 miles). Then there’s the GT, which we’ll get to momentarily.

In motion, this extended range AWD version manages bumps competently. The noise inside the cabin is inoffensive, though without an engine it doesn’t sound like any Mustang you’ve ever driven. Note” there is a “propulsion sound” option that adds low-key artificial auditory emotion to your drive.

From the driver, seat visibility is generally good. What’s not good are the brakes. The pedal has that touchy, unnatural feel that plagues many electric cars. If you’d rather skip using the brake pedal in most situations. Just activate the one-pedal drive option for intense regenerative deceleration when you lift the accelerator.

There’s a lot to like driving this Premium trim but for the sportiest Mach-E experience, consider the GT. It looks racier, has adaptive dampers for more composed handling, it’ll sprint from zero to 60 in the mid-3 second range (459hp, 612 lb-ft), it comes exclusively with all-wheel drive and the Extended Range battery delivering about 250 miles of range, and it costs nearly $62,000.

So, the general driving experience is pleasing. What about the rest of the car? I can tell you that seated behind my ideal front seat driving position there’s plenty of legroom. Headroom is similarly excellent and there’s a flat floor making the middle position just a bit more livable.

Beyond size, the cabin matches our expectations for a modern electric SUV. The two-tier center storage zone offers a range of spaces to stow sundries. Flip-up the center armrest to reveal this hidden storage nook. And out back the cargo hold swallows 29 cu-ft with the seats up. Drop ‘em to double that number.

Of course, thanks to Tesla, it’s just not an electric car without a massive center screen. And here we are, 15.5-inches of screen. For those keeping score, that’s .5 inches larger than the Model Y. Yes, the screen big but it’s also unambiguously arranged and easy to navigate.

By the way, I haven’t addressed the Mach-E’s exterior styling yet because you can come to your own conclusions. All I’ll say is that ignore all the badges and, to my eyes, this a sleek and muscular looking SUV. But yes, there are Stangy details. We’ve got horses, angry eyes, alluring haunches, and 3-bar taillights.

And now, to round things out, a random grab bag of observations.

The optional panoramic glass roof is cool. But with no sunshade, the cockpit might get toasty in the summer.

To open the doors from the inside you use these toggles that kinda look like the new Porsche 911’s gear selector but less knurled

The exterior door releases are no less distinct. Instead of pulling the handle, you’ve got this little button for the front door. Plus another button for the back doors…minus the handle.

In addition to the rear trunk, there is a front trunk. Yes, this divider is removable. The frunk is also water-resistant with a drain plug.

Lastly, the Premium trim and higher can be charged at a rate of 150 kW, which bumps the extended range battery from a 10% to 80% charge in about 45 minutes.

With prices that vary from $44,000 to more than $60,000, the Mustang Mach-E is not cheap but Federal and state incentives do apply, helping lower potential costs by $7,500 or more.

Among the obvious competitors are the pricier Audi E Tron and Jaguar I-PACE. Of course, there’s also the Tesla Model Y. Interestingly, a Mach-E Premium trim with all-wheel drive and the extended-range battery costs around $3,500 more than a long-range dual-motor Tesla Model Y. And even then, the equally quick Tesla boasts a more than 50-mile range advantage. Food for thought.

Well, we've made it to the end of the video without addressing the Mustang name controversy so here goes. Is this a Mustang as we know it? No. The Mustang Mach-E is its own thing. It’s quick, fun to drive, more practical than any Mustang I’ve ever driven and I think it’s a great electric SUV.

00:00 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
0:47 Acceleration
1:28 Driving Impressions
2:55 Interior
4:10 Exterior
4:38 Random Observations

[joalblo]

Saw this in person and I was VERY impressed. Wasn't even on my radar but now a top 2 contender for my next car.

[autonewstv]

*I really wish they named this the “Ford Mach-e” and then later make another actual electric mustang*

[jordanmetellus]

Here’s my opinion: I don’t think there should be any problems with Ford naming that mustang Mach e because Ford is NOT replacing the mustang with this. They are simply adding a vehicle to the mustang line. The coupe will always be around.

[verzekeringsadviseur]

Definitely more likable then a VW id4, if i had to spend 50.000 on An electric car, it would probably be this one. Great first attempt from Ford

[mjhowson]

Watching the review, one would think $44k gets you 300 miles of range. It doesn't. Surprised you didn't break down the different configurations, power ratings, and ranges. There are a lot of different options. The only one to hit the magic 300 number is the RWD version that goes 0-60 in 6.1 seconds - the slowest of the bunch. Also, why do no reviews talk about the fact that the car uses resistive heating instead of a heat pump? That will be an issue for drivers in colder climates. It's a good looking vehicle, inside and out. Let's see what buyers have to say.

[triggered_oh]

With a baby on the way, might actually swap my stang for this 🤔

[rogerf]

Finally a good no-nonsense review with prices and performance. Thx.

[ericmckinney]

Much more attractive than other EVs out right now

[senorbautista]

Crowds at cars and coffee, be aware of the new Mustang that does not make any noise when coming for you 😬. Nice looking SUV!

[Parker]

I’m going to wait a while and buy one when the Shelby or Roush versions hit the market. :-). Those guys really know watts up.

[XvFenixvX]

I hate those door knobs/rear button. All i can picture is how much of a pain it could become in areas that get a lot of snow/frozen rain

[markt]

Great first attempt but I’m waiting for a minimum 400 mile range and a 30 minute charge. That’s my entry point.

[DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm still not ready for an electric car, but that is a pretty sweet looking vehicle. Those door "latches" are going to be worthless here in Canada where things often get iced over.

[bganesh]

Looks stunning, specially the GT model

[blkdavid]

hopefully being a Ford you'll be able to get the thing fixed, everyone I know that has a Tesla never can get the thing fixed and heaven forbid if you ever get in an accident will never see your damn car again

[briannavarrete]

The Mustang Mach-e:

For when your regular mustang
just ain't gonna cut it with your pregnant wife

[simofish]

I drove this today and it really is sweet. I actually have a Tesla Model X on order (so many more bells and whistles but also $60K more) and the Service Agent at Tesla never returns my calls, emails, texts --- so looking at this car as an alternative. It really handled well - huge acceleration. Decisions, decisions

[wendywendy]

I saw one of these on my way to work the other day and loved it! I’ve never been crazy about the idea of an all electric vehicle. Of course they have so many advantages over gas powered vehicles. But range scares me. Sure there are more charging stations popping up nationwide. But I travel from Utah to Louisiana by car to see my family, alone! …And I I drive all night most of the time. I don’t know how I feel about a 45 minute charge late at night alone. It’s sketchy enough filling up a gas tank at some truck stop or old hole in the wall gas station on a dark highway…But that takes less than five minutes. And adding nearly an hour to my trip each time I need to charge isn’t appealing to me either…I won’t pretend to know anything about cars. I always defer to my mechanic son. However, I would be more inclined to buy this if it were a hybrid for the reasons I stated above. I will say, this is the first all electric vehicle that made me do a double take and actually consider the possibility of making the switch from gas to electric. Only time will tell…

[marcelstanford]

This is a really good looking vehicle. I think this is the ultimate vehicle shape in a world arguing over sedan, crossover and suv. This would be perfect for most people.
Time will bring the cost down and early adopters will sort out the bugs for the rest of us. Never usually a good idea to buy the first edition of anything.

[gilesa.]

Test drove it today. Very good car, ride quality is good as well as acceleration and cornering ability however the steering can feel lacking and unresponsive. The only other issue is that the touchscreen is quite slow.