Mustang Mach-E First Drive: Meet 2021’s Fourth-Best Mustang
FIRST DRIVE IMPRESSIONS
Mach-Es offer three distinct driving modes that adjust multiple settings, including steering feel, throttle, regenerative braking, and more. WHISPER is, perhaps, the most EV-esque. Forget the car. Maintain good e-mileage. Just good ole smoooooooth cruising. UNBRIDLED unlocks the EV-beast within. Instant torque. Aggressive one-pedal braking. Even some pumped-in Hans Zimmer sonics that make you feel like you’re in a Jetsonsmobile. ENGAGE splits the difference.
In all three modes, the Mach-E offers “1-pedal driving,” which can be toggled on or off as you see fit. For those who don’t know, 1-pedal driving means you only need to use the brake pedal during emergencies or quick deceleration. Foot on the gas to go; foot off to slow down. At highway speeds, it’s less noticeable, slowly scrubbing speed as you go. Around town, our Mach-E pulled itself to a stop from 35mph just before a red light. It takes a few moments to learn, but overall I enjoyed it (my colleague, Derin, did not).
Driving the standard range, rear-wheel drive Mach-E on a small autocross course was a blast. Not fast, but it’s definitely a zippy, nimble little SUV that, thanks to a low center-of-gravity, doesn’t mind being tossed around and pushed through the corners. Yes, there’s body roll, but much less most Ford SUVs.
In truth, driving the Mach-E feels eerily similar to non-performance-pack EcoBoost and GT Mustangs.
Step into the extended range all-wheel-drive iteration, though, and here’s where the Mach-E reveals its true potential. Heavier, yes, but the Mach-E 4 X boasts more torque than the current Mustang GT. Acceleration is admirable, making for an excellent commuter car where bursts of speed help on highway onramps and passing lanes. Steering in Unbridled mode is sporty and accurate, although wider tires would help and there’s very little feedback.
To be clear, V8 Mustangs are still faster to 60 and the quarter-mile, but even that may change when Ford eventually trots out the Mustang GT Performance Edition with 634 lb.-ft. of instant torque churning across four tires.
Overall, the Mustang Mach-E can feel a bit like a rental car at times — like most non-performance-optioned Mustangs — but it’s generally a blast to drive and makes one thing clear about the rest of the Mustang stable. The world needs a Shelby GT500 or Mustang GT with (optional) all-wheel-drive.
MUSTANG MACH-E: A BETTER, MORE SPACIOUS ECOBOOST
Should the Mach-E be called a Mustang? Yes, no, maybe? I empathize with the fans who want their pony car to stay a performance coupe. This is a Ford Probe level change (although to be extra clear, the Mach-E is NOT replacing the Mustang fastback and convertible). But I also empathize with anything that will help keep the performance coupe iteration apart of a profitable business. Remember, we don’t get the Mustang GT or various Shelbys without the EcoBoost models helping to pay rent. In an age where emissions standards are likely put growling V8s out to pasture, perhaps the Mustang Mach-E will help our pony car growl for a few extra years.
But, honestly, it only matters what you think. Hate the idea of a crossover Mustang? Great, don’t buy one. You love it? Also great. It doesn’t bother me either way. But, being tasked to review the Mach-E as a Mustang, here’s what I have to say after one very quick first drive…
The constraints of the crossover segment weigh down the visuals, but if you’re in the market for a crossover, wouldn’t it be preferable to drive one with Mustang elements than one that’s forgettable? Or, as my colleague Derin said in the video embedded above, wouldn’t it be better to buy a Mustang crossover than every minivan ever?
From that point-of-view, the Mustang Mach-E delivers a fun, sporty experience wrapped around a modern EV powertrain. Quick acceleration, excellent braking, and a surprisingly-voluminous passenger space make this a no-brainer for a Mustang enthusiast who needs a family crossover. (Or for anyone tired of mistaking their crossover for every other one in the parking lot.)
But as the title implies, I’d go one step further.
I’ve owned Mustang V6 and enjoyed the Mustang EcoBoost Performance Package. But the extended range all-wheel-drive Mach-E makes the EcoBoost almost irrelevant. Yes, you can get an EcoBoost for dirt cheap and build it. There’s no getting around the Ecoboost value prospect and good looks. But with all-wheel-drive and a 70 lb.-ft. of torque advantage, the Mach-E is faster, just as fun to drive, more luxurious, and genuinely more useful day-to-day. Or, hell, go buy the Ford Bronco.
Bottom Line…
Consider the Mach-E if a crossover EV fits your family needs, you’re looking for something fun and sporty, and the price doesn’t scare you off. Skip the Mach-E if you can snag a V8 Mustang or prefer the traditional pony car over a crossover.
Photos: Michael S. Palmer & James Lipman for the Ford Motor Company; Ford