Ford Mustang Mach-E
By Ian Strachan.
The last time I drove a Ford Mustang it was a growling five-litre V8 powered beast pumping out 450 brake horsepower and returning 25 miles to the gallon if you were lucky. Not exactly the car to save the planet.
But Ford’s fully-electric Mustang Mach-E is an entirely different animal. With an A+ efficiency rating, zero emissions and a range of up to 273 miles this is the epitome of clean motoring.
But don’t think for a moment that the Mach-E is boring, just because it’s environmentally responsible. The Mach-E is rear-wheel drive and will take you from 0-60 mph in about six seconds. It’s electric motor has a more than adequate 269 bhp and a top speed, where allowed, of 111 mph.
Despite its performance and drive set-up, the Mach-E is extremely composed, with a ride that’s engaging but confident, and a very pleasant cruiser. Obviously there will be a range penalty if you take full advantage of the Mach-E’s performance, and its motorway range is estimated at 202 miles.
It’s also a good looker. My test car came in an attractive Vapour Blue paint finish (£1150 extra) which turned heads. Its side aspect is helped by stylish 18-inch silver alloys and black wheel arches. From the rear the multiple signature tail-lights make it stand out from the crowd.
The interior is also very pleasant, with good trim materials. The massive central 15.5 inch touchscreen to control sound and navigation is big enough for a home cinema and is the most prominent feature of interior, but I like it. It’s easy to use and because it’s so big you can make minor adjustments without taking your eyes off the road.
Specification on the Mach-E is good, with two-zone temperature control, heated driver and passenger seats, heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging pad, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping aid and departure warning, front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, cross traffic alert, heated windscreen and privacy glass.
My test car came with a £3,000 technology pack that included hands-free tailgate opening, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with dashboard sound bar, full panoramic roof, black onyx seat trim and eight-way powered front seats.
The Ford Mach-E is a good choice for anyone looking to buy a fully electric vehicle for the first time. It’s not cheap – the on-the-road price for the Mach-E in Select spec – is £50, 830, but you get a well-specified, good performing comfortable car with lower ownership and running costs than its petrol-powered competitors.
