What do you get when you mix a classic pony car with all-electric technology? You get the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. As you may have guessed, it’s an all-electric Mustang. Yes, you read it correctly, an all-electric Mustang. I can guess what some of you may be thinking, but honestly, the industry has been going this way for a while now. Have you heard of Tesla? Yeah, that unknown carmaker has sporty vehicles that can hit 0-60 speeds in less than two seconds and, guess what, they’re all-electric. The wave has arrived, let’s make sure we don’t miss it.
When putting a name like Mustang on an all-electric vehicle, you’re sure to turn a few heads. Even though the industry may have been heading into a more electric territory, this is still a bit unexpected. I mean, how can you change something so iconic? Well, it’s either innovate or die and, besides, as has been mentioned, this type of thing has already been happening.
So, let’s check out what Ford has in store for us with the upcoming Mustang Mach-E.
What is It?
Let’s get this out of the way. It’s a Mustang, but it’s also not what you’d expect. Obviously, there’s the all-electric tidbit of the equation, but another surprise is the fact that it’s a crossover. Yes, an SUV. Never has there been a Mustang that wasn’t a car. But all of that changes in 2020.
So, it’s a Mustang, but a little different. Usually, it’s quite easy to recognize a Mustang out in the wild, but I wonder if I’d be able to recognize a Mach-E as a Mustang at first glance. From the photos Ford has released, it really looks very similar to a lot of other crossover vehicles, especially when viewed from behind. Of course, the Mustang symbol is a dead giveaway, but I honestly might mistake it for something else without that.
From a more front viewing angle, though, the hood and grille could easily give it away. Mustangs are known for their longer hood, and the Mach-E is no exception. Also, it appears all variations of the vehicle will have a non-traditional grille. Instead of an aggressive and sporty grille, you can find a smooth piece of material with the Mustang logo on it. This includes the GT variation, although the GT’s grille has been made to appear as if it were an actual grille while it’s actually just plastic with a grille design. Basically, it’s a faux grille.
From the side, it’ll be obvious that this is no normal SUV. I mean, there are no handles, and everything about the Mach-E seems so smooth. The styling is sleek, and it appears as if the drag would be minimal, which is probably why Ford is able to target 0-60 speeds in the under 4-second range (on the GT configuration).
Trims and Targets
Although we don’t yet have all the information for this 2021 vehicle, there’s still a lot to go over. So, let’s check out the different trim levels and the targeted specs that have been released.
Mustang Mach-E Select
With an estimated MSRP starting at $43,895, the Select looks to be the starting point for prospective Mach-E buyers. The Select has an EPA-estimated 230-mile range (on RWD models) and comes with 18” wheels. The targeted 0-60 miles per hour speed time is in the mid-5-second range (with a standard battery and on AWD models).
Mustang Mach-E Premium
The Premium has an estimated MSRP starting at $50,600. With the price hike, you can expect some additional premium, luxury, and/or performance features, although we’re not quite sure what the specifics are yet. The Premium has an EPA-estimated 300-mile range (on RWD models) and comes with 19” wheels, which are two upgrades right there. An increased 70-mile range over the Select seems like a sizeable amount. The targeted 0-60 miles per hour speed time is in the mid-5-second range (with a standard or extended battery and on AWD models).
Mustang Mach-E California Route 1
The California Route 1 was named such because it’s meant to be a cruising machine (and what better place to go cruising than Route 1, right?). It has an estimated MSRP starting at $52,400, which is just barely over the Premium. This model appears to be RWD only, comes with 18” wheels, and has an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles. The targeted 0-60 miles per hour speed time is in the mid-6-second range (with the extended battery).
Mustang Mach-E GT
The GT, a familiar branding for Ford and Mustang enthusiasts, has an estimated MSRP starting at $60,500. The price hike shouldn’t be much of a surprise considering the GT name and the implied performance upgrades you can expect to find with this configuration. The GT has an EPA-estimated range of 250 miles (extended battery and on AWD models with optional equipment) and comes with 20” wheels. The targeted 0-60 miles per hour speed time is in the mid-3-second range (with extended battery and on AWD models with optional equipment). This is the quickest targeted 0-60 time of all the Mach-E configurations, which is hardly surprising since we’re talking about the GT. Supposedly, there will be a GT and a GT Performance Edition. You can expect the GT 0-60 time to be a bit slower than the GT Performance Edition 0-60 time since the Performance Edition most likely has the mysterious “optional equipment” that was used to calculate the mid-3-second range.
The GT Performance Edition will have an estimated 342 Kw (459 horsepower) and 830 Nm (612 ft-lbs) of torque.
Mustang Mach-E First Edition
The First Edition, as the name implies, is a limited edition configuration. It comes in three different colors, has unique interior stitching, First edition scuff plates, brushed aluminum pedals, and red brake calipers. Also, it’s already sold out. However, just for informational purposes, it has an estimated MSRP starting at $59,900, comes with 19” wheels, and has an EPA-estimated range of 270 miles (extended battery and on AWD models). The targeted 0-60 miles per hour speed time is in the mid-5-second range (with extended battery and on AWD models).
The Bottom Line
The Mustang Mach-E is aiming to disrupt the industry somewhat by offering an all-electric crossover SUV attached with the name and badge of one of the most well-known cars in the world. It’s a bold statement. Still, can it compete with similar vehicles from other brands? It’s not the first electric SUV (and it won’t be the last), and it’s going to face tough competition from many other vehicles. However, none of those other vehicles can call theirs a Mustang, which is probably a huge part of the marketing leading up to the 2020 launch of the Mach-E. How far can a name carry a vehicle, though?
Fortunately, the Mach-E also has the GT logo attached (at least on the configuration of the same name). And, the targeted specs are looking pretty good at the moment, especially at what looks like a reasonable price point for a sporty electric vehicle. Now, we await further information and gladly anticipate the full release for the newest member of the Mustang family.
