LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2019 – It’s completely electric, it’s a four-door SUV, it’s available in all-wheel drive, and it’s a Mustang. Ford has officially revealed its all-new, all-electric SUV named the Mustang Mach-E. The compact SUV will be offered in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration in five different trim levels.
Electrification isn’t new for the Ford Motor Company. A partnership with Thomas Edison resulted in electric vehicles as far back as the early 1900s. What is new however, is putting a Mustang badge on anything but a two-door, rear-wheel drive sports coupe or convertible. The inventor and entrepreneur was channeled for this project as Team Edison was established outside the walls of the Ford Motor Company in a century-old brick building not far from Henry Ford’s first factory in Detroit. The multidisciplinary department was assembled to operate as a start-up within the larger company, trusted with developing production, distribution, sales, marketing and entire consumer experience of this new model.
Performance
In extended-range all-wheel-drive configurations, The Mach-E is rated at 332 horsepower and 417 lb-ft. of torque when equipped with all-wheel-drive. The GT Performance Edition, however, will be rated at 459hp and 612 lb-ft, projecting a zero-100 km/h sprint in the mid-3-second range. It will also feature Brembo’s all-new Flexira aluminum brake calipers and a MagneRide adaptive suspension system.
Charging and Range
Mustang Mach-E will be offered in standard-range and extended-range models, with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The EPA-estimated range of the rear-wheel drive extended range model is 475 km.
A mobile charger will be included with the vehicle which can be used with either a 120V or 240V outlet. The FordPass Charging Network will provide access to DC fast chargers in the US, while Ford is developing a partnership with Greenlots in Canada to combine multiple charging networks. The Mustang Mach-E in standard-range is projected to charge up to 80 percent in as little as 38 minutes while using a DC fast charging station.
Exterior
Initially planned as a compliance vehicle to serve fleet fuel economy needs and provide customers the option of an electric compact SUV, the decision was made once the project was already well underway to harness styling cues from the Mustang as it was felt that the initial designs did not embody enough emotion. In an effort to harness the popularity and heritage of the brand, the design then incorporated various styling cues and proportions, including shorter overhangs, a longer, lower hood, a more sweeping roof line, athletic rear haunches and a sporty, athletic stance. Other design elements like sequential tri-bar rear lamps were incorporated, as well as a pony emblem that has been modified with shallower dimensions and a textured ribbing. The vehicle also features many modern design cues that are not reminiscent of any previous Mustang, including shaved door handles on the front and the absence of door handles at all on the rear. Passengers instead push a small button to gain access to the rear seating area.
Interior
Benefiting from the freedom from having to work around a transmission tunnel or internal combustion engine, the interior was designed from scratch in what is referred to as a human-centered manner that places a high priority on the occupants and their comfort. Mounting the battery packs within the floor allowed for a large passenger compartment with lots of legroom. The gauge cluster screen behind the steering wheel features only information required for the driver, the rest is accessible through the massive touchscreen infotainment system. A variety of animal-free materials that feel high in quality and soft to the touch were incorporated, including Sencico, ActiveX, micro suede, brushed aluminum. A variety of interior colours also offer contrast stitching options. The GT Performance edition gets heavily bolstered racing-inspired bucket seats. The rear cargo area offers 821 L of space while the “frunk” (front trunk area) offers 136 L of space with helpful features like cup holders and a drain plug for outdoor activities or tailgating.
Infotainment
The Mach-E incorporates the next-generation Sync infotainment interface operated through voice commands or the 15.5-inch touchscreen. It also features cloud-connected assistant and allows for over-the-air updates. Each driver is able to create a profile. As time progresses, the vehicle will learn preferences and habits, prioritizing information based on driver behaviour. Future software updates could be capable of analyzing maintenance issues, adding performance or even entirely new features. The vehicle’s interface and smartphone can be used simultaneously and interchangeably. It also features wireless charging Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L live streaming and Siri-like voice activation by saying “OK Ford”.
Unique Features
Phone as A Key technology makes its in Mach-E. Using Bluetooth, the vehicle detects the customer’s smartphone. It is capable of unlocking the vehicle and allowing them to start driving without the use of a key fob. Getting unique puddle lamps, the Mach-E also has a variety of distinctive features, including ambient lighting, chimes and visual displays that change depending on drive mode. Offering the ability to switch between one and two pedal driving, the Mach-E also offers three drive modes: Whisper, Engage and Unbridled. Each persona offers a unique experience, including driving dynamics, performance and steering, driving sounds and a physics-based visual display on the gauge cluster.
Pricing Trim Levels and Availability
Select: $50,495
Premium: $59,495
First Edition: $71,995
California Route: $64,495
GT Performance Edition: $82,995
Reservations for all models can be secured for $500 online in the US, but Canadians will have to visit their local Ford retailer. There will be five models offered in Canada at the time of launch: Select, Premium, California Route, GT Performance and a special limited-run First Edition which will require a deposit of $3,000 to secure. Select, First Edition will be available late 2020, while the GT Performance model will arrive at dealers early in 2021.
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