Mustang Mach-E First Drive: Meet 2021’s Fourth-Best Mustang
INTERIOR FORM & FUNCTIONALITY
Inside, the Mach-E tells a more interesting story. Overall, it’s a lovely, ergonomic interior with comfy seating and all sorts of plugs and inputs for life on the go. The two most striking elements, perhaps, are the large 15″ center touchscreen and the sheer amount of rear passenger space. (Rear storage space is also ample.)
It should go without saying that no Mustang in history has offered enough legroom for persons well over six-feet to sit comfortably. And headroom in the current-generation S550 Mustang is, frankly, dangerous to anyone over 5′9″.
Other nice amenities include a phone-as-key feature, which utilizes a Ford app and Bluetooth so you can leave the key fob at home. Lock your phone inside or drain its battery and Ford’s included numerical touchpad entry system as a backup. Your phone also allows you to remote lock, start, or “pre-condition” your Mach-E in advance of a drive (especially helpful in frigid environments where warming a battery helps range).
Purchasing a Mach-E also gives owners access to the new Ford Pass Network, which boasts the largest group of in-network charging stations in North America at reduced charging rates. Your phone’s app, or the Mach-E itself, can not only tell you WHERE to find charging stations, but also if they are currently available.
Next, let’s chat about the LCD elephant in the room. While Ford includes a 10″ gauge cluster for the driver, a 15″ iPad style vertical screen is the heart of the Mach-E’s infotainment, HVAC, and system controls. It’s very Tesla Model 3, except this one has a tactile volume nob. Overall, the screen is clear and colorful, but at times feels cluttered and a little laggy. I hope future firmware updates will improve the setup.
Lastly, in terms of the seats themselves, Mustang fans will note the Mach-E’s front seats lack side-bolstering compared to their siblings (stablemates?), which is a shame. They remind me more of S197-generation Mustang seats, to be honest. Perhaps more disappointing, the Premium trim only offers heated front seats; no cooling, which is standard on every other premium Mustang.